Survey Highlights Strong Civic Engagement in Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Referendum
ASTANA — The Kazakhstan Institute of Public Development conducted a sociological survey on citizens’ awareness of the upcoming referendum on the draft of the new Constitution and their attitudes toward it, Kazinform reported on Mar. 4.

Photo credit: gov.kz

According to the results of a telephone survey, 81.8% of respondents are aware of…
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Kazakhstan Continues Repatriation of Citizens from Middle East
ASTANA — Another group of Kazakh citizens has returned home from the Middle East. On the night of March 4-5, Air Astana and FlyDubai operated five flights to Kazakhstan, transporting 851 passengers.

Photo credit: Kazinform

In addition, 34 Kazakh employees of the Zar Kuh company were evacuated from Iran via the Armenian checkpoint at…
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Kazakhstan Details Humanitarian Role in Board of Peace Initiatives for Gaza
ASTANA — Kazakhstan detailed its humanitarian contributions to the Board of Peace, an international initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to support stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yerlan Zhetybayev confirmed during a March 4 press briefing that Kazakhstan joined the Board without any financial obligation.

Photo credit: Akorda

“The…
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Air Astana Suspends Middle East Flights as 2,111 Kazakh Citizens Return Home
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s Air Astana has extended the suspension of several regular flights to the Middle East amid ongoing regional disruptions, the airline announced on March 5, as authorities continue efforts to bring citizens home. According to the Civil Aviation Committee, 2,111 Kazakh citizens have returned from the region since March 3.

Photo credit:…
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⚡️As of today, 2463 citizens of Kazakhstan have been evacuated from countries of the Middle East.

Credits: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

⚡️President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev condemned an attack by Iranian drones on the airport in the Azerbaijani city of Nakhchivan, expressing support for Azerbaijan, presidential press secretary Aibek Smadiyarov said on March 5.

Tokayev expressed hope for a thorough joint investigation into the incident and resolution of the conflict through diplomatic means to prevent further escalation in the region.

Kazakhstan Evacuates Over 3,300 Citizens From Middle East Conflict Zone
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues efforts to evacuate citizens from areas affected by the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Photo credit: Kazinform

According to the ministry, 12 evacuation flights operated by both Kazakh and foreign airlines have been carried out since the start of the evacuation operation, returning more than…
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Kazakhstan, Shell Sign Long-Term Contract for Hydrocarbon Exploration in Aktobe Region
ASTANA – Kazakh Energy Ministry and Shell Kazakhstan have signed a contract for geological exploration at the Zhanaturmys field in the Aktobe Region, aiming to strengthen the country’s hydrocarbon resource base and support long-term energy security.

Photo credit: : The press service of the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan

The agreement, signed by Deputy…
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Kazakhstan Steps Up Flood Prevention Measures Ahead of Spring Season
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov visited the Akmola Region to assess the flood situation and chaired a meeting of the National Operational Headquarters for Emergency Response with government officials and regional governors on March 5.

Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov visited the Akmola Region to assess the flood situation and chaired a…
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Visa and Halyk Launch Fifth Wave of She’s Next in Kazakhstan
ASTANA — Global digital payments company Visa and Halyk Bank will launch the fifth wave of the She’s Next global initiative in Kazakhstan, aimed at supporting and developing women’s entrepreneurship, Visa’s press service reported on March 5.

Photo credit: Visa Kazakhstan

According to the Ministry of National Economy, as of December 2025, more than…
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Kazakhstan’s Agricultural Exports Hit $7 Billion as Processing Sector Drives Growth
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s exports of agricultural products reached $7 billion in 2025, marking a 37% increase year-on-year, said Vice Minister of Agriculture Yerbol Taszhurekov, speaking at a briefing at the Central Communications Service on March 5.

Kazakhstan’s exports of agricultural products reached $7 billion in 2025, marking a 37% increase year-on-year, said Vice Minister…
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Bright Lights, Big Smiles: International Women’s Day Festivities Await
ASTANA – As International Women’s Day approaches, on this holiday weekend, the cities will come alive with music, and celebrations, offering a rich program of events – from enchanting concerts and theatrical performances to exciting sports competitions. The Astana Times has curated a lineup of activities to help you spend quality time with loved…
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Swiss Companies Eye Transport and Infrastructure Cooperation with Kazakhstan
ALMATY – Swiss companies are showing growing interest in expanding cooperation with Kazakhstan in the transport and logistics sectors, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs’ (SECO) press service told Trend news agency.

Photo credit: World Bank.

According to SECO, Kazakhstan plays a central role in developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route,…
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News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Transit Role, Critical Minerals Deal, and Major Investment Plans
ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected key articles from international media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest highlights discussions on strengthening the Middle Corridor, the Asian Development Bank’s multibillion-dollar investment plans, cross-border payment integration with Uzbekistan, and more.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Kazakhstan, Serbia discuss effective utilization of Middle Corridor

Kazakhstan…
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Kazakhstan Hosts First AI-Powered Togyzkumalak Competition
ALMATY – A togyzkumalak (nine pellets) tournament featuring artificial intelligence (AI) is being held for the first time in the city of Kyzylorda as part of the international rating tournament Champion. The event is dedicated to the memory of Kazakh statesman and public figure Nalkozha Yergeshbayev, reported the Kazinform news agency on March 5.…
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National Bank of Kazakhstan Leaves Base Rate Unchanged at 18%
ASTANA – The Monetary Policy Committee of the National Bank of Kazakhstan decided to keep the base rate at 18% per year, with a corridor of ±1 percentage point. The decision is based on the latest forecast round, updated assessments of key macroeconomic indicators, and the balance of inflation risks.

Governor Timur Suleimenov. Photo…
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Tokayev Congratulates Women of Kazakhstan on International Women’s Day
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered remarks at a ceremonial event on March 6 in Akorda dedicated to International Women’s Day, congratulating women across the country and recognizing their contribution to Kazakhstan’s development.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered remarks at a ceremonial event on March 6 in Akorda dedicated to International Women’s Day. Photo credit:…
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Weekly News Digest 📰

▪️Kazakhstan Evacuates Over 3,300 Citizens From Middle East Conflict Zone. Read.

▪️WHO Sees Measurable Progress in Kazakhstan’s Health System.  Read.

▪️Kazakhstan Becomes World’s Second-Largest Gold Buyer in 2025 Amid Record Prices. Read.

▪️National Bank of Kazakhstan Leaves Base Rate Unchanged at 18%. Read.

▪️Kazakhstan’s Glaciers Melting Faster, Raising Risks of Floods and Water Shortages. Read.

▪️Between Kazakhstan and Poland: Kazakh Writer Bridges Cultures Through Literature. Read.

Stay tuned with The Astana Times⚡️

Evacuations from Middle East, Astana LRT & Gold Boom | Kazakhstan News Digest

In this week’s Kazakhstan News Digest, we break down the key political, infrastructure, and economic developments shaping the country.

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