⚡️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…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=113066

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…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=113068

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…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=113071

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…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=113075

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…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=113079

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…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=113082

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,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=113099

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…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=113077

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.…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=113121

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…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=113117

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:…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=113145

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.

🔗Watch full https://youtu.be/Ivu33jCos0g

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry has urged citizens to avoid travel to several Middle Eastern countries as military operations continue across the region and many states close their airspace.

In a statement, the ministry strongly advised Kazakh citizens to refrain from all travel to the following countries until the situation stabilizes:
• Bahrain
• Egypt
• Israel
• Yemen
• Jordan
• Iraq
• Iran
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• United Arab Emirates
• Oman
• Syria

The ministry also called on Kazakh nationals currently in the region to take heightened personal safety precautions, avoid potentially dangerous areas, and follow instructions from local authorities.

Citizens were urged to seek shelter immediately in the event of missile threats and to maintain regular contact with Kazakhstan’s diplomatic missions abroad, as well as with tour operators and airlines.

The advisory comes as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, disrupting travel and aviation across the region.

Kazakhstan to Link Western Regions to National Grid in Major Network Upgrade by 2027
ASTANA — Kazakhstan will connect the power system of its western regions to the country’s main electricity grid and build thousands of kilometers of new transmission lines as part of a major modernization of the national power network, reported the Kazakh Energy Ministry on March 3.

Photo credit: gov.kz

The plan includes the construction…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=113155

Kazakhstan Kicks Off Spring Tourism Season with Cultural and Gastronomic Festivals
ASTANA – Kazakhstan will open its spring tourism season in March with two flagship events showcasing the country’s cultural and culinary heritage, attracting both residents and visitors.

Photo credit: gov.kz

The cultural festival Amal Keldi – Zhyl Keldi, which conveys the idea of welcoming the new year with hope, unity, and renewal, will be…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112967

Dimash Qudaibergen Named Ambassador of Turkic World Culture by TURKSOY
ALMATY – Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen received the Ambassador of Turkic World Culture order, the highest award of TURKSOY, in recognition of his significant contribution to the development and promotion of Turkic culture at a ceremony held in Astana on March 5.

Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen received the Ambassador of Turkic World Culture order,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=113124