Weekly News Digest 📰
▪️Kazakhstan, Pakistan Strengthen Dialogue on Regional and Economic Cooperation. Read.
▪️US Reaffirms Support for Kazakhstan’s Regional Role and Strategic Partnership. Read.
▪️Croatia’s Ambassador on Growing Ties with Kazakhstan, Trade and Direct Flights. Read.
▪️From Politics to Profits: Why Geopolitics Now Matters for Business in Kazakhstan. Read.
▪️From Office to Peaks: Anar Burasheva Reflects on Her Journey in Mountains. Read.
▪️Kasteev Museum That Raised Generations Reopens with Spirit Intact. Read.
Stay tuned with The Astana Times ⚡️
▪️Kazakhstan, Pakistan Strengthen Dialogue on Regional and Economic Cooperation. Read.
▪️US Reaffirms Support for Kazakhstan’s Regional Role and Strategic Partnership. Read.
▪️Croatia’s Ambassador on Growing Ties with Kazakhstan, Trade and Direct Flights. Read.
▪️From Politics to Profits: Why Geopolitics Now Matters for Business in Kazakhstan. Read.
▪️From Office to Peaks: Anar Burasheva Reflects on Her Journey in Mountains. Read.
▪️Kasteev Museum That Raised Generations Reopens with Spirit Intact. Read.
Stay tuned with The Astana Times ⚡️
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President Tokayev Holds Working Meeting With Constitutional Commission Leadership
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a working meeting with Kazakhstan’s Constitutional commission on Feb. 6 to review progress on drafting the country’s new Constitution.
The meeting was attended by Chair of the Constitutional commission and Head of the Constitutional Court Elvira Azimova, Deputy Chair of the commission and State Counselor Erlan Karin, and…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111999
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a working meeting with Kazakhstan’s Constitutional commission on Feb. 6 to review progress on drafting the country’s new Constitution.
The meeting was attended by Chair of the Constitutional commission and Head of the Constitutional Court Elvira Azimova, Deputy Chair of the commission and State Counselor Erlan Karin, and…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111999
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Dimash Qudaibergen Celebrates Premiere of Voice Beyond Horizon in Almaty
ALMATY – Thousands of fans gathered at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace in Almaty on Feb. 5 to celebrate the global premiere of the first episode of Voice Beyond Horizon, a new musical reality show initiated and headlined by Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen.
According to Qudaibergen, the project encourages dialogue, unites cultures, strengthens friendship…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111990
ALMATY – Thousands of fans gathered at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace in Almaty on Feb. 5 to celebrate the global premiere of the first episode of Voice Beyond Horizon, a new musical reality show initiated and headlined by Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen.
According to Qudaibergen, the project encourages dialogue, unites cultures, strengthens friendship…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111990
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This week’s news digest:
▪Tokayev’s First Visit to Pakistan
▪Kazakh Foreign Minister Holds Talks in Washington
▪Chinese Investor to Spend Over $7 Billion on Gas Project in Southern Kazakhstan
▪Elena Rybakina Wins Australian Open, Becomes World No. 3
🔗Watch full https://youtu.be/ouD-LwyPUsc
▪Tokayev’s First Visit to Pakistan
▪Kazakh Foreign Minister Holds Talks in Washington
▪Chinese Investor to Spend Over $7 Billion on Gas Project in Southern Kazakhstan
▪Elena Rybakina Wins Australian Open, Becomes World No. 3
🔗Watch full https://youtu.be/ouD-LwyPUsc
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Starlink Launches Satellite Internet Service in Tajikistan
ALMATY – Satellite internet provider Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has officially launched operations in Tajikistan, as it was announced on Feb. 5 on the company’s X page.
The expansion represents another step in the company’s growing footprint across Central Asia and the broader CIS region. Starlink is already operational in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Moldova,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111969
ALMATY – Satellite internet provider Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has officially launched operations in Tajikistan, as it was announced on Feb. 5 on the company’s X page.
The expansion represents another step in the company’s growing footprint across Central Asia and the broader CIS region. Starlink is already operational in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Moldova,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111969
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Kazakhstan to Issue Commemorative Olympic Games 2026 Coin
ASTANA – The National Bank of Kazakhstan will release a new collectible coin, OLYMPIC GAMES 2026. SHORT TRACK, as part of its Sports series.
Photo credit: The National Bank of Kazakhstan
The 1,000-tenge coin is made of 925 sterling silver, produced using color printing technology, and is issued in proof quality. It weighs 20…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111804
ASTANA – The National Bank of Kazakhstan will release a new collectible coin, OLYMPIC GAMES 2026. SHORT TRACK, as part of its Sports series.
Photo credit: The National Bank of Kazakhstan
The 1,000-tenge coin is made of 925 sterling silver, produced using color printing technology, and is issued in proof quality. It weighs 20…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111804
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Blackbird Named Kazakhstan’s Bird of Year 2026
ASTANA — Based on the voting results of members of the environmental community, the blackbird was officially named Bird of the Year 2026 in Kazakhstan, gathering 65% of all votes. The purpose of the community is to draw society’s attention to issues related to the conservation of birds and their habitats, reported Inbusiness.kz.
Photo…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111808
ASTANA — Based on the voting results of members of the environmental community, the blackbird was officially named Bird of the Year 2026 in Kazakhstan, gathering 65% of all votes. The purpose of the community is to draw society’s attention to issues related to the conservation of birds and their habitats, reported Inbusiness.kz.
Photo…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111808
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Floods, Fault Lines and Heat: UNDP Flags Urban Risks in Central Asia
ASTANA — Central Asian cities are exposed to recurrent flooding, earthquakes, mudflows and increasing temperature extremes that affect infrastructure and economic stability. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) study released in November 2025, integrating disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation into urban planning is becoming critical for long-term stability.
The UNDP publication…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111941
ASTANA — Central Asian cities are exposed to recurrent flooding, earthquakes, mudflows and increasing temperature extremes that affect infrastructure and economic stability. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) study released in November 2025, integrating disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation into urban planning is becoming critical for long-term stability.
The UNDP publication…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111941
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How Kazakhs Found Their Way Across Steppe Without Maps
ASTANA — For centuries, Kazakhs navigated vast steppe landscapes without maps or GPS, relying on stars, animals and environmental knowledge. These skills enabled nomadic communities to travel thousands of kilometers across Central Asia.
Nomadic and semi-nomadic societies developed sophisticated systems of observation rooted in centuries of experience, said Toktabai. Photo credit: nomadmgz.kz
Stretching from…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111884
ASTANA — For centuries, Kazakhs navigated vast steppe landscapes without maps or GPS, relying on stars, animals and environmental knowledge. These skills enabled nomadic communities to travel thousands of kilometers across Central Asia.
Nomadic and semi-nomadic societies developed sophisticated systems of observation rooted in centuries of experience, said Toktabai. Photo credit: nomadmgz.kz
Stretching from…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111884
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Kazakh Tattoo Artist Reimagines National Heritage in Contemporary Ink
ASTANA – For centuries, Kazakh ornaments told stories without words, woven into textiles, carved into wood, and engraved into metal. Today, those same symbols are being etched into skin, carrying ancient meanings into a modern context. Tattoo artist Saltanat Kuanova is among the pioneers redefining how Kazakhstan’s visual heritage lives on, turning national ornamentation…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111596
ASTANA – For centuries, Kazakh ornaments told stories without words, woven into textiles, carved into wood, and engraved into metal. Today, those same symbols are being etched into skin, carrying ancient meanings into a modern context. Tattoo artist Saltanat Kuanova is among the pioneers redefining how Kazakhstan’s visual heritage lives on, turning national ornamentation…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111596
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Galloping Through Cultures: How Horses Connect Humanity
Every time the Chinese New Year approaches, I find myself paying closer attention to the animal of the year. Not just the symbolism, but the stories behind it, where those meanings came from, and why they still resonate today.
Giant horse-shaped lantern at Laomendong Scenic Zone, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, lights up celebrations for the…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111838
Every time the Chinese New Year approaches, I find myself paying closer attention to the animal of the year. Not just the symbolism, but the stories behind it, where those meanings came from, and why they still resonate today.
Giant horse-shaped lantern at Laomendong Scenic Zone, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, lights up celebrations for the…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111838
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📰Weekly News Digest
Welcome to your weekly digest from The Astana Times. We bring you key stories of the week - all in one quick listen
Welcome to your weekly digest from The Astana Times. We bring you key stories of the week - all in one quick listen
Poet With Child’s Soul: Kazakhstan Marks Mukagali Makatayev’s 95th Anniversary
ASTANA — Kazakhstan marks the 95th anniversary of poet, writer and translator Mukagali Makatayev on Feb. 9, commemorating one of the most influential voices in Kazakh literature. His poetry, centered on homeland, grief and dignity, gained broader recognition only after his death.
Kazakhstan marks the 95th anniversary of poet, writer and translator Mukagali Makatayev…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112010
ASTANA — Kazakhstan marks the 95th anniversary of poet, writer and translator Mukagali Makatayev on Feb. 9, commemorating one of the most influential voices in Kazakh literature. His poetry, centered on homeland, grief and dignity, gained broader recognition only after his death.
Kazakhstan marks the 95th anniversary of poet, writer and translator Mukagali Makatayev…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112010
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Kazakhstan Strengthens Its Role as Eurasian Transit Hub With 36.9 Million Tons of Freight in 2025
ASTANA – Last year, Kazakhstan’s transport sector continued its systematic development, strengthening the country’s transit and logistics potential, modernizing infrastructure, and improving transportation efficiency.
Photo credit: gov.kz
Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan continues to reinforce its role as a strategic land bridge across Eurasia. The country is developing the East-West…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112008
ASTANA – Last year, Kazakhstan’s transport sector continued its systematic development, strengthening the country’s transit and logistics potential, modernizing infrastructure, and improving transportation efficiency.
Photo credit: gov.kz
Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan continues to reinforce its role as a strategic land bridge across Eurasia. The country is developing the East-West…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112008
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NU Researchers Bring A.GEAR Rehabilitation Exoskeleton to Market
ASTANA – The Astana Gait Exoskeleton Assisted Rehabilitation (A.GEAR), an innovative medical device developed by researchers at Nazarbayev University (NU), has completed all stages of state registration and is now ready for mass production.
Photo credit: NU
Designed to support rehabilitation for stroke survivors and people with musculoskeletal disorders, the exoskeleton received regulatory approval…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112015
ASTANA – The Astana Gait Exoskeleton Assisted Rehabilitation (A.GEAR), an innovative medical device developed by researchers at Nazarbayev University (NU), has completed all stages of state registration and is now ready for mass production.
Photo credit: NU
Designed to support rehabilitation for stroke survivors and people with musculoskeletal disorders, the exoskeleton received regulatory approval…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112015
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Kazakhstan’s Insurance Market Assets Reach Almost $8 Billion in 2025
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s insurance sector expanded in 2025, with assets rising to 3.9 trillion tenge (US$7.9 billion) and insurance premiums growing 12.5% year-on-year to 1.7 trillion tenge (US$3.4 billion), driven mainly by voluntary personal and property insurance and higher investment income.
Photo credit: inbusiness.kz
As of Jan. 1, the market comprised 25 insurance companies,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112019
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s insurance sector expanded in 2025, with assets rising to 3.9 trillion tenge (US$7.9 billion) and insurance premiums growing 12.5% year-on-year to 1.7 trillion tenge (US$3.4 billion), driven mainly by voluntary personal and property insurance and higher investment income.
Photo credit: inbusiness.kz
As of Jan. 1, the market comprised 25 insurance companies,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112019
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Volunteerism as Way of Life in Kazakhstan
This year has been designated the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, recognizing the vital role volunteers play in addressing social challenges and strengthening communities worldwide. For Kazakhstan, this recognition reflects not only current civic engagement but also a long-standing tradition of mutual assistance deeply rooted in the country’s history.
During a volunteer-led…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111933
This year has been designated the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, recognizing the vital role volunteers play in addressing social challenges and strengthening communities worldwide. For Kazakhstan, this recognition reflects not only current civic engagement but also a long-standing tradition of mutual assistance deeply rooted in the country’s history.
During a volunteer-led…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111933
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Kazakhstan Advances Plans to Modernize Coal-Fired Power Sector
ASTANA – The Government, through the Energy Ministry, is developing a national project for coal-fired power generation to address long-term energy shortages and modernize aging power capacity.
Photo credit: gov.kz
The draft National Plan for the Development of Coal-Fired Power Generation through 2030, presented to experts at a roundtable discussion, has a preliminary estimated…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112025
ASTANA – The Government, through the Energy Ministry, is developing a national project for coal-fired power generation to address long-term energy shortages and modernize aging power capacity.
Photo credit: gov.kz
The draft National Plan for the Development of Coal-Fired Power Generation through 2030, presented to experts at a roundtable discussion, has a preliminary estimated…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112025
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Almaty Wins Best Urban Tourism Promotion at OTM Mumbai 2026
ASTANA – Almaty was awarded the Best Urban Tourism Promotion prize at OTM Mumbai 2026, one of Asia’s largest international tourism exhibitions, highlighting the city’s effective international promotion strategy and strong global appeal.
Photo credit: Almaty Akimat
The event brought together leading players in the tourism industry, including tour operators, airlines, hotel brands, and…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112032
ASTANA – Almaty was awarded the Best Urban Tourism Promotion prize at OTM Mumbai 2026, one of Asia’s largest international tourism exhibitions, highlighting the city’s effective international promotion strategy and strong global appeal.
Photo credit: Almaty Akimat
The event brought together leading players in the tourism industry, including tour operators, airlines, hotel brands, and…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112032
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