Advancing Middle Corridor Integration: Azerbaijan’s Growing Role as Key Trade Gateway
On November 25, the first meeting of the Eurasian Transport Route (ETR) International Association under the chairmanship of Azerbaijan was held in Baku. The association’s meeting came amid intensified debates over the geostrategic importance of the Middle Corridor (TITR) transit route, the need to enhance trade flows between East and West, and the diversification…
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Kazakhstan Positioned as Key Link in Eurasian Trade Routes at US Policy Event
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s growing strategic role in the development of the Middle Corridor and broader Eurasian connectivity was highlighted during a presentation of an analytical report at the National Press Club in Washington on Feb. 10, reported the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the U.S. Magzhan Ilyassov, emphasized that the expansion of…
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US Eyes Up to $700 Million for Kazakhstan Tungsten Project to Bolster Supply Chains
ALMATY – The United States’ International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has issued letters of interest exploring up to $700 million in financing for a tungsten mining project in Kazakhstan, the U.S. Embassy’s press service reported on Feb. 11.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

The potential financing would support Cove Kaz Capital Group’s investment in the Severniy…
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Kazakhstan, Germany Push Deeper Economic and Energy Cooperation at C5+1 Meeting in Berlin
ALMATY – Germany has described Kazakhstan as a key political and economic partner in Central Asia, as Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev held talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Feb. 11 in Berlin ahead of the C5+1 format talks.

From L to R: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Kazakh Foreign Minister…
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Kazakhstan Wins Gold and Silver at UAE SWAT Challenge 2026
ALMATY – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has congratulated the country’s special forces units on Feb. 12, following their standout performance at the UAE SWAT Challenge 2026 international competition in Dubai, where Kazakh teams secured both first and second place overall.

Team Kazakhstan C was declared the absolute winner of the prestigious tournament, while Kazakhstan…
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Draft Constitution Sets July 1 Entry Into Force if Approved
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s proposed new Constitution would make a political transition starting July 1, including the end of the current Parliament’s mandate, if voters endorse the reforms in a national referendum on March 15.

Photo credit: Akorda.

Under the draft, the day the new Constitution is adopted would be declared a state holiday. The…
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ALEM Tech Fest Brings Central Asia’s Young Innovators to Astana
ALMATY – ALEM TECH FEST 2026, the largest robotics, artificial intelligence and STEM education festival in Central Asia, opened at the EXPO International Exhibition Center in Astana on Feb. 11, bringing together 5,000 school students from seven countries.

Over 450 teams advanced to the national stage in Astana, where 50 top teams will qualify…
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Kazakhstan Advances Regional Climate Education Agenda Ahead of Summit in April
ASTANA — Kazakhstan convened a high-level meeting on Feb. 12 to push forward a regional climate education initiative, as preparations continue for the Regional Ecological Summit 2026 (RES), scheduled for April 22–24 in Astana.

From L to R: Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, Yerlan Nyssanbayev, Mayra Meldebekova.

Discussions focused on establishing the Regional Green School Platform…
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🔍EXPERT QUOTE

Kazakh tattoo artist reimagines traditional symbols in modern designs, creating a unique blend of national heritage and contemporary art

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Foreign Investment in Tajikistan Surges 35% in 2025
ALMATY – Foreign investment in Tajikistan reached $6.93 billion in 2025, marking a 35% increase compared to the previous year, reported the Kazinform news agency on Feb. 11.

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It was announced during a press conference by Chairman of the State Committee for Investment and State Property Management of Tajikistan Sulton Rahimzoda,…
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Tokayev Honors Muslim Council Leader, Reaffirms Kazakhstan’s Commitment to Interfaith Dialogue
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met on Feb. 12 with Mohamed Abdelsalam, secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Elders and the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s strong support for interreligious dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

Mohamed Abdelsalam was awarded the Order of Dostyk (Friendship), first degree, for his contribution to strengthening interreligious dialogue…
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Astana to Host 51st UEFA Congress in 2027
ASTANA – The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has announced that the 51st UEFA Congress will take place on March 4, 2027, in the Kazakh capital.

Photo credit: UEFA

The decision was made during the 50th UEFA Congress on Feb. 12 in Brussels, attended by David Loria, Secretary General of the Kazakhstan Football…
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Kazakhstan, World Bank Plan Up to $1 Billion Annually Under New Partnership Framework
ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the World Bank Group have discussed a new partnership framework for 2026-2031 that could provide up to $1 billion in annual financing to support infrastructure, private-sector growth, and economic reforms. Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin met with World Bank representatives on Feb. 12 to…
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Where to Go, What to See: This Week’s Cultural Highlights in Astana and Almaty
ASTANA – With Valentine’s Day approaching, the second week of February brings a touch of romance to the city. It Is the perfect time to celebrate love in all its forms – from grand gestures to quiet, meaningful moments. The Astana Times has curated a lineup of activities to help you spend quality time…
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News Digest: Foreign Media on Tokayev’s Constitutional Reset, Economic Goals and Kazakhstan’s Rising Global Profile
ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles on Kazakhstan featured in international media worldwide this week. Today’s foreign media digest covers President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s accelerated constitutional reforms, efforts to translate economic growth into higher household incomes, expanding cultural cooperation with China, and more.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Six months to rewrite the state:…
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Kazakhstan Plans Allocating $42 Million for Constitutional Referendum
ASTANA – Kazakhstan will hold a nationwide referendum on a new Constitution on March 15, with more than 12.4 million citizens eligible to vote and 20.8 billion tenge (US$42 million) earmarked for organizing the process.

Photo credit: gov.kz

Preparation and conduct of the referendum have been entrusted to the Central Election Commission (CEC), which…
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Kazakhstan Expands Digital Transit Role with New South Route to UAE
ASTANA — Kazakhstan seeks to strengthen its position as a regional digital transit hub with the launch of the South Route telecommunications corridor, a new infrastructure link connecting Central Asia directly to the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East. The project was launched by the international division of e& Carrier & Wholesale…
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