Kazakhstan news, facts, events and more

21/07/2010
Biggest Austrian engineering company AVL List Gmbh is ready to cooperate with the Kazakh Ministry of Industry and New Technologies in preparation of technical personnel for projects realized within the State Program of Forced Industrial-Innovative Development of Kazakhstan. Vice President of the company Franz Noser has made it public at the meeting in the Ministry. Taking into consideration the functioning of the Customs Union the sides intend to implement a joint project on establishment of an export-oriented equipment production at a competitive price and under Kazakhstani brand on the basis of the company. A system of training technical personnel will be launched as well.

5/07/2010
The Interstate Council of the Eurasian Economic Community is to hold a sitting in Akorda Palace, Astana. Presidents of Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan will discuss joint measures on overcoming the crisis. Besides, a meeting of the heads of state of the Customs Union's member countries - Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus will take place.

29/06/2010
Head of the State Nursultan Nazarbayev got acquainted with Nursaya residential housing complex. The housing estate consists of 487 apartments. The first floors in the complex are developed under children's mini centers within the framework of the Balapan program implementation. Their total area covers over 2.500 sq m.

13/06/2010
At talks with the President of China Head of the State Nursultan Nazarbayev has noted Hu Jintao's great contribution to the development of strategic cooperation between Kazakhstan and China. "Our fifth meeting this year is an evidence of the intensity of bilateral contacts", the President added. The two presidents agreed on revision of the action plan on non-oil economy sectors and its practical realization.

29/05/2010
Kazakhstan and Russia agreed to enact the Customs Code on bilateral basis. Russian Head of the Government Vladimir Putin made it public at the press conference upon the results of the session of the Customs Union supreme body. The Heads of Government of Kazakhstan and Russia discussed readiness for launching the second phase of the Customs Union beginning from July 1 this year and reaffirmed readiness for establishment of the Single Customs Territory.

17/05/2010
The Government of Kazakhstan is preparing an appeal to the Head of the State to lift the moratorium on the use of mineral resources in relation to investors, which are ready to take active part in the industrialization program. Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and New Technologies Asset Issekeshev has made it public at the Governmental Hour "On the Program of Forced Industrial Innovative Development of Kazakhstan for 2010-2014".

9/04/2010
Heads of Government of Kazakhstan and Georgia Karim Massimov and Nikoloz Gilauri hhave discussed the issue of establishment of storages for Kazakh grain at the territory of Georgia today. "We discussed establishment of special grain storages at the territory of Georgia that will allow Kazakhstan to diversify this type of goods", N.Gilauri said at the press conference upon the results of the meeting.

1/04/2010
Kazakhstan has a number of innovation programs of the state development. Director of the Center for International Studies of the Belarusian State University Vladimir Ulakhovich has noted this.
"Touching upon Kazakhstan's chairmanship in the OSCE, it is great chance for this Organization's renewal and its effectiveness improvement. The issue of nuclear disarmament, ensuring of environmental, energy and food security will be one of the most important priorities", the expert notes.

5/03/2010
Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov has held a meeting with Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in Moscow. There were discussed the issues of further development of bilateral trade-economic cooperation, including in the space and electric power fields, and in the sphere of nuclear industry. There were also considered topical issues of interaction of Kazakhstan and Russia within the framework of the Customs Union and in the process of formation of the single economic space.

28/03/2010
The State Program on Forced Industrial-Innovative Development till 2020, first of all, involves joint work of the Government and business. Head of the State Nursultan Nazarbayev has announced it at the first plenary session of the Council of Entrepreneurs under the Kazakh President. Members of the Government, the Parliament deputies, representatives of the President's Administration, national companies, associations and public organizations, large banks and the country's business elite are taking part in the session of the Entrepreneurs Council.

17/02/2010
Kazakh parliamentary delegation headed by Senate Speaker, Vice President of OSCE PA Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is taking part in the Winter Meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Vienna on February 17-19.
A Standing Committee Meeting and sessions of the Assembly's three General Committees will be held within the Winter Meeting. K. Tokayev is expected to speak at a special debate on the situation in Afghanistan and at the sitting of the Standing Committee. The Speaker is also planned to meet with President of the Austrian Nationalrat Barbara Prammer and give a lecture at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna.

1/02/2010
Kazakhstan will not name Russia as a privileged supplier of satellites and will announce international tenders after the launch of its KazSat-2, the head of the Kazakh space agency said. "KazSat-2 will be made at the Khrunichev R&D center in Russia under a contract signed in 2006, and over 86% of work to build the satellite has already been performed," Talgat Musabayev said.

29/01/2010
A reception devoted to Kazakhstan's OSCE Chairmanship was held in Prague yesterday. Making a speech Kazakh Ambassador Anarbek Karashev told about the priorities and program of the country's chairmanship in the OSCE. The representatives of the Czech Government, socio-political, business and journalist circles as well as heads of the diplomatic missions accredited in the Czech Republic attended the reception. The Kazakh diplomat noted "provided that every OSCE participating state supports Kazakhstan's efforts aimed at increasing efficiency of the organization the chairmanship will be successful."

21/01/2010
The USA looks forward to Kazakhstan's activity in implementation of the OSCE projects on strengthening Afghanistan's Central Asian borders and curbing violent extremism, radicalization and drug trafficking in the region. U.S. Ambassador Richard Hoagland said it at the meeting of Kanat Saudabayev, Secretary of State-Minister of Foreign Affairs, with the representatives of the diplomatic corps in Astana. According to him, the USA finds the OSCE activity on the Afghan territory as the most efficient way of achievement of these goals. "We hope to see that become a reality under your Chairmanship", R. Hoagland stressed. The Ambassador said the USA supported Kazakhstan's focus on search for the new ways of including Afghanistan into the OSCE activity and added that his country welcomed Kazakhstan's USD 50 mln grant for teaching the Afghan students.

13/01/2010
Prime Minister Karim Massimov has charged to accelerate the work on development of the tanker fleet at the enlarged session of the collegium of the Kazakh Ministry of Transport and Communications. According to the Prime Minister, we lag behind in tanker fleet development and should accelerate work in this direction. "As long as opportunities are increased, this becomes our main advantage for the development of the tanker fleet", K.Massimov said.

5/01/2010
Implementation of 44 large and medium-sized projects will be started within the framework of the New industrialization program in 2010. Specialized ministers and heads of national holdings will head the largest facilities. Deputy Governors of the corresponding regions will be deputy heads of staffs. The State Commission on the Economy Modernization and telephone sessions will control them at the national level.

25/12/2009
The image of Kazakhstan's army will improve before 2015, with the entire enhancement of the Kazakh Armed Forces, Minister of Defense Adilbek Dzhaksybekov has announced during his working trip to China. "There are several strategic tasks given by the President we are carrying through to set up a professional army, which will meet the highest international standards", A.Dzhaksybekov noted at the meeting with Defense Minister of China Liang Guanglie and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Guo Boxiong. The Kazakh Minister of Defense thanked the Chinese leadership and Minister for support in training of the Kazakh military specialists.

21/12/2009
Kazakh Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Mukhtar Tleuberdi has presented credentials to Alois, Hereditary Prince of the Principality of Liechtenstein in Vaduz. The Kazakh diplomat informed the Prince of the upcoming chairmanship of Kazakhstan in the OSCE and of a decision of holding the OSCE Summit taken on the Kazakh President's initiative at the OSCE Council of Foreign Ministers in Athens on December 1-2. The Crown Prince expressed confidence in successful Kazakhstan's chairmanship in such authoritative international organization and promised to take part in the OSCE summit.

9/12/2009
Kazakh-British Academy which will specialize in coordination of the activity of the Central Asian scientists will be opened in Almaty.
As Director of the Institute of Cultural Policy and Art Studies Yerlan Sairov informed on September 1-8 a Kazakh delegation participated in international conferences at the University of Cambridge and the Royal Asiatic Society = which were devoted to historical and modern aspects of Kazakhstan's development in the context of East-West dialogue of civilizations. Following those meetings the parties reached an agreement with the Royal Asiatic Society regarding opening of the Kazakh-British Academy which would coordinate the activity of the scientists of Central Asia.

5/11/2009
President of Kazakhstan visited the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau Industrial Park and got acquainted with a motor-car repair factory in Amman. King Abdullah II speaks for the establishment of military-technical cooperation between the two states and suggests holding joint modernization of military technique of Kazakhstan and Jordan. In this context the defense ministries and special services of the two states establish contacts. In particular, there was reached an agreement on cooperation in the sphere of security. In 2008 Kazakhstan send official representative of the National Security Committee to Jordan for coordination of joint operations on combating terrorism, extremism and organized crime.

29/10/2009
Prime Minister Karim Massimov has called to develop information community in the country. The next 2-3 years we must carry out big and effective work. According to the last census 55% of the population have computer literacy, theoretically 1, 200, 000 people use internet, that is 12.5%. This is a very low index",. Massimov said welcoming the participants of the IV International Conference on "The E-Government-2009 Initiatives " "We must raise our indices to the level of the developed countries. Industrial development is quite a difficult task but we can make progress in development on knowledgeable community", the Head of the Government resumed.

17/10/2009
Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov met with Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Viktor Khristenko in Astana.
The parties discussed the issues of bilateral trade-economic cooperation. The parties confirmed intentions of Kazakhstan and Russia to continue the policy of strategic partnership.

5/10/2009
President of France Nicolas Sarkozy will pay a state visit to Kazakhstan on October 6. A number of intergovernmental and commercial agreements in trade-economic, energy, military, scientific-technical and humanitarian spheres is planned to be signed after the talks. A joint business forum will be held within the framework of the visit.

29/09/2009
Since 2008 the number of crimes in Kazakhstan has been reduced by 10%. Minister of Internal Affairs Serik Baimagambetov has made it public at the Governmental Hour in the Senate of the Kazakh Parliament. The situation in the republic is stable now, the Minister said. According to him, the number of registered crimes reduced by 10%. Thus, the number of robbery decreased by 21%, rowdiness - by 16%, theft - by 13%, rape - by 12% and murder - by 7%, Baimagambetov noted. As the Minister pointed out crime is a social phenomena and due to implementation of various social programs initiated by the country's leadership, the Ministry succeeds in stabilization of the criminal situation in the republic.

25/09/2009
Kazakhstan's contribution to fight with terrorism is of great importance, Commander of Ground Forces of the US Central Command Lieutenant-General William Webster has said at the ceremony of closure of Steppe Eagle-2009 International peacekeeping exercises on lli polygon of the Airmobile troops of the Kazakh Armed Forces. According to W. Webster, Kazakhstan is one of NATO's key strategic partners. One of the main components of the NATO-Kazbat partnership is achievement of interoperability of the Kazbat with the units of the Alliance's Armed Forces.

1/09/2009
Kazakhstan has reached stabilization in the financial system; President N. Nazarbayev announced it today at the joint sitting of the Kazakh Parliament. "The volume of investments into the Kazakhstan's economy has grown by 7% during 7 months against the same period of last year", he said.
"The international reserves of the country stabilized at the level of USD 42.5 bln. Refunding of mortgage loans is continued. Our entrepreneurs received significant support", - N. Nazarbayev said.
According to him small and medium enterprises used KZT 134 bln whereas 2.5 thousand enterprises were covered by the program as a whole and about 47 000 thousand jobs were created.

21/08/2009
In 2009, about $ 1.13 billion was invested into the development of roads of general use in Kazakhstan, the Kazakh Transport and Communications Ministry told Trend Capital.
It is planned to repair more than 6,700 km through the fund. About 101.1 billion tenge (over $ 670) of the total amount of the fund will fell on the development of roads of national importance, the ministry said. For this purpose, about $250 million or 99 percent of the plan was used in the first half of 2009, the same source said.

29/07/2009
The Road Map Program is an excellent idea of the President, Mayor of Almaty city Akhmetzhan Yessimov has said today at the Maslikhat session in Almaty. "This year 230 km of roads are under reconstruction and we are starting to improve 75 facilities of the city at the expense of its owners. The most part of the facilities has sport grounds, children's playgrounds, parking and etc.", - the Mayor noted. He noted that the issues of the housing and utilities infrastructure is always controlled by the city akimat.

21/05/2009
Today within the official visit of Russian Prime Mniister Vladimir Putin to Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Temir Zholy NC JSC and Russian Railways JSC have signed a memorandum of joint activity in interaction on formation of tariffs for cargo transportation and an Agreement in terminal handling of cargo. In the conditions of financial-economic crisis the parties confirmed interest in lowering the rates of Tariff policy of the CIS counties’ railways for international cargo transportation for 2009 up to 2008 basic rates of export-import and transit goods. This will allow to stop the negative tendency and preserve the volume of transportation of external trade goods in Kazakhstan at the 2008 level.

5/05/2009
The Head of the State signed the Law "On introduction of amendments to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the issues of employment and mandatory social insurance". The Law is aimed at the development of the employment of population, creation of the conditions for reduction of the unemployment level, social support of part-time workers. The text of the Law is published in press.

25/04/2009
A ceremony of opening of an Avenue of Cherry Trees has taken place today in Almaty. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Kazakhstan Shigeo Natsui, President of Toshiba Corporation Norio Sasaki, CEO Atsutoshi Nishida, Almaty Akim Akhmetzhan Yessimov, President of Kazatomprom JSC Mukhtar Dzhakishev and representatives of Kazakh and Japanese business circles took part in the event. Almaty Akim A. Yessimov expressed gratitude to management of Toshiba Corporation and Kazatomprom Company.

5/04/2009
First round of staff talks of reps of SCO member states will be held tomorrow in Almaty. Military experts of Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan will take part in the negotiations. Issues of preparation and realization of joint anti-terrorist exercise “Peaceful mission 2010” were discussed. The exercise is scheduled in September 2010. The agreement on its holding on the territory of Kazakhstan was adopted in June, 2007 in Bishkek and approved in May, 2008.

1/04/2009
A 30-km ring road will be built in Astana. Akim Imangali Tasmagambetov has announced about it at the visiting session on the issues of construction of road junctions. “The transport strategy of Astana provides with the construction of a ring road more than 30 kilometers long. The road should have 13 traffic interchanges. 2 out of them have already been built. The ring road will allow to reduce load on city mains”, the Mayor noted. In whole, the Astana authorities plan to repair and build 150 km of roads, two bridges and two overhead roads in 2009. About KZT 21 billion is budgeted for this purpose.

24/03/2009
Kazakh Ministry of Education and Science, “Daryn” Republican Scientific Practical Center together with “Junior Achievement Kazakhstan” Public Fund will held IV Republican Economic Tournament in Astana on March 25-27, 2009. The competition will be held at the Gumilyov Eurasian National University. The main purpose of the tournament is to distinguish, foster and develop talented students, provide training for the talented students in the field of economy, popularize economic knowledge and generate interest in science and research among students.

16/03/2009
Prime Minister Karim Massimov has chaired a conference on socio-economic development of the city of Almaty and construction of sports facilities for Aziada 2011 today. The conference was attended by Akim of Almaty Akhmetzhan Yessimov, Vice Premier Umirzak Shukeyev, Minister of Industry and Trade Vladimir Shkolnik, Chairman of SamrukKazyna National Welfare Fund Kairat Kelimbetov, representatives of business associations, construction companies and banks.As the Akim of Almaty informed, the city authorities had adopted an anti-crisis program for mitigation of negative impact of the global crisis. The program provides for implementation of measures on supporting financial system, small and medium businesses, construction sector and employment. “In conformity with the President’s Address we have developed the city’s “road map”. Implementation of these measures will allow to improve the socio-economic situation, increase local content in state purchases, provide about 47 thousand jobs and re-train nearly 4 thousand people”, A. Yessimov said.

13/02/2009
Personal web log of Chairman of the Tax Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan Daulet Yergozhin was launched at the official site of the Ministry www.salyk.kz.

21/12/2008
On behalf of Kazakh Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Ukraine and Moldova Amangeldy Zhumabayev an official reception dedicated to the Independence Day of Kazakhstan was held in “President-Hotel” in Kiev. Within the reception a briefing for the Ukrainian mass media was organized. OSCE Project Coordinator Lyubomir Kopai attended it. Within the briefing journalists were informed of state and prospects of bilateral Kazakh-Ukrainian cooperation. Former President L.Kuchma, Advisors to the President and Prime Minister, Russian Ambassador to Ukraine V.Chernomyrdin, the Ukrainian political, public, scientific and business circles, diplomatic corps, heads of the Kazakh representative offices, the Kazakh Diaspora took part in it.

25/11/2008
“Pensions, salaries and scholarships will be increased by 25% in 2009-2010”, Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov said at the central office of “Nur Otan” People’s Democratic Party.
According to him, public social and special benefits will be increased by 9% annually. Single lump-sum benefits for the birth of the fourth child or more will be increased by 50 monthly calculation indices and monthly child-care allowances – 2.5 times.

13/11/2008
Chairman of the Majilis of the Kazakh Parliament Ural Mukhamedzhanov has received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary to our country Janos Balla today.
The parties noted that the official visit of President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev to Hungary in 2007 has opened new opportunities for expansion of trade and economic cooperation. A joint Committee on cooperation in economy will hold a session in Almaty in the nearest time within realization of the concluded agreements.
According to the Diplomat, the “Road to Europe” state program will provide favorable conditions for cooperation not only in oil and gas sphere. For instance, Hungary has already addressed Kazakhstan with a proposal to participate in a EUR 2.5 bln project on establishment of a largest European Consortium of Neutron Centre in Budapest. This is a large scientific, industrial-production project based on high-technologies. “Hungary considers Kazakhstan as one of strategically important partners on the Asian continent”, Janos Balla said.

17/10/2008
Kazakhstan and Russia will soon conduct joint missile defense exercises involving elements of Russia's Space Forces, a senior Kazakh military official said.
"In the near future we are planning to hold large-scale Kazakh-Russian exercises, dubbed Shield-2008, in western Kazakhstan," the commander of the Republican Guard, Lt. Gen. Abai Tasbulatov, told an international security conference in the Kazakh capital.
He said the exercises will focus on joint defense against air and ballistic missile strikes, and will involve in addition to air defense units elements of Russia's Space Forces.

13/10/2008
President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev has defined three key directions of the Government’s work. These are – ensuring of macroeconomic stability, social welfare and modernization of economy. “The Prime Minister and his deputies should be responsible for one of these directions”, the Head of the State highlighted.
Along with this, the President noted that overcoming the consequences of the world financial crisis is the main agenda of the Governments work for 2009-2010.

5/10/2008
Joint Kazakh-Ukrainian conference on space activities will be held within the celebration of the year of Ukraine in Kazakhstan 7 october.
The conference organizers, the National Space Agency of Kazakhstan (Kazkosmos) and the National Space Agency of Ukraine, will discuss the development strategy of Kazakhstan’s space industry over the next three years, the priorities of the national space program of Ukraine until 2012, define the objectives and areas of cooperation in the spheres of space exploration.
Over 150 scientists and experts of space industry of Kazakhstan and Ukraine, as well as the representatives of Russia and France will take part in the work of the conference “Modern space technology”. Over 110 reports will be presented at the plenary and sectional sittings.

26/09/2008
Joint consultations of Kazakh and Brazilian foreign policy departments were held in Astana yesterday. Deputy Foreign Minister Kairat Sarybai represented the Kazakh side at the talks, the Brazilian delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Roberto Jaguaribe.
In the course of the consultations prospects of bilateral cooperation and execution of the agreements, reached during the state visit of RK President N.Nazarbayev in Brazil in September 2007 were discussed.

25/08/2008
The Third Ministerial Meeting of the members of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), chaired by Kazakhstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marat Tazhin, is to be held in Almaty.
Head of State, Nursultan Nazarbayev is expected to take part in the opening ceremony.
Before the Meeting a ceremony of entry of new countries into the CICA will be held – the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Delegations from 20 member states of CICA, observers and guests will take part in the Meeting.
The main focus of the Meeting will be the realization of “Cooperation approach to the realization of the CICA confidence-building measures”.

1/08/2008
Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov has got familiarized with the work of Operations Control Center of Almaty Internal Affairs Department. Head of the center Makytbek Kosayev reported to Prime Minister on the center’s work and measures taken on ensuring road safety.
The center was founded and put into operation in 2000. Prior to its establishment the Internal Affairs Ministry of Kazakhstan had studied work experience of “911” unified service in the USA, France and a number of other states as well as Center for Operations control of Seoul (South Korea) police.
The center makes use of best computer technologies, scientific recommendations and technical progress achievements.

18/06/2008
Head of the State Nursultan Nazarbayev has left for Japan.
His official visit will last till June 22. In Tokyo N. Nazarbayev is expected to meet with Emperor Akihito of Japan and Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. The parties will discus a wide range of issues of cooperation development between the two states. A number of documents is planned to be signed.
Besides, the Kazakh leader will have meetings with Speaker of the House of Representatives Yohei Kono, President of the House of Councillors Satsuki Eda, Minister of Economy, Industry and Trade Akira Amari, the representatives of business and political elite of Japan. The President will take part in the Kazakh-Japanese business forum and visit Toshiba enterprise.

2/06/2008
A subregional seminar on environmental impact assessment for Central Asia and Azerbaijan will take place in Almaty on June 3-5.
A purpose of the roundtable is to make strategic environmental impact assessment in Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan. The representatives of the environmental protection departments, international and social organizations, mass media of the participating countries will participate in the event.
The project is realized by the Regional Ecological Centre of Central Asia in association with Kazakh Environmental Protection Ministry and Bern University (Switzerland).

17/05/2008
The Governmental Hour “On work of Kazakhstan’s Agency for Natural Monopolies Regulation” will take place on May 19 in the Majilis (Lower House of the Kazakh Parliament).
Chairman of the Agency Nurlan Aldabergenov will make a report.

5/05/2008
Prime minister of Romania Calin Popescu-Tariceanu is to pay a visit to Kazakhstan in the second half of 2008, Ambassador of this country to Kazakhstan Emil Rapcea has told at a briefing after a ceremony of presentation of credentials to Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev.
“Our Prime Minister plans to make a visit to Kazakhstan in the second half of the current year on invitation of Kazakh President”, the Ambassador said. The Romanian diplomat also informed that Bucharest will host the 7th session of Kazakh-Romanian Intergovernmental Commission on trade and economic and scientific-technical cooperation.
Mr. Rapcea noted, that Romaina perceives our country as “the most important partner not only in the Central Asia but also in the whole world”.

23/04/2008
The first donor support amounting to 100,000 USD was granted to the Biodiversity Conservation Fund of Kazakhstan by «Air Astana» national carrier last week. The allocated funds are aimed at the realization of projects on conservation of biological diversity and nature ecosystems of Kazakhstan.
The Biodiversity Conservation Fund of Kazakhstan is the harbinger environmental trust fund in Kazakhstan and the CIS as well. The Fund was established in 2007 within UNDP/GEF/Government of the RK Wetlands Project. UNDP is to assist in attraction of knowledge and the international experience. The GEF support to the amount of 1,5 million US dollars is to be allocated given that the co-financing form the Kazakhstani counterparts contributes 4,5 million US dollars (in the ratio 1:3).

21/04/2008
President of the 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly Srgjan Kerim will pay an official visit to Kazakhstan on April 23-26.
He will meet with the country’s government in Astana and Almaty cities. Besides, Mr. Kerim will deliver a speech in the Gumilyov Eurasian National University and take part in the work of the Eurasian media forum.

19/04/2008
“Presidents of the two states welcome creation of the Kazakh-Kyrgyz investment fund and consider necessary to proceed to its practical activity”, noted in a joint statement of the Presidents of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
“In principle, the investment fund was created by the resolution of the governments. I think, an issue on the project’s realization will be solved in a day or two”, President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev said at a press conference.
“We agreed that Kyrgyzstan will allocate USD 5 mln and Kazakh side will allocate USD 25 mln and these means will be used as the direct private investments into the Kyrgyz economy without guarantee of the Government”, he added.

15/04/2008
A regular session of the Government of Kazakhstan is going to be held today in the Astana Ukimet Uyi under the chairmanship of Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov.

13/04/2008
Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kairat Kelimbetov has met with head of the Ukrainian President’s Secretariat Viktor Baloha in Akorda residence. Kairat Kelimbetov underlined that the Year of Ukraine in Kazakhstan symbolizes a positive dynamics of bilateral relations development and will cement friendly relations between the two nations.
Kairat Kelimbetov and Viktor Baloha discussed implementation of the agreements reached by President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko during an officail visit of the Ukrainian President to Kazakshtan.
The sides exchanged opinions on execution of an Action Plan Kazakhstan – Ukraine for 2007-2008 where the priority is placed on bilateral cooperation in the different spheres.
Different perspective projects like construction of the oil processing plant and combined cycle electric generating plant of varying thickness in Ukraine were discussed at the meeting.

7/04/2008
The first sitting of a working group created by the Kazakh Prime Minister’s decree on the issues of holding the European and Asian conferences of the environmental protection ministers in 2010-2011 in Kazakhstan took place on April 4 in Astana.
The sitting was chaired by Environmental Protection Minister Nurlan Iskakov.
Kazakhstan’s initiative to hold a regular 7th conference of the "Environment for Europe" process in 2011 was backed at the 6th ministerial conference that took place in Belgrade in October 2007.
Kazakhstan suggests integrating and harmonizing the Asian programs of ecology and sustainable development with the European programs of the region of the UN Economic Commission for Europe.
The participants discussed and unanimously approved projects of the action plans on preparation and holding of the conferences.

1/04/2008
“Business enterprises must keep provisions of the law,” Minister of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan Baurzhan Mukhamedzhanov told yesterday during an Internet conference on issues of small and medium business.
“We realize all measures for business development, but the enterprises should observe the law accurately,” the Minister emphasized.
“Those enterprises which break law provisions will be applied sanctions in accordance with the administrative legislation, including recall of licenses, fines and others,” Mr. Mukhamedzhanov added.

25/03/2008
The International Affairs, Defense and Security Committee discussed a draft law On ratification of the United Nations’ Convention against transnational organized crime.According to Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Home Affairs Alik Shpekbayev, the convention has already been ratified by 105 states including 9 from the CIS. He noted that the ratification of the document would strengthen Kazakhstan’s image abroad.
The Committee decided to submit the bill to the Majilis’s consideration. Besides, the Lower House of Kazakhstan’s Parliament is planned to discuss a draft law on ratification of the Protocol against the migrant trafficking completing the UN Convention at its plenary sitting.

15/03/2008
Vice Speaker of the Kazakh Parliament’s Senate Mukhambet Kopeyev has met with deputies of the maslikhats of Bulandyskiy, Yenbekshilderskiy, Yegindykolskiy, Zerendinskiy, Korgalzhynskiy districts of Akmola oblast.
Within the frame of the meeting, he clarified the focal points of the Message of President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev to the nation Growth of welfare of Kazakhstan’s citizens is the primary goal of state policy as of February 6, 2008 and paid special attention to the contribution of the Akmola oblast enterprises to realization of the Kazakh Leader’s instructions on socio-economic questions.

7/03/2008
An official visit of Kazakhstan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Marat Tazhin to France finished. There he had talks with his French counterpart Bernard Kouchner.
The parties discussed issues of bilateral and multilateral relations. “Kazakhstan is to chair OSCE in 2010. During the 62nd sitting of the UN General Assembly Kazakh and French presidents met in New York. In February Prime Minister of France Francois Fillon paid a visit to Astana. I am planning to visit Kazakhstan as well. Thus it wsa necessary to discuss bilateral relations”, Mr. Kouchner said.
“Besides, we have agreed to exchange diplomats. A number of Kazakhstani colleagues will work in France”, he added commenting on the meeting’s results.

1/03/2008
President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko plans to make an official visit to Kazakhstan on March 5-6.
Y. Ashikbayev noted the visit was dated to opening of the Year of Ukraine in Kazakhstan. In addition, Nursultan Nazarbayev and his Ukrainian counterpart intend to discuss further development of the bilateral relations, especially fuel and energy cooperation and realization of the Action Plan between Kazakhstan and Ukraine for years of 2007-2008.
“Heads of Kazakhstan and Ukraine are expected to exchange views on perspectives of interaction within CIS and coordinate further integration in the framework of this organization,” Kazakh MFA’s spokesperson said. Following results of the negotiations, the sides will sign a package of documents aimed at deepening cooperation between the countries in various fields.

17/02/2008
“President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev pays an official visit to Kazakhstan in the coming months,” Kazakh Foreign Minister Marat Tazhin said at the second sitting of the Kazakh-Kyrgyz Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Council.According to the Minister, the Council becomes a working mechanism for coordination of the state bodies’ activity of the two countries.
“We are planning to discuss harmonization of our joint actions, define tasks on development of the trade-economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation and coordinate an agenda of the 2nd sitting of the Supreme Interstate Council planned to be held within the Kyrgyz President’s visit to Kazakhstan”, M. Tazhin emphasized.

15/02/2008
“150 social facilities will enter into service in Astana until 2010,” the Astana mayor told.
"The population of the capital is expected to grow up to 1 million people in 2010. We will ensure the development of social infrastructure and hosing construction. We will build 60 kindergartens, 31 secondary schools, 4 vocational schools and a lyceum for orphans. 15 kindergartens and 11 schools will be put into operation this year,” Mamin stressed.
As stated there, 40 healthcare facilities too will come into operation within three years.

11/02/2008
“A motor rally of ecologically sound cars will run through Astana autumn 2008”, first deputy akim of Kazakhstan’s capital Yerik Sultanov has said.
“An idea of holding the rally Paris – Beijing – Astana was proposed by French Transport Minister Dominique Bussereau at a meeting with Astana mayor Askar Mamin. We have supported the initiative that will promote cooperation and friendship between Kazakhstan and France”, Mr. Sultanov stated.
Besides, the French side expressed interest in collaboration in the sphere of the urban transportation development of Astana city. As for the issue of participation of THALES International Company in realization of the project of the light-tracked tram it would deliver rolling equipment and provide electricity supply of the street railway.

7/02/2008
Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev said that his country will continue to strengthen political and economic cooperation with China, Russia and other Central Asian countries.
Nazarbayev presented his annual state of the nation address Wednesday at the joint sitting of both houses of parliament, pointing out that the maintenance of security remains the priority of the country's foreign policies, the national news agency said.
Kazakhstan will also expand constructive cooperation with the United States, the European Union and NATO in a bid to solidify the security in the Central Asian regions, Nazarbayev said.
Therefore, Kazakhstan will make a plan, especially for its "Road to Europe," to boost economic cooperation, introduce technology and improve the legal system.

5/02/2008
Air Astana achieved a whopping 46 percent growth in passenger traffic in 2007. The carrier’s revenue also increased 48 percent over last year, compared to 2006.
Following the delivery of two Boeing 767-300ERs, two Airbus A320s and two A321s, Air Astana enjoyed a 42 percent capacity rise to 6.5 billion. The carrier’s fleet of 18 is set to grow even further with the arrival of several aircraft at the end of this year. Air Astana also have a further 15 to be delivered by 2016. In fact, the carrier’s fleet is scheduled to grow to 63 aircraft by 2022.
Air Astana also successfully launched its Nomad Club frequent flyer program last year, in addition to introducing online seat selection and full e-ticketing capabilities on the majority of its routes. 7/02/2008

11/12/2007
"The year of 2007 sets lots of good examples of Kazakhstan’s wide international recognition," Foreign Minister Marat Tazhin told at the meeting with the deputies of the Majilis Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security Committee.
"We can see positive progress of Kazakhstan’s participation in the influential international organizations such as the UN, OSCE, SCO, CICMA, CIS, EurAsEC and CSTO. Kazakhstan was elected the member of the UN Socioeconomic Commission for the period of 2007-2009, the member of the executive committee of the World Tourist Organization until 2011, member of the governing body of the UN Environmental Programme. At last, Kazakhstan is elected to head the OSCE in 2010," Tazhin highlighted. 13/12/2007

5/10/2007
Following the results of the 4th Kazakh-Russian near-border cooperation forum with participation of Nursultan Nazarbayev and Vladimir Putin, a package of bilateral documents was signed.
Kazakhstan and Russia concluded intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the sphere of sea transport, adopted programs of economic and near-border cooperation for 2008-2011, and a program of interaction in the humanitarian sphere for 2007-2010.
“These documents create a new basis for the further development of cooperation between our states”, Kazakh leader emphasized. 7/10/2007

27/09/2007
During the last day of his visit to the United States President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev took part in the annual conference of the Clinton Global Initiative in New York city.
The forum initiated by former President of the United States Bill Clinton in September 2005 brings together global leaders including heads of state, non-profit organizations, charities, and business leaders to discuss challenges facing the world today and implement innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. 29/09/2007

30/07/2007
A telephone conference under the chairmanship of the Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov is expected to be held at Ukimet Uyi (House of Government) in Astana today.

20/07/2007
Vice Minister of Economy and Budget Planning of Kazakhstan Berdibek Saparbayev has met with Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan Ashok Sajjanhar and the second secretary, representative of India in Astana.
The sides discussed questions regarding development of the cooperation between the two states. 22/07/2007

27/06/2007
A working trip of the Kazakh Secretary of State Kanat Saudabayev around regions of Kazakhstan continues.
Today Mr. Saudabayev is expected in South Kazakhstan region where he will meet with the regional core group and survey Mother and Child Center for Prophylaxis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases. Then the Kazakh Secretary of State is going to attend Kozha Akhmet Yassavi mausoleum in Turkistan. 29/06/2007

15/06/2007
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Kazakhstan to China Ikram Adyrbekov was appointed the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Kazakhstan with concurrent accreditation to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea by the presidential decree.

16/05/2007
Turkmenistan to cooperate with Kazakhstan in space.
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov noted the prospects of Turkmen-Kazakh cooperation and said he intended to start joint activities in the field of space at a government. The president of Turkmenistan underlined that Turkmenistan does not want to stand aside from progress, especially considering the course it has taken in reforming the spheres of education and science. 18/05/2007

9/05/2007
President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, officials, people and the guests of the capital held today a minute of silence in remembrance of the heroes, died in the Great Patriotic War, the presidential press service informs.
Nursultan Nazarbayev congratulated the veterans on the VictoryТs 62nd anniversary in the Great Patriotic War. 10/05/2007

30/04/2007
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour met with Prosecutor General of the Republic of Kazakhstan Merei Vaissov on Monday, Kazinform has learnt from the Prosecutors General's press service. Mr. Vaissov told the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights about role of the prosecution agencies in the governmental system of the country.
Following the results of the negotiations the parties underlined it was necessary to strengthen cooperation between the rosecutor-General's Office of Kazakhstan and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. 1/05/2007

20/04/2007
Foreign Affairs Minister of Kazakhstan Marat Tazhin participated in Eurasia: questions and answers of the regional safety section within the frame of the VI Eurasian Media Forum in Almaty. The very day, Marat Tazhin met with ex-president of Iran Mohammad Khatami, ex-premier, President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Yevgeny Primakov, OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut and ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan Abdullah Abdullah and discussed a number of actual issues of the modern international relations.

10/04/2007
"The adjusted social policy securing the most vulnerable layers of the society is a dependable guarantee of stability, security and prosperity of our state", Senate Speaker Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the international conference Promotion of the social dedication and effectiveness of the republican and local budgets in the interests of children and family in the Republic of Kazakhstan. According to Mr. Tokayev, the issues of family and childhood support should be considered in the context of the domestic reforms, directed to perfection of the public management guaranteeing the interests, rights and freedom of every citizen of Kazakhstan and strengthening competitiveness of the country on a global basis.

30/03/2007
Several documents have been signed in the course of the working visit of the Chairman of Russian Government Mikhail Fradkov to Kazakhstan today. Protocol on amendments to the agreement between Kazakh and Russian governments on oil transit as of June 7, 2002 was signed by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister from the Kazakh side and Industry and Energy Minister from the Russian one. An agreement on cooperation between Development Bank of Kazakhstan JSC and Vnesheconombank of Russia was reached as well. Besides, the parties signed a memo of cooperation between the Eurasian Bank of Development and Russian Vensheconombank JSC.

18/03/2007
Investment potentials of the natural monopolies subjects, reserves and perspectives forum will be held in the Kazakhstans Agency for Natural Monopolies Regulation on March 19, Kazinform refers to the Agency's press service. The questions concerning regulation of the capital expenditures of the natural monopolies subjects, formation and realization of the investment programs, application of proceeds and optimization of capacity utilization rate are going to be considered there.

10/03/2007
A conference that convened in Almaty this week to address the fate of an ecologically threatened Central Asian basin the size of California has ended in stalemate between Kazakhstan and China, the two countries most reliant on its waters. The heart of the basin is Lake Balkhash, the third-largest freshwater lake on earth, tucked in the southeastern corner of Kazakhstan. More than 20 percent of the country's population draws on the lake for its drinking water. Lumbering rivers flowing through neighboring Kyrgyzstan and China replenish the lake and adjacent wetlands.

28/02/2007
Making the annual Address to the People of Kazakhstan at the joint sitting of the Kazakh ParliamentТs Houses Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev charged the Government to increase the size of a one-time birth grant by KZT 34.7 thousand or twice.

7/02/2007
Over 300 pieces of weapons were seized from citizens as a result of «Karu» operative search measures in South Kazakhstani oblast. During 6 days policemen seized 4 rifles and two pistols one of which was with a muffler. None of the weapons were not registered and owners of 6 sawn-off guns and 19 hunter’s guns didn’t have a permission for their carrying. People brought 94 pieces of weapon to the law enforcement agencies after the explanation work was carried out. One of the owners of pistols was arrested, as the weapon is connected with one of crimes, which was committed earlier.

21/01/2007
It is crucial to concentrate this year our attention on the strengthening of the national security, Foreign Minister Marat Tazhin said. "The Ministry should also contribute to raising the country's competitive power. Promotion of the domestic business to the overseas market is one of the key and top priorities. The same time in 2007 Kazakhstan will conduce to the upsweep of the competitive strength of the entire Central Asian region what will let us achieve our strategic objectives too".

31/12/2006
We congratulate the visitors of our site with approaching Happy New Year.
We want happiness, good luck and wealth at new year 2007.2/01/2007

27/12/2006
Three new Russian satellites to navigations GLONASS-M were uncared-for from cosmodrome Baikonur by means of booster of the "Protron".
GLONASS interesting for Kazakhstan since country wants to take the active part in its realization. Start went smoothly and aproximately 3 hours later prepared device entered in orbit data. The System GLONASS is a Russian analogue of the famous Global Positioning the system American NavStar, broadly heard as GPS. By means of small device one can be learned;learnted about their positions on space and extract exact information.

16/12/2006
16 December - Independence Day of the republic.
It has been 15 years since Kazakhstan situated in the heart of Eurasia declared its independence back in 1991.
On the eve of this great holiday the Kazakh leader awarded above a thousand of the compatriots. The public and culture figures, state officials, scientists were honoured with the state premiums.

13/12/2006
A republican conference on Historical memory, national consent Ц basis of stability of society devoted to the 15 Years of KazakhstanТs Independence has been held today in the President's Cultural Center.
The questions related to establishment of Kazakhstan's independence and 20th anniversary of the events, occurred in December, 1986 were touched upon there. According to the researchers, the demonstration of youth in 1986 was the first herald of independence and formation of the national consciousness.

11/07/2006
We have received several letters with a request to add page with Kazakhstan orphanages information. We are glad to inform you that page Kazakhstan orphanages is available now!

25/06/2006
We have expanded our Baikonur cosmodrome page. Read about Baikonur cosmodrome Soviet era history, current sitiation and Baikonur cosmodrome features, future projects and tours.

15/05/2006
10 squares about Kazakhstan Updates:

01/05/2006
We are always looking for more links, content contributions, and lively discussions.

01/05/2006
Welcome to AboutKazakhstan.com! Next months we will be building comprehensive collection of information about Kazakhstan.

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