Meruyert Zhakiyanova
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan seeks Belgium partnership to boost Middle Corridor trade
Kazakhstan is seeking closer cooperation with Belgium on the Middle Corridor, including a potential partnership between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Caspian ports of Aktau and Kuryk, as King Philippe and Queen Mathilde make their first state visit to the country.
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Tech News
Latvian filmmaker wins AI film Grand Prix in Kazakhstan
The first Astana AI Film Festival has concluded in Kazakhstan, with Latvian filmmaker Nikolay Shestak taking the Grand Prix. The festival had a total fund of €1.8 million, with half allocated to prize money and the other half to investment in promising AI teams and film production in Kazakhstan.
Kyrgyzstan
Tokayev urges action as SCO trade nears $1 trillion
The SCO Council of Heads of State met in Bishkek, bringing together leaders of its ten member countries. With SCO trade approaching $1 trillion, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed new initiatives on security, trade, connectivity and technology.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s gov't steps down as new parliament holds first session
Kazakhstan’s newly elected unicameral parliament has held its first session under a new Constitution that reshaped the country’s political system. The government has stepped down as required, with a new cabinet set to be formed.
Culture news
Global stars, cosplay and creativity at Comic Con Astana 2026
Comic Con Astana, Central Asia's biggest pop culture festival, has celebrated its fifth anniversary with international film stars, elaborate cosplay, gaming tournaments and one of the region's largest cosplay competitions, drawing thousands of visitors to Kazakhstan's capital.
Kazakhstan
Almaty to the skies: Kazakhstan tests Central Asia's first air taxi
Central Asia's first air taxi test flight has taken place in Kazakhstan, as authorities and private partners work to develop a new urban air mobility network. Commercial trial operations are expected by early 2029, subject to certification and regulatory approval.
Travel News
Astana to host major European travel forum
Kazakhstan will host the German DRV Destination Forum in Astana in August 2026 amid growing tourist flows from Germany. The agreement, reached at the ITB travel fair in Berlin, is expected to deepen tourism cooperation and raise Kazakhstan’s profile among German tour operators.
Cinema
Women's rights documentary makes historic Berlinale premiere
For the first time in its history, a Kazakh documentary has premiered at the Berlinale’s Forum section — one of the world’s most influential film festivals. ‘River Dreams’, the debut feature by director Kristina Mikhailova, gives voice to women imagining life beyond male dominance.
Culture news
One goal, two approaches: Cultural connections in Central Asia
Central Asia is investing heavily in cultural infrastructure, from privately funded museums in Kazakhstan to state-led institutions in Uzbekistan. These contrasting approaches reveal how culture is being mobilised as strategy, legacy and soft power across the region.
Kazakhstan
Legend Golovkin becomes first Kazakh inducted into Boxing Hall of Fame
Kazakhstan’s boxing icon Gennadiy Golovkin has been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. The former middleweight champion was elected president of World Boxing in November, tasked with securing the sport's Olympic future and unifying a divided landscape.
Culture news
Berlin and New York ballet stars shine at Kazakhstan’s dance festival
Berlin State Ballet and American Ballet Theatre stars led the IV Freedom Festival with "Paquita" staged by Altynai Asylmuratova in Kazakhstan, while the Berlin Ballet Company’s contemporary program explored the future of ballet.
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