Almaty welcomes up to 1.1 million tourists in January-June 2025
In the first half of 2025, Almaty welcomed 1.1 million tourists, representing a 6.5% increase compared to the same period last year, Kazinform News Agency reports.
Among them, 320,000 were foreign visitors, with the main growth driven by travelers from India, China, the UAE, and Malaysia.
According to Olzhas Smagulov, deputy mayor of the city, the growth of tourism is supported by the expansion of air connections. In 2025, new international routes were launched to Guangzhou, Yining, Shanghai, Da Nang, Alanya, and Osh.
Data from Mastercard show that foreign tourists spend an average of 441 US dollars per day in Almaty - 8.7 times more than domestic travelers.
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"Armour of God: Ultimatum" to be filmed in Mangistau
Images | Facebook/Jackie Chan
Actor Jackie Chan and director of Armour of God: Ultimatum, Robert Kun, have officially designated Mangistau as the main filming location for their new major cinematic project, Qazinform News Agency has learnt from the Regional Public Communications Center.
During the visit, the film team examined the region’s natural and infrastructural potential, touring dozens of possible sites and conducting thorough inspections of key natural landmarks. Following extensive discussions, Mangistau was selected as the filming location for Armour of God thanks to its unique landscapes, sweeping panoramas, and distinctive natural character.
Preparatory and organizational work on the project will continue as planned.
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Kazakh Film Days Held in Oslo
Images | gov.kz
The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Norway, together with the national film studio "Kazakhfilm" named after Shaken Aimanov, organized the "Kazakh Cinema Days" in Oslo from November 19 to December 11, 2025, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
As part of the program, the Kazakh films "Myn Bala: Warriors of the Steppe", "The Story of a Mother", and "Districts" were screened.
The screenings took place at one of the leading cultural centers located in the heart of the Norwegian capital - the Cinemateket (Norsk Filminstitutt) cinema.
The concept behind the film screenings was based on the idea of presenting the history of Kazakhstan across different periods - from the era of state formation to modern social realities.
The films were attended by representatives of Norway’s official, business, and public circles, as well as students, members of diplomatic missions, and the Kazakh diaspora.
The program generated genuine interest among local audiences in Kazakhstan’s history, cultural traditions, and contemporary society, highlighting the importance of such events for further dialogue between the two countries.
The Kazakh Cinema Days became an important event in the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Kazakhstan and Norway and contributed to strengthening cultural ties between our countries.
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Kazakhstan and World Health Organization Strengthen Cooperation
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First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Ashikbayev, met with representatives of the World Health Organization in Kazakhstan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The meeting was attended by WHO Representative in Kazakhstan, Skender Syla, and Melitta Jakab, Head of the Geographically Dispersed Office of the WHO Regional Office for Europe located in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The discussion focused on key areas of cooperation in the health sector and strengthening joint initiatives.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the results achieved by Kazakhstan in key areas of the healthcare system. In particular, they noted a 25% reduction in non-communicable diseases, an increase in the average life expectancy to 75.4 years, and positive trends in maternal and child health.
Additionally, the parties considered opportunities to expand cooperation with WHO in the context of the upcoming Regional Environmental Summit in April.
First Deputy Minister Ashikbayev emphasized the importance of increasing the number of Kazakh healthcare professionals working in international organizations and promoting their professional development within the WHO system.
In this regard, organization representatives noted that the possibility of organizing professional training and development programs for healthcare workers in Kazakhstan is being considered. Organization also highlighted that Kazakhstan’s achievements in primary health care are recognized by many countries as a positive example.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue joint efforts aimed at improving the quality of medical services, ensuring their accessibility for the population, and further strengthening the healthcare system.
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Prospects for Establishing New Academic and Research Alliances Discussed in Istanbul
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An extended roundtable was held in Istanbul with the participation of more than 25 rectors and representatives of leading Turkish universities to discuss the Address of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, "Kazakhstan in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Current Challenges and Their Solutions Through Digital Transformation". The event served as an expert platform for analyzing the role of higher education and science in implementing Kazakhstan’s strategic priorities, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the discussion, a comprehensive overview of the initiatives outlined by the Head of State was presented, including the development of artificial intelligence, the digital modernization of industry, strengthening economic resilience, and transforming educational standards. Participants noted that the Address clearly sets a course toward shaping a new technological paradigm and enhancing human capital.
The meeting also examined the prospects for creating new academic and research alliances between universities in Kazakhstan and Türkiye, focusing on AI, digital studies, and the innovation-driven economy. Turkish scholars emphasized that President Tokayev’s Address fully aligns with global trends in the development of science and technology.
Special attention was given to training specialists for the industries of the future, improving scientific infrastructure, and integrating universities of both countries into a shared regional innovation ecosystem.
At the conclusion of the roundtable, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to expand long-term cooperation and initiate joint programs to support the implementation of the outlined objectives.
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Kazakh Room Reopened at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
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On the eve of the 34th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence, a solemn ceremony was held at the United Nations Office at Geneva to mark the reopening of the renovated Kazakh Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Opening remarks were delivered by Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization and international economic organizations Kairat Torebayev; Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva Tatiana Valovaya; and Deputy Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ugochi Daniels. The honored guest was the renowned Kazakh singer, Kazakhstan’s Goodwill Ambassador, and IOM Global Goodwill ambassador, Dimash Qudaibergen.
The event was attended by heads of diplomatic missions, representatives of international organizations, and members of the Kazakh diaspora.
"Kazakh Room is not just a meeting room; it is a symbol of Kazakhstan’s commitment to multilateralism, dialogue, and peace. We are pleased to open its doors today together with Dimash - a voice that unites millions of people around the world", - K. Torebayev noted in his remarks.
During the ceremony, IOM Deputy Director General U.Daniels officially announced the appointment of D.Qudaibergen as an IOM Global Goodwill Ambassador. Dimash is also one of the first Goodwill Ambassadors of Kazakhstan under the national project of the same name launched in 2024.
Addressing the guests, D.Qudaibergen emphasized that music is a universal language understood by everyone without translation. He warmly spoke about his fans - the Dears - who learn Kazakh songs, play national instruments, travel to Kazakhstan, and sincerely discover its culture. According to the artist, this inspires him to carry a message of peace, kindness, and unity.
Guests were shown singer’s video "Kieli Meken" as well as an IOM video about his work as a Goodwill Ambassador. At the end of the ceremony, guests were offered traditional Kazakh treats.
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