Kazakh President declares August 29 National Mourning Day
Due to the tragic event in Baizakskiy district of Zhambyl region which left multiple victims, the Head of State declared August 29 the National Mourning Day.
The military and rescuers who died there demonstrated true heroism and commitment. They will be always remembered," the Twitter account of the President reads.
As earlier reported, the fire broke out at a military unit in Zhambyl region on Thursday evening. The blaze led to the explosions that entailed multiple victims and injuries at the scene.
According to the latest figures, 13 people died and 98 were injured. Search for missing is underway.
The Ministers of Defence and Emergency Situations and the Defence Ministry’s commission are at the scene of the of the accident.
On August 27 the Head of State held a meeting on the blasts in Zhambyl region and charged to set up an interdepartmental state commission. The governmental commission for elimination of consequences of the fire and blasts that rocked on August 26 in the military unit will estimate damages.
Source: Kazinform
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
relevant news
Ministry says forest cover in Kazakhstan on the rise
Images | depositphotos.com
Kazakhstan is gradually expanding its forest cover while focusing on sustainable management and protection, the country’s Ecology and Natural Resources Deputy Minister Nurlan Kurmalayev said on Thursday, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Since independence, Kazakhstan’s forest fund has expanded by 6.9 million hectares, bringing the total to 31.4 million hectares. Forest-covered land now accounts for 14 million hectares, resulting in a rise in the forest cover rate from 3.8 percent to 5.1 percent.
Fulfilling its international commitments, Kazakhstan aims to grow its forest cover to 14.5 million hectares by 2030.
Under a presidential directive, Kazakhstan is executing a massive reforestation drive targeting two billion trees by 2027, with over 1.6 billion already planted since 2021.
Significant efforts are underway at addressing the situation in the Aral Sea area.
Kurmalayev said Kazakhstan is actively combating salt and dust transport by planting native saxaul, with 1.1 million hectares established since 2021. The deputy minister highlighted this effort as a top solution and expressed strong appreciation for the partnership with Uzbekistan in managing the Aral Sea region's environmental challenges.
Kazakhstan furthered regional environmental efforts by proposing the Green Shield of Central Asia at the Regional Ecological Summit, a resolution designed to establish shelterbelts and green barriers to combat soil erosion, stabilize shifting sands, and enhance the regional microclimate.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan–Dubai flights remain suspended through May 31
Images | unsplash.com
Air Astana has extended the suspension of its regular flights to Dubai through May 31 inclusive due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Passengers impacted by the cancellations may opt for a full refund with no penalties or free rebooking in the same class on flights departing by July 31. They also have the option to change their route to other airline flights at no additional cost, aside from any fare difference and airport fees, for departures by the same date.
If a ticket was previously rebooked with a penalty, that fee cannot be refunded.
The airline said it continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates to passengers if there are any changes.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Montenegro Introduces Temporary Visa-Free Regime for Citizens of Kazakhstan
Images | Depositphotos
On April 17, 2026, the Government of Montenegro introduced a temporary visa-free regime for citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Accordingly, Kazakh citizens with a valid travel document, will be able to enter, transit through, and stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days during the period from May 1 to October 1 of this year.
Thus, Kazakhstani citizens, on the basis of a valid travel document, will be able from May 1 to October 1 of this year to enter, transit through, and stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days.
For longer trips, an appropriate visa must be obtained.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
President Tokayev proposes establishing International Day of Aral Sea under UN
Images | Depositphotos
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed establishing an International Day of the Aral Sea under the UN to draw global attention to regional water and environmental challenges, Qazinform News Agency cites Akorda.
The Kazakh leader stressed the need for stronger cooperation and solidarity among Central Asian countries to address growing water and ecological issues. Tokayev also noted that while Kyrgyzstan has suspended its participation in the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, Kazakhstan respects this decision and remains open to continued collaboration, stressing the importance of Kyrgyzstan’s experience for regional sustainability.
President Tokayev called for closer cooperation with international organizations and financial institutions to support key environmental projects. He also reiterated his proposal to create an International Water Organization within the UN to strengthen global coordination on water security, suggesting it could be presented as a joint initiative by Central Asian countries.
Additionally, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed to jointly put forward the initiative to establish International Days of the Aral Sea, as well as the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, under the UN to raise awareness of the region’s water system.
In conclusion, President Tokayev highlighted that the Aral Sea situation is both a major ecological challenge for regional states and a public test of our ability to cooperate for tangible results.
The Kazakh leader stressed that the future of Central Asia depends on unity, dialogue, and joint action, noting the importance of water security for the region.
The meeting also featured speeches by the presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, along with the head of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Foreign Friends Experience China Spa: A New Taste of Chinese
Images | english.news.cn
Foreign friends explore China's spas, where ancient traditions meet modern tranquility. It's a unique wellness journey, unveiling the heart of Chinese culture and offering a peaceful retreat for mind and body, news.cn reports.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.