KTZ Explains Delayed Launch of Stadler Passenger Railcars
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New Stadler passenger railcars have not yet entered service in Kazakhstan due to concerns regarding their braking system, Talgat Aldybergenov, Chairman of the Management Board of JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), said at a government briefing.
As the national rail operator, we cannot put railcars into service without ensuring the safety of our passengers and the safe operation of trains on our network. As soon as all of our concerns have been addressed, the railcars will be launched," Aldybergenov said.
KTZ noted that the Stadler passenger railcar project has been under implementation for nearly two years. According to the company, tests conducted in December last year revealed issues with the braking system, which were subsequently confirmed by the manufacturer.
Additional testing of the railcars was carried out between February and May. Test reports covering operations at various speed levels are currently awaiting approval by Stadler.
KTZ stressed that the identified deficiencies were discovered during standard certification and inspection procedures that all new railcars must undergo before entering commercial service.
Stadler has confirmed the existence of these non-compliances. Since February, we have been conducting tests. However, there is a difference in positions. We maintain, and are confident, that the braking systems currently do not comply with regulatory requirements. We insist on this position and have all the supporting evidence, which has also been provided to the manufacturer," KTZ said.
During a government meeting, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said further delays in the introduction of Stadler rolling stock were unacceptable amid continuing passenger complaints about the condition of railway carriages.
Complaints from passengers about the condition of railcars continue to be received. Further delays in the delivery of Stadler railcars are unacceptable," the prime minister said.
Bektenov instructed the Ministry of Industry, together with KTZ and Stadler, to ensure the delivery and commissioning of the passenger railcars as quickly as possible while fully complying with all technical safety requirements.
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Puppy Rescued After Abuse in Shymkent Finds New Home with Russian Singer
Images | Фото: Instagram/iz_kletki_v_dom
A puppy that was severely abused in Shymkent has found a new home with Russian singer Anna Asti.
According to volunteers from the animal rescue community iz_kletki_v_dom, a group of children placed the puppy in a plastic bag and repeatedly threw it onto the asphalt. When the animal was taken to a veterinary clinic, it was covered in blood and in critical condition.
Veterinarians diagnosed the puppy with multiple internal injuries and bruising.
His name is Mishutka. He has been adopted by Anna Asti. He is now in Moscow," the volunteers said.
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Robotaxi Service Introduced in Almaty
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A robotaxi service has been unveiled in Almaty. The autonomous ride-hailing system will be introduced in stages, beginning with a pilot phase involving limited testing before being expanded as the technology's safety and reliability are confirmed, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport said.
According to the ministry, the service will include 24/7 communication with dispatch centres and insurance coverage for all trips. The autonomous vehicles will be operated using artificial intelligence, continuous traffic analysis systems and safety-response algorithms.
The Ministry of Transport is currently preparing the regulatory framework required for the operation of robotaxis. Draft legislative amendments have already been developed to define key concepts, establish rules for the use of autonomous transport, outline the responsibilities of government agencies and introduce the necessary legal mechanisms.
The ministry noted that international experience has demonstrated the successful use of autonomous technologies in a number of countries and that their introduction in Kazakhstan could help drive the development of high-tech sectors of the economy.
Almaty and Astana are being considered as the main locations for pilot projects due to their advanced digital infrastructure and elements of intelligent transport systems.
The rollout of robotaxi services will be carried out gradually, with strict compliance with safety requirements at every stage.
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Kazakhstan's Interior Ministry Warns of New Fraud Scheme
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Kazakhstan's Ministry of Internal Affairs has warned citizens about a new fraud scheme in which scammers use the names and photographs of senior law enforcement and security officials.
According to the ministry, fraudsters create fake accounts on messaging apps and social media platforms, posing as public officials, former colleagues or acquaintances. Using various pretexts, they attempt to persuade people to urgently transfer money or lend funds.
The ministry urged citizens to remain vigilant and not trust messages requesting money transfers, even if they appear to come from people they know.
The Interior Ministry also reminded the public never to share SMS verification codes, bank card details, passwords or other personal information with third parties, click on suspicious links or install unknown applications.
If such messages are received, citizens are advised to verify the information by contacting the person through a known phone number or official communication channels. The ministry also urged Kazakhstanis to remain cautious and warn their relatives and friends about such scams.
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Almaty Tourism Days Held in Hong Kong
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong SAR, PRC, the Department of Tourism of Almaty city, and Kazakh tourism operators took part in the International Travel Expo (ITE) in Hong Kong.
The exhibition featured over 500 international tourism organizations and companies, with more than 30 countries showcasing their national pavilions.
During the event, Kazakh tourism representatives presented the country’s tourism potential, established connections with Chinese and Hong Kong partners, and agreed to enhance collaborative efforts to attract more visitors to Kazakhstan.
On June 11, 2026, as part of the expo, the "Almaty Tourism Days" roadshow was held in Hong Kong.
The official opening ceremony was addressed by representatives of the Consulate General and Yerkebulan Abikhan, Head of the Tourism Promotion Department of the Department of Tourism of Almaty city. Attendees included representatives from Hong Kong government agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, cultural and artistic figures, heads of local tourism companies, and media representatives.
As part of the roadshow, representatives from Kazakh tourism companies, (Sky Way, Turan Asia, Vision Travel, and others), conducted B2B meetings with Hong Kong tour operators and signed memorandums of cooperation. The parties agreed to intensify efforts to promote tourist travel from Hong Kong to Kazakhstan.
The evening program offered guests a taste of Kazakh culture, featuring national cuisine, traditional dances, and musical performances accompanied by folk instruments and commemorative souvenirs were distributed.
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Death of Kazakh Citizen in Italy: Foreign Ministry Provided Necessary Consular Assistance
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Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided the necessary consular and legal assistance following the death of a Kazakh citizen in Italy, Foreign Ministry spokesman Yerlan Zhetybayev said at a briefing, an agency correspondent reported.
According to information from the competent authorities, he drowned. We provided the necessary consular and legal assistance, including support with documentation and arrangements for the repatriation of the body," Zhetybayev said.
Earlier, media reports stated that a student from Kazakhstan had been found dead among coastal rocks in the Italian town of Briatico.
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Kazakh National Found Dead in the United States
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A body believed to be that of a Kazakh citizen has been found in the United States, Foreign Ministry spokesman Yerlan Zhetybayev said at a briefing, an agency correspondent reported.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan has received information from the competent authorities of the United States regarding the discovery of a body believed to be that of a citizen of Kazakhstan. The American side is currently carrying out the necessary procedures," Zhetybayev said.
According to him, Kazakh diplomats are maintaining contact with the relevant US authorities as well as with the citizen’s relatives.
Necessary consular and legal assistance is being provided," the Foreign Ministry spokesman added.
Earlier, reports circulated online about the disappearance of a 24-year-old Kazakh citizen who was said to be living in the state of Illinois. Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry later commented on the case and said it was monitoring the situation.
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Foreign Ministry Issues Advice for Kazakh Fans Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
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Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged citizens planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico to obtain the necessary visas in advance, follow safety precautions and keep the contact details of Kazakhstan's diplomatic missions abroad readily available.
During the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, we urge citizens to exercise increased caution and pay close attention to personal safety," the ministry said.
The ministry advised Kazakh nationals to carry identification documents or copies of them at all times, comply with the requirements of local law enforcement agencies and event organisers, avoid large crowds outside official match zones, plan travel routes in advance and use official transportation services.
Citizens were also advised not to leave personal belongings unattended, to monitor announcements from local authorities and emergency services, and to immediately contact the nearest Kazakh diplomatic mission in the event of lost documents, detention, threats to life or health, or any other emergency situation.
The Foreign Ministry reminded travellers that Kazakh citizens require a valid US visa to enter the United States and a Canadian visa to travel to Canada.
For travel to Mexico, a Mexican visa issued by a Mexican consular office abroad is required. However, entry is also permitted for holders of documents confirming permanent residence in Canada, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Schengen Area countries or Pacific Alliance member states, as well as holders of valid visas issued by those countries. Entry is also possible with an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) approved by Mexico, a seafarer's identity document for crew members, or valid aircraft crew status.
In the event of lost documents, detention, threats to life or health, or any other emergency, we ask citizens to immediately contact the nearest diplomatic mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan," the ministry stressed.
Contact details for Kazakhstan's diplomatic missions abroad are available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry Reminds Travellers of New Schengen Area Entry Rules
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Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reminded travellers that the pilot version of the Entry/Exit System (EES) came into operation on 12 October 2025, automatically recording the entry and exit of citizens of non-EU countries.
The new system applies to travellers visiting European countries for short stays, including both holders of short-term visas and citizens of countries that enjoy visa-free travel arrangements. Cases of refusal of entry will also be recorded in the EES.
When crossing the border, the system collects and stores travel document details, personal information of the traveller, as well as the dates of entry and exit. In addition, the EES stores biometric data, including facial photographs and fingerprints.
The system stores:
- travel document information;
- dates and places of entry and exit;
- facial photographs and fingerprints;
- records of entry refusals.
Fingerprints of citizens from countries that do not require a visa to enter Europe will be stored in the EES database. For travellers who require a Schengen visa, such data will continue to be stored in the Visa Information System (VIS).
Where necessary, the EES will also be able to access information from the Visa Information System and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
The system will operate in all European Union member states except Cyprus and Ireland, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
The Foreign Ministry noted that travellers who refuse to provide biometric data may be denied entry to countries using the EES system.
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