Nauryz Celebrations Held in Washington, D.C.
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The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art hosted a ceremonial event celebrating Nauryz, an ancient holiday of spring renewal that symbolizes unity and the beginning of a new life cycle, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The event was jointly organized by the diplomatic missions of Central Asian countries and served as a platform for cultural dialogue and promoting public diplomacy.
As part of the program, Kazakhstan showcased the rich cultural heritage of its people through traditional national cuisine. Guests were offered key elements of the festive dastarkhan, including Nauryz kozhe, baursaks, zhent, and irimshik, reflecting the country’s centuries-old culinary traditions.
Particular attention was drawn to the installation of a traditional Kazakh yurt, which allowed visitors to explore elements of nomadic culture and everyday life. The exhibition was complemented by displays of Kazakh art, including handcrafted items and traditional jewelry.
Guests tried on Kazakh national costumes, deepening their cultural experience and sparking strong interest among a wide audience.
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Almaty Tourism Days Held in Hong Kong
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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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Filming of "Armour of God 4" Starring Jackie Chan Begins in Mangystau
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Filming has begun in Kazakhstan's Mangystau Region for the international feature film Armour of God 4: Ultimatum, starring legendary actor Jackie Chan, the regional administration said.
The project is being produced by Sәlem Entertainment and Dala Edge Creative Tech Park. The first scenes have already been filmed against the natural landscapes of the Mangystau Region.
One of the film's main shooting locations is the Bozzhyra tract. A 35-member film crew worked at the site from June 7 to June 12.
Production is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, with the film's premiere expected in February 2027.
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International Year of Volunteers Unites 200,000 Kazakhstanis
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The International Year of Volunteers has brought together 200,000 Kazakhstanis since the beginning of 2026, the agency's correspondent reports.
In particular, compared to last year, a positive trend has been observed in the number of active volunteers participating in various initiatives and events. Their total number has reached 200,000 people.
As previously reported, 2026 was declared the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development by the United Nations at the initiative of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The initiative has provided a significant boost to the development of the volunteer movement in Kazakhstan.
One of the key events dedicated to the Year was the session titled "Volunteering and Environmental Action," held on April 23 in Astana as part of a regional environmental summit. The event was attended by United Nations Under-Secretary-General Haoliang Xu and around 200 participants from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Japan and Afghanistan.
In addition, the volunteer community took part in a number of large-scale campaigns, including "Let Us Preserve Cultural Heritage Together," aimed at improving historical and cultural sites, the spring stage of the national Marathon of Good Deeds project, and the international Clean Shores Day of Unified Action campaign.
Since the beginning of the year, approximately 120,000 volunteers have also participated in the nationwide environmental campaign Taza Kazakhstan.
Today, under the instructions of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a Concept for the Development of the Volunteer Movement through 2030 is being drafted. As part of this effort, focus-group meetings have been held in major cities across the country with the participation of more than 250 active volunteers. Around 120 proposals and recommendations have been collected. A separate environmental volunteering development program is also being prepared.
In addition, Kazakhstan plans to introduce a National Volunteering Development Index and a Digital Volunteer Passport later this year.
At present, volunteer activities in Kazakhstan are coordinated by the National Front Office. The country also operates 20 regional front offices, a unified call center and the online platform Qazvolunteer.kz, which has brought together more than 1,200 projects and 3,884 organizations. Currently, 56 volunteer projects and 60 small grant initiatives worth 1 million tenge each are being implemented.
In cooperation with the United Nations Volunteers programme, Kazakhstan is also considering the establishment of an Asian Volunteer Training Center at the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
Furthermore, under a fully funded international programme, five Kazakh volunteers have been deployed on overseas missions with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Argentina and China.
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