The Symphony "Astana" was Successfully Presented in Vietn
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From 27 November to 1 December 2025, the Fourth International New Music Festival Asia-Europe was held in Ha Noi. It was arranged jointly by the Organizing Committee comprised of representatives from two continents, and the Union of Vietnamese Composers, with the support of the central state bodies of Viet Nam and the People’s Committee of Ha Noi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Honourable Tolegen Muhamedzhanov, the world-famous composer, Meritorious Artist of Kazakhstan, presented at the Festival his musical masterpiece - the symphony "Astana". The Vietnamese public received it with special enthusiasm and deep appreciation. It was also highly evaluated by international experts. The Gala Concert of the Festival was held at the National Academy of Music of Viet Nam.
The international festival was attended by more than 30 composers and artists from Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Russia, Spain, Switzerland and Viet Nam.
On the margins of the festival, composer T. Mukhamedzhanov and Kazakh Ambassador to Viet Nam Kanat Tumysh held meetings with Hoang Dao Cuong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Arts, and Sports of Viet Nam; Do Hong Quan, Chairman of the Alliance of Arts and Literature Associations of Viet Nam; Luong Xuan Doan, President of the Viet Nam Fine Arts Association, as well as with the leadership of the Viet Nam National Academy of Music.
Festival participants visited the provinces of Phú Thọ and Hòa Bình. For Viet Nam this cross-regional event was one of the most important gatherings in the field of professional music.
The festival has become a cultural bridge between the countries of Asia and Europe, bringing together both Vietnamese and international audiences that follow new trends in classical music.
The symphony "Astana" was a valuable gift in terms of the celebration in Viet Nam of the 35th Anniversary of State Sovereignty of Kazakhstan, as well as the upcoming Independence Day of the country.
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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
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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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