Nazarbayev, Tokayev and Kazakhstan’s continuing political reform journey

 Kazakhstan is a central Asian republic with a long, storied history dating back to prehistory, through the Mongol era, the Kazakh Khanate, the Russian Empire, and subsequently the Soviet Union. Thirty-one years after regaining the statehood that was lost when the Kazakh Khanate was absorbed by Russia 180 years ago, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan President Tokayev announces more democratic reforms

 June 2019 was a turning point in Kazakhstan’s history. It was the first time since the collapse of the former Soviet Union, over thirty years ago, that the larger-than-life former President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, did not run for election; he resigned earlier in the year. His appointed successor and Nur Otan party candidate,

Five Reasons to Love Astana

 Located in northern regions of the country, Astana (??????) is the capital of Kazakhstan, and home to the country’s federal government. Originally a settlement called Akmoly, the city was renamed Astana a year after it was made the capital in 1997. The capital is relatively easy for Canadians to visit, albeit

Astana Emerges: Expo 2017

 The most important green energy Expo of the decade takes place in Astana, Kazakhstan in 2017. Nursultan Nazarbayev President of the Republic of Kazakhstan is inviting the world to attend Expo 2017 in Astana, one of the world’s most modern and green cities. The Expo 2017 global gathering will showcase developments

Ottawa Expertise on Display In Kazakhstan/Central Asia

 Downtown Astana, photo by Ken and Nyetta. Kazakhstan is a country on the move. Kazaks are the ancestors of the great Genghis Khan. Today, their diverse multicultural society, with its historical tribes, numerous languages and religions and their international outlook in global affairs has made it one of the most compelling countries

Astana – Modern Wonder of the World

 This year, Kazakhstan celebrates its 550th anniversary of statehood. Its rich history dates back to Gengis Khan, the journey of tradesmen and of travelers along the northern route of the Great Silk Road. However, interestingly, the Kazakh capital, Astana, is relatively young. In fact, July 6th marked its 17th year

Canada Skips Dialogue of Leaders of World Religions in Astana

 Photos provided by the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions Kazakhstan's capital Astana is hosting an international conference gathering leaders of world religions and politicians from dozens of countries across the world. Canadian officials, however, will not be present. The Congress of the Leaders of World and

Kazakhstan Is Moving Ahead

 Above: Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, is one of the most successful and ambitious development projects in Central Asia. There is no question that the the global financial and economic crisis and difficult geopolitical situation that exists today has left few countries in the world unaffected. The recent collapse of oil prices has

Kazakhstan’s Nursultan Nazarbayev Wins His Fifth Election

 Photo courtesy: Official site of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan It came as no surprise, Nursultan Nazarbayev has won yet another election in the Central Asian country of Kazakhstan. The incumbent president knows his country and his people well. President Nazarbayev is an experienced politician. In his campaign, he

What Really Stands Behind Eurasian Economic Union?

 Above: From left: President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and President of Russia Vladimir Putin signed the Treaty of Eurasian Economic Union in Astana. The treaty came into force January 1, 2015. | Photo courtesy: Mikhail Klimentyev/RIA Novosti Media has paid little attention to the Eurasian Economic Union

Canada eyes Kazakhstan as a top priority market

 On December 16, folk festivals, parades, displays of traditional food and fireworks took over many cities across Kazakhstan. Cheering crowds flooded main streets to celebrate the country’s 23rd birthday. In connection with Kazakhstan's Independence Day, prominent Canadian politicians and members of the business community shared their experiences of working with

Preventing Radicalization: Two-Decade Social Experiment

 The Assembly of Nations unites all 140 nationalities living in Kazakhstan to promote cooperation and to give them political voice. Nine representatives of the Assembly are elected to the legislative chamber of the Parliament. On Wednesday, October 22, Ottawa woke-up to the sounds of shooting coming from Parliament Hill, the

Canada-Kazakhstan Bilateral Relations Flourish

 Kazakhstan and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1992. The 20th anniversary of this historic event saw a significant strengthening of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in 2012, through highlevel exchanges, inter-parliamentary contacts and enhanced trade and economic ties. Bilateral relations continued to flourish in 2013. Canada’s Agri-Food Minister Gerry

Kazakhstan and Canada: Bilateral Ties Flourish in Astana

 Milions of dollars in Canadian exports will soon be flowing to Kazakhstan, improving the lives of Canadian farmers while strengthening ties between the two countries. Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food, Gerry Ritz, oversaw a total of $11 million of contracts signed for the livestock industry on a recent trip