News roundup: Foreign media on World Nomad Games, Middle Corridor and more

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media roundup includes the 5th World Nomad Games, the development of the Middle Corridor, Kazakhstan’s partnership with Central Asian states and more.

The shanyrak is a powerful symbol that transcends time and place and has come to mean unity and family for the Kazakh people. Photo credit: Press Service of the National and Equestrian Sports Center

World Nomad Games: the spectacular ‘Olympic Games’ of Central Asia

BBC Travel has a article on September 12 about the fifth World Nomad Games, which took place this week in Astana.

The Olympic Games of the Nomadic World, also known as the “Great Gathering of the Steppe,” are a spectacular celebration of traditional sports, identity and culture from across Inner Asia, the article’s author writes.

“The World Nomad Games are part of the Highland Games, part of the Mongolian Naadam festival, and include sports such as horse wrestling and Central Asian strongman competitions. They give a sense of what the Olympics might have been like if Genghis Khan had been in charge.”

“Many of the sports are rooted in the skills needed to survive on the steppe and the unparalleled equestrian prowess that fueled a millennia-long wave of successive steppe empires from the Huns to the Mongols. There are traditional events such as archery and long-distance horse racing, but the Games also promote Kazakh food, traditional dress and even the art of epic storytelling. The aim is to preserve and protect Kazakhstan’s nomadic and steppe culture, which is increasingly threatened by globalization, modernization and even climate change,” the article said.

World athletes gather in Kazakhstan to celebrate cultural heritage at the 5th World Nomad Games

Travel and Tour World published an article on September 9, stating that the long-awaited 5th World Nomad Games in Astana have begun with an impressive opening ceremony at the Astana Arena. This grand event has attracted more than 2,500 athletes and countless visitors from 89 countries, celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage of nomadic societies and showcasing the unique sports and customs that have been preserved over the centuries.

In his opening speech, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the historical significance of nomadic cultures and their lasting legacy in shaping the world. “The Kazakh land is home to outstanding historical figures such as Al-Farabi and Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, who made significant contributions to the development of science and humanistic ideas. Our ancestors founded powerful states and built magnificent medieval cities in the Great Steppe, including Otyrar, Turkestan, Taraz and Saraishyk,” he noted.

The article notes that the World Nomad Games, recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, have become the most important global event for traditional sports. This competition attracts participants from all over the world, including Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa and Australia.

Referendum to determine Kazakhstan’s nuclear energy ambitions

The Diplomat published an article on September 10 about the upcoming referendum in Kazakhstan on October 6 to determine whether to proceed with the construction of a nuclear power plant. The article emphasizes that Kazakhstan’s desire to switch to nuclear energy is primarily driven by the need for energy security. In addition, nuclear power plants offer environmental benefits, particularly in terms of emissions, as they do not produce greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide or methane, which are major contributors to global warming and climate change.

“If the project goes ahead, building a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan is estimated to cost $10-12 billion. However, proponents of the project see nuclear power as cost-effective due to its low fuel costs, long lifespan and stable energy production. The government also hopes the project will create jobs, increase tax revenues and boost related industries,” the article said.

The article also notes that the International Atomic Energy Agency has been involved in assessing Kazakhstan’s readiness to develop nuclear energy. This is done through multiple missions. These missions have highlighted Kazakhstan’s progress in nuclear safety, emergency planning, and radioactive waste management.

China, Central Asia hold ministerial conference on counter-terrorism and combating transnational crime

China is willing to enhance its counter-terrorism and transnational crime fighting capabilities and build an efficient and pragmatic cooperation platform with Central Asian countries to realize the vision of universal security, said Wang Xiaohong, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security. reported by Xinhua on September 10.

Wang made the remarks during a speech at the first China-Central Asia Ministerial Conference on Public Security and Internal Affairs in Lianyungang, eastern China’s Jiangsu Province.

Wang noted that China and the countries of Central Asia are good neighbors, friends, partners and brothers. He said that China is willing to work with all parties to give full play to the role of the ministerial conference, thus creating a sense of security in the community and deepening strategic mutual trust and cooperation.

Multilateral ties between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan boost trade and energy cooperation

AzerNews published a article on September 4 on the partnership between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

Through its strategic policy, Azerbaijan has built robust economic and political partnerships with neighbouring countries, European states, Western countries and Central Asian countries. The country particularly values ​​its relations with Turkic states, with Kazakhstan being a prominent and strategic partner in this network.

“A key factor in strengthening these relations is the strong personal bond between the heads of state of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. In recent years, frequent visits between President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and the President of Kazakhstan have become an integral part of their diplomatic engagement,” the article said.

These robust relations are also clearly visible in the economic sphere. According to the National Statistical Service, the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan reached $280.6 million in January-June. During this period, Azerbaijan exported $24.5 million worth of goods to Kazakhstan, while imports from Kazakhstan reached $256.1 million.

Kazakhstan achieves highest ever Moody’s rating: Baa1 with stable outlook

Yahoo Finance reported On September 9, international ratings agency Moody’s raised the Kazakh government’s long-term ratings for local and foreign currency issuers to Baa1 from Baa2 and revised the outlook to stable from positive.

“The upgrade is driven by Moody’s assessment that continued improvements to Kazakhstan’s institutional and policy framework, together with continued progress in economic diversification away from hydrocarbons, have improved and will continue to improve the country’s resilience to external shocks. These developments strengthen Kazakhstan’s credit profile and bring it in line with peers at the Baa1 level,” the article said.

The article also highlights that following constitutional and electoral reforms in 2022-23 that reduced presidential power, broadened political representation, and improved citizen engagement, the government continued to implement reforms to improve transparency and governance, while anti-corruption efforts continued. Progress in efforts to address social problems that arose during the January 2022 unrest – such as improving access to education and broadening gassing – also speaks to greater accountability.

Growth of Middle Corridor will facilitate investment flows in Kazakhstan’s non-oil sector – Moody’s

The development prospects of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, will facilitate investment flows into Kazakhstan’s non-oil sector, Moody’s stressed in its latest long-term credit assessment for Kazakhstan, Trend reported on September 9th.

“Growth in the transport and logistics sector remains a key driver of economic growth and diversification, driven by the rapid expansion of freight transport along the Trans-Caspian international trade route. The development of the Middle Corridor and shifts in regional supply chains are increasing foreign investors’ interest in other non-oil sectors,” the report said.

Significant foreign investment is expected in sectors such as automotive, pharmaceutical, food processing and building materials.

The Middle Corridor connects container rail networks between China and the European Union via Central Asia, the Caucasus, Turkey and Eastern Europe.

Kazakh, Turkish leaders discuss strengthening bilateral ties

We News issued an article from September 12 about the meeting between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the further development of Turkish-Kazakh relations.

“Tokayev praised the progressive improvement of ties between the two countries, stressing the importance of strengthening strategic cooperation and partnership. He also expressed his best wishes to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The leaders discussed various aspects of their bilateral and multilateral agendas, including security cooperation,” the article reads.

In response, Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to deepening relations with Kazakhstan, stressing the mutual trust and support that characterize their partnership. He also praised Kazakhstan’s efforts to address regional and global challenges.