Kazakhstan Live

FILM: THIS IS ASTANA

KAZAKHSTAN - THE MOVIES

3 films on different aspects of contemporary Kazakhstan are available here to view. Journalists requiring broadcast quality copies or rushes of a particular, covered subject should contact us.

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FILM 1: A BRIDGE BETWEEN EUROPE & ASIA

The geography and specificities of Kazakhstan – a natural footbridge from Europe into Asia and a logical place for intercultural exchange.
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FILM 2: A COUNTRY OF VAST OPEN SPACE

A voyage around the extraordinary and majestic landscapes of Kazakhstan - the world’s 9th largest country.
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FILM 3: YOUTH IN ACTION

The vitality of Kazakhstan is examined through a tour of the extraordinary new capital Astana. Includes interviews with young, dynamic Kazakhs.
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Kazakhstan - time and weather

ASTANA CELEBRATES! 25/6/2008

On July 6th, Astana celebrates its 10th anniversary. The city's designation as capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan initiated one of the most ambitious urban development project of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The singular vision of President Nursultan Nazarbayev's urban plans were realised by the late Kisho Kurokawa. Important individual projects were awarded to such world-renowned architects as Norman Foster and Manfredi Nicoletti.

The Baiterek Tower (see above), for instance, has become the symbol of the city - emblematic also of all Kazakhstan's aspirations. A notable structure is the Palace of Peace & Accord, designed by Foster, which houses the World Congress of Religions (the congress takes place in Kazakhstan thanks again to the vision of President Nazarbayev and the support of the late Pope John-Paul II, who was one of the first to recognise Kazakhstan’s ethnic and religious tolerance).

Beyond breathtaking architecture, Astana plays a central role, not only as the capital of Kazakhstan, but as the central point of contact between Europe and Asia. As a communications and transportation hub between both continents it knows no rival and a new, international airport connects Astana to major centres around the world.

The celebrations marking the anniversary begin on the 28th of June with 'The Star of Astana' (a competition of songs about the capital) and culminate with lavish spectacles like 'From Astana with Love' which will take place in the square in front of the Presidential Palace, 'Ak Orda'. Over 1,000 musicians, dancers, artists, gymnasts and technicians will ensure that this show will be a fitting tribute to a city which has only just started to make an impression on the world stage.
HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY ASTANA!

AIR ASTANA EXPANDING FAST 11/6/2008

Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s national carrier, has signed a contract for six Airbus A320 aircraft. The contract, which is the airline’s first with Airbus, confirms the MOU announced at the end of last year. The narrow-bodied А320 (seating 148) is already being successfully used by airlines such as Air France and British Airways. To date, Airbus has delivered over 3500 А320-Family aircraft - seven of which are already part of the Air Astana fleet. (more)

Latest:

June 24-25: Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi visits Kazakhstan and meets with President Nazarbayev, Prime Minister Massimov and Foreign Minister Tazhin. The visit will result in the signing of a Cooperation Plan between the two countries... July 2-4: Kazakhstan Growth Forum takes place in London with guest speakers including Energy Minister Mynbaev...June 25: At the II Eurasian Women’s Summit in Astana, Rachel Mayanja, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Gender Issues said that “CIS countries have succeeded in elimination of gender inequality”...

NEW MICRO SITE & FILMS

A new film celebrating the city of Astana has been posted on our specially created micro site devoted entirely to Astana. Just click here and you can access a complete diary of Astana celebration events, basic facts and figures, details of the architecture of Astana, a useful city guide as well as a welcome message from Astana's principle visionary, President Nazarbayev. You might also enjoy the city of Astana's official site
www.astana10.com

ALL NEW SYMBOL & FLAG FOR ASTANA 10

The Astana Maslikhat (local assembly) of the capital of Kazakhstan has adopted a new coat of arms as a well as a new flag to reflect Astana’s extraordinary development over the last decade and to mark the 10th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s capital on July 6. Both the coat of arms and flag have been enthusiastically welcomed by Kazakhstan’s President, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

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WORLD BANK & KAZAKHSTAN 18/6/2008

Robert B. Zoellick, President of the World Bank, had meetings with Kazakhstan’s President, and Prime Minister, Karim Massimov (June 17, 18) in Astana about the global food crisis, financial instability at global markets, Kazakhstan’s accession to the WTO and further Kazakh/World Bank cooperation. During the 2-day visit Mr Zoellick and Mr Massimov inspected the Kok-Aral dam and northern and southern parts of the Aral Sea (see picture). The World Bank is currently funding projects in this area. Since 1992, Kazakhstan has been cooperating with the World Bank which on the modernization of the economy and agricultural/environmental projects.

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on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kazakhstan.