Soyuz-5/Sunkar rocket completes maiden flight from modernized Baiterek launch site
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The Soyuz-5 (Sunkar) completed its inaugural launch late Thursday night, marking the operational debut of the modernized Baiterek launch infrastructure, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The Soyuz-5 rocket, carrying a mock payload, had been transported on March 31 via the Baikonur Cosmodrome’s railway from the assembly and testing facility at Site 42 and installed vertically on the launch pad at Site 45. For nearly a month, comprehensive tests of the ground complex and the new rocket were conducted at the Baiterek launch site.
The first test launch was carried out along a suborbital trajectory, without placing the mock payload into Earth orbit. The main objective was to test the performance of the launch complex equipment, rocket engines, onboard systems, and software.
The Baiterek space rocket complex is a joint project between Kazakhstan and Russia to develop ground-based space infrastructure at the Baikonur Cosmodrome for launches using rockets powered by environmentally friendly fuel components.
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Foreign Ministry Issues Travel Advice for Kazakhstanis Attending Events Abroad
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has issued recommendations for citizens travelling abroad to attend major international events, an agency correspondent reports.
From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament is expected to attract a large number of foreign fans, including citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yerlan Zhetybayev said.
In this regard, the MFA advises citizens planning to attend matches and other World Cup-related events to exercise increased caution and pay close attention to personal safety.
We recommend always carrying identification documents or copies of them, strictly complying with the requirements of local law enforcement authorities and event organizers, planning travel routes in advance, and using official transportation services," Zhetybayev said.
The ministry also urges citizens to avoid unauthorized mass gatherings and crowded areas outside the official tournament zones.
In the event of an emergency, citizens should immediately contact the emergency services of the host country and maintain communication with the diplomatic and consular missions of the Republic of Kazakhstan," the spokesperson added.
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Kazakhstan Foreign Ministry Announces New International Air Routes
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Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the launch of several new international air routes connecting the country with foreign destinations, an agency correspondent reports.
On May 31, 2026, Poland's LOT Polish Airlines launched regular direct flights on the Almaty–Warsaw route. The new service is scheduled to operate four times a week during the summer season and three times a week during the winter period. It should be noted that the airline already operates regular flights between Warsaw and Astana," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yerlan Zhetybayev said.
According to him, direct flights on the Izmir–Almaty–Izmir route will also be launched from July 31, 2026. The service will operate twice a week through the end of October this year.
In addition, Air Astana plans to launch direct flights between Astana and Larnaca, Cyprus, from June 2. The route will operate twice weekly. From June 4, the airline will also begin operating direct flights between Almaty and Larnaca, likewise with a frequency of two flights per week.
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Kyrgyz Scholar Praises President Tokayev's Book A Word About My Father
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The rector of Kyrgyzstan's Osh State University, Doctor of Sciences and Professor Kudaiberdy Kozhobekov, has highly praised President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's book A Word About My Father, which has been published in the Kyrgyz language. The announcement was made by Kazakhstan's Consul General in Osh, Mukhtar Karibay.
In his article titled Life Is an Era, Kozhobekov reflects on the shared historical destiny of the brotherly Kazakh and Kyrgyz peoples from ancient times to the present day. He emphasizes the importance of deeper study by younger generations of the history, culture, language and literature of the two nations.
The scholar particularly highlights the significance of President Tokayev's book Atam Jönündö Bayan (A Word About My Father) in further strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties and preserving the shared historical heritage of the two brotherly peoples. According to Kozhobekov, the events of the recent past described in the book, the tragic story of a family closely connected with Kyrgyzstan, and the life journey of renowned writer and public figure Kemel Tokayev leave a profound impression on readers.
Particular interest, he notes, lies in the chapters devoted to Kemel Tokayev's childhood and youth in Frunze, his studies at a boarding school, his deployment to the front during the war, and the difficult fate of a young man who became the sole surviving member of his family. In the author's view, Kemel Tokayev's military and professional path, as well as his development as both a writer and a public figure, reflect the experience of an entire generation.
Kozhobekov stresses that the book presents a truthful portrayal of an entire era through the life story of one individual - the author's own father.
The rector also notes that the publication plays an important role in fostering patriotism, national identity and respect for the shared historical and cultural heritage of the brotherly Kazakh and Kyrgyz peoples among the younger generations of both countries.
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Kazakhstan Marks International Children's Day
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Kazakhstan is marking International Children's Day on June 1, with festive events, concerts, sporting competitions, creative contests and charity initiatives dedicated to children taking place across the country.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated citizens on the occasion, the Akorda presidential press service reported.
Congratulations to my fellow citizens on International Children's Day. Protecting the rights and health of our young citizens and creating the necessary conditions for their harmonious development is a nationwide task and a constitutional responsibility. The foundation of a happy childhood is strong and united families. Therefore, support for the institution of the family has become one of the key provisions of the new Constitution," he wrote on his Instagram page.
The president noted that the younger generation possesses enormous creative and intellectual potential, as demonstrated by the achievements of Kazakhstani children in education, sports and the arts.
According to Tokayev, every child receives state support through the National Fund for Children initiative. In addition, the implementation of the Children of Kazakhstan concept began this year.
Support for our young compatriots will always remain at the center of attention of Kazakhstan - a Just and Progressive State," Tokayev stressed.
International Children's Day is celebrated annually in more than 50 countries around the world. The occasion aims to draw public attention to the protection of children's rights, health, education and overall well-being.
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Direct flight from Almaty to Warsaw launches May 31
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A new direct air route between Kazakhstan’s largest city and Poland’s capital will begin operations on May 31, operated by LOT Polish Airlines, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The flight en route Almaty - Warsaw will be operated four times a week on Boeing 737 MAX.
A delegation of Polish tour operators and travel bloggers will first arrive in Almaty on June 1.
Their program includes tours of major city attractions, modern infrastructure, culinary experiences, and excursions in the Zailiysky Alatau mountains.
Meetings with local tour operators and business representatives will explore joint projects and future cooperation.
City officials emphasized that expanding international air connectivity is a priority for Almaty. The new route is expected to boost tourist flows, strengthen international ties, enhance Almaty’s image as a leading Central Asian destination for travel and business.
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Five Przewalski’s horses released into the wild in Kazakhstan
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A group of Przewalski’s horses has been released into the wild at the Altyn Dala State Nature Reserve, marking another milestone in Kazakhstan’s biodiversity restoration efforts on May 25, Qazinform News Agency cites the Ecology and Natural Resources Ministry.
Stallion Galvan was brought from Prague Zoo, four mares from Hortobágy National Park in Hungary.
The horses spent a year adapting in spacious enclosures under veterinary supervision before release.
The horses successfully endured winter and adjusted to local climate conditions.
Galvan was fitted with a GPS collar to track movements and collect behavioral data.
Specialists report the horses are actively exploring pastures and water sources.
The animals remain under constant monitoring and protection by reserve inspectors.
Experts continue to observe their adaptation to the wild steppe environment.
This release to the wild is part of Kazakhstan’s program to restore the species to its historic range, with support from international partners. The Ecology Ministry emphasized that the project contributes to the preservation of rare and endangered wildlife.
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Two Amur tiger cubs born in Kazakhstan
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The Karaganda Zoo welcomed two newborn Amur tiger cubs, born to tigress Mia and tiger Batyr, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The cubs were born prematurely on April 30, weighing only 450 and 530 grams. Initially blind and weak, they required special care.
After one month, each cub now weighs over 2 kilograms and is developing well.
Zoo staff reports the cubs are active, feeding well, and growing stronger every day. Both cubs are males.
Tigress Mia is showing strong maternal instincts.
The Amur tiger is one of the rarest tiger subspecies in the world.
Specialists highlight the importance of this birth for global conservation efforts.
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