Central Asian forecasters dismiss Iran 'acid cloud' rumours
Reports of so-called “acid clouds” moving from Iran towards Central Asia are not supported by scientif...
Almaty is set to enhance its air connectivity with China by introducing new flight routes in 2025, aiming to boost tourism and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
Almaty will increase its air links with China in 2025, following a new agreement between Almaty Mayor Yerbolat Dossayev and Air China. The deal includes additional flights on the Almaty-Beijing route starting in June 2025, as well as a new direct flight to Chengdu. Currently, the city offers direct flights to five destinations in China.
The expansion is part of Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to attract more Chinese tourists. With 2024 designated as the Year of Tourism of Kazakhstan in China, the country saw a 78% increase in Chinese visitors last year, reaching over 600,000 arrivals. Officials aim to attract 500,000 Chinese tourists in 2025 and generate $300 million in tourism revenue.
To support this growth, the government has introduced a comprehensive action plan, including 37 cultural and business events to promote Kazakhstan in the Chinese market. This has helped Kazakhstan rise from 40th to 29th in the ranking of popular destinations for Chinese travelers.
Daniel Serganuly, Deputy Chairman of the national Kazakh Tourism company, noted that Kazakhstan has the potential to welcome at least 1 million Chinese visitors per year. However, he emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements, though steps like adding Chinese-language signposts at major airports are already underway.
Kazakhstan’s visa-free policy, expanded flight options, and tourism promotions have also increased interest in cities like Turkestan and Aktau. Officials hope these initiatives will further strengthen bilateral ties and open new opportunities for cultural and economic exchanges.
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a hardline cleric with strong backing from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. His rise signals continuity in Tehran's anti-Western policies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Welcome to our live coverage as the conflict involving Iran enters its 11th day. Tensions in the region remain high as the United States and Iran exchange increasingly sharp warnings over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
Reports of so-called “acid clouds” moving from Iran towards Central Asia are not supported by scientific data, national hydrometeorological services in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan say, adding there is no threat to the region.
A senior delegation from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has been holding meetings with Georgian government officials, opposition leaders and security authorities this week, as international observers attempt to gauge the country’s political climate following last year’s contentious elections.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has told Masoud Pezeshkian, his Iranian counterpart, that violations of Turkish airspace by Iran could not be justified “for any reason whatsoever.”
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has approved a new programme aimed at developing educational courses and training sessions for young parents.
Kazakhstan has evacuated 8,585 citizens from Middle Eastern countries as regional tensions escalate. Authorities are coordinating air and land evacuations while analysts warn the crisis could reshape security and energy risks across the Caspian region.
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