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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's aircraft was nearly struck by a drone while departing Moldova on ...
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.
Four people were killed, including a child, in Ukrainian strikes on the Russian port city of Novorossiysk overnight, according to the governor of the Krasnodar region. Ukraine's drone forces commander, Robert Brovdi, said Russian military ships were destroyed in the attacks.
A TV channel was struck during a live broadcast on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as Russian strikes on Kyiv killed at least three people, the city's Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Meanwhile, drones hit civilian infrastructure in Russia's southwestern Saratov region.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly launched two ballistic missile attacks against a U.S. Navy warship over the past two days.
Wildfires have broken out in Türkiye’s Antalya province, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate as strong winds fuelled the flames.
U.S. special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Sunday on efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Kazakhstan is stepping up investment in the Middle Corridor as rising freight volumes and demand for more diverse trade links drive the rapid expansion of the route connecting Asia and Europe.
Georgia’s International Maritime Forum has closed in Batumi with officials setting out investment targets, timelines and technical plans aimed at expanding the Middle Corridor and strengthening the country’s role in global trade.
Iran says it has delivered on its promise of a “faster, heavier and more painful” response to Washington, striking U.S. bases, warships and commercial vessels early on Wednesday.
Central Asian foreign ministers have marked 20 years since a landmark nuclear-free treaty, reaffirming their commitment to regional security, nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
Saudi Arabia’s international leisure tourism industry is forecast to grow by 93 per cent between 2025 and 2030, as the kingdom expands beyond religious travel. The figures were presented during WTM Spotlight Riyadh, where industry leaders discussed the growing tourism market.
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