The name of this famous set designer is known all over the world. Ezio Frigerio’s contribution to art is invaluable. His works in the field of musical theatre were a breakthrough in the development of modern scenic design. Frigerio’s productions of G. Verdi’s operas Simon Boccanegra (1971) and Falstaff (1980), R. Wagner’s Lohengrin (1981), W.A. Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro (1973) and others, realized in collaboration with stage director Giorgio Strehler, received world recognition and became the twentieth century classics.He has created set designs for many famous opera and ballet productions at the Astana Opera. Together with his wife, an Academy Award-winning costume designer Franca Squarciapino, they have made a significant contribution to the development of the Kazakhstani musical theatre. On their account, there are exclusive productions in the capital’s opera house: Abai by A. Zhubanov and L. Khamidi, G. Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, G. Bizet’s Carmen, S. Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, P. Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beautyand The Swan Lake, B. Asafiev’s The Fountain of Bakhchisarai, L. Minkus’ La Bayadère and Don Quixote.“The productions that you have created for the Astana Opera became hallmarks of our Kazakhstani art. Undoubtedly, they are a part of the world treasury of opera and ballet masterpieces. We hope for further fruitful collaboration and wish you long life and good health,” said the Minister of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arystanbek Mukhamediuly.In turn, Ezio Frigerio warmly thanked the country’s Government, the Minister of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arystanbek Mukhamediuly, the management of the Astana Opera for the high award, noting that it is an honor for him to be the first Italian to receive the Order of Dostyk. The set designer especially emphasized the importance of the support of the culture of Kazakhstan provided by the Head of State Nursultan Nazarbayev. The set designer noted that the cultural bridges between Kazakhstan and Italy have become much stronger in recent years.Let us remind that by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ezio Frigerio was awarded the Order of Dostyk of the II degree for his significant contribution to the cultural development of the country, strengthening of friendship and cooperation between peoples. The Order of Friendship (Order of Dostyk) is a state award of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is awarded to individuals for the promotion of international and civil consensus in society and the promotion of peace.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/tsm/press/news/details/27770?lang=kk

“We have been preparing for this concert for about two months already. The new program features various numbers, including the march from G. Bizet’s opera Carmen, the Kazakh folk song Yapyrai, as well as an excerpt from G. Puccini’s opera Turandot, which will be premiering very soon at the Main Hall. Partly we will show the repertoire from the V theatrical season. There are kids in our studio who have been studying from the moment of its opening until today, and there are children who came here about two or three years ago. The pupils of the children’s studio, who are studying and performing at the Astana Opera for all these five years, set the level for the collective. These guys aspire to make the high art their profession, many of them have already decided for themselves that their future careers will be connected with the opera house,” says the head of the children’s choir Altynganym Akhmetova.In this concert, many boys will be performing solo numbers for the first time. The boys from the younger group will perform the popular repertoire of the Italian singer Robertino Loretti: Santa Lucia, O Sole Mio, Funiculì, Funiculà and others. Girls from the older group prepared a complex program, they will present polyphonic works. Young dancers of the ballet studio prepared a rich program. Thus, the evening will feature such numbers as the Kazakh folk dance Sholpy, a variation from J. Bayer’s ballet Die Puppenfee (The Fairy Doll), a polka from L. Minkus’ ballet La Bayadère, Kitri’s variation from L. Minkus’ ballet Don Quixote and much more.The goal of the Astana Opera Children’s Studio is to enable children to discover their creative potential and develop their talents.“The young artists reached the first anniversary with great achievements: the studio graduates are already studying at universities in Kazakhstan, near and far abroad. Young singers and dancers participate in concert programs, opera and ballet productions and even go on tour together with adult artists. The children who have a great interest in art, good scenic qualities and musical abilities are engaged in the studio. The youngest studio artists today are 7 years old. It is very important for us to help children express their individual personalities to the full. If the child consciously chooses the profession of an artist or a musician, he or she will have very high achievements. If they do not follow this path, they will undoubtedly have achievements in other areas, because, thanks to acting skills, acquired in childhood, they will become unselfconscious and free. All this helps them to achieve greater goals in their adult years,” explains the stage director of the Astana Opera Natalya Kagadiy.The audience can see the pupils of the choir studio in Y. Brussilovsky’s opera Kyz Zhibek, M. Tulebayev’s Birzhan – Sara, G. Puccini’s Tosca and La Boheme, G. Bizet’s Carmen. The students of the ballet studio performed onstage together with the artists of the legendary Milanese Teatro alla Scala in the production of L. Minkus’ ballet Don Quixote, and in Richard Wagner’s opera Das Rheingold (The Rhinegold) within the framework of the Mariinsky Theatre tour. For the first time, the pupils of the choir and ballet studios took part in a unique project – The Journey of Peer Gynt, involving the symphony orchestra, as well as the adult artists.The head of the choir studio is Altynganym Akhmetova; the head of the ballet studio is Amina Aliyeva. The Astana Opera stage director, the acting coach of the children’s studio is Natalya Kagadiy.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/tsm/press/news/details/27754?lang=kk

Kazakhstan's delegation headed by the First Deputy Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi took part in the UN Security Council meeting dedicated to the Iraq issue on February 20, 2018. Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Iraq Ján Kubiš delivered a report on the situation in Iraq after the victory of the people of that country over the ISIS / DAESH terrorist organization.Speaking at the meeting, Tileuberdi noted the effectiveness of the Iraqi security forces and international coalition in combating the ISIS/DAESH terrorist organization. He commended the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq and other UN specialized agencies in Iraq (UNAMI) led by Special Representative Ján Kubiš. Kazakhstan's delegation also stressed the importance of the UNAMI's work in achieving interreligious and interethnic harmony among various political parties and movements.Iraq's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mohammad Hussein Ali Bahr Aluloom praised the international coalition headed by the USA, Russia and other states for effectively fighting the ISIS/DAESH terrorist organization. The Iraqi representative briefed the Security Council members on Iraq's Socio-economic Development Plan for 2018-2022 being developed by the Iraqi Government. He informed the Security Council members that the International Donors' Conference held in Kuwait on February 12-14 this year made it possible to secure the allocation of US $30 billion for Iraq's restoration. He also thanked Kazakhstan for its efforts as the UNSC President in January 2018 to ensure international peace and security.The UN Security Council members urged the Iraqi authorities to stick to the principle of inclusion and take into account the interests of national and religious minorities in the process of building a new peaceful Iraq. The Council stressed the importance of transferring the entire arsenal of weapons possessed by various small tribes and other armed groups operating in the country to the control of a special committee headed by the Prime Minister of Iraq.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27748?lang=kk

There are big-name theatrical figures on the production team: Music Director and Conductor – Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, celebrated maestro Alan Buribayev, Stage Director – famous Italian director Davide Livermore, Set and Costume Designers – well-known Kazakhstani designers Sofya Tasmagambetova and Pavel Dragunov.The opera Turandot was performed for the first time on April 25, 1926 in Milan. Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni wrote the libretto based on the eponymous play by C. Gozzi. They set their story in an exotic distant country: the action takes place in Beijing (China). The stunningly beautiful Princess Turandot gives three riddles to the princes. If they fail to solve the three riddles, they are beheaded, and whoever finds the answers will be given her hand in marriage. Prince Calaf decides to woo Turandot at any cost, and, after answering all of her questions, asks her his riddle – to guess his name.In C. Gozzi’s fairytale, the composer G. Puccini saw a protest against violence and the eternal idea of ​​the victory of light over the darkness.“I think this is a very important production for the Astana Opera. Incidentally, not every opera house can afford to add such a grand opera, which involves a huge number of artists, to its repertoire. Turandot completes a glorious tradition of Italian operas, which lasted and developed for 300 years. Over the years, G. Puccini has come a long way to this opera, and it can be called the culmination of the composer’s findings. Such operas were no longer created in the entire international community. The choir plays a very important role here, it is constantly onstage, - said the Music Director and Conductor Alan Buribayev.Maestro A. Buribayev has known the stage director for a long time, but this will be their first joint work. The Principal Conductor of the Astana Opera speaks warmly about Davide Livermore. Let us remind that the director Davide Leavermore during his 22-year career at the leading European venues and in the opera houses of his native Italy mastered many theatrical specialties: stage director, set, costume and lighting designer... He has worked with outstanding performers, among them Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, Mirella Freni, with famous directors – Luca Ronconi, Andrei Tarkovsky and Zhang Yimou, as well as with the world-renowned maestro Zubin Mehta. One of the last works of the Italian director – G.F. Handel’s opera Tamerlano was a triumphant success at the legendary Teatro alla Scala.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/tsm/press/news/details/27742?lang=kk

Political, trade, economic, investment, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the State of Qatar was discussed within the first round of political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two states.Kazakh delegation was headed by the Deputy Foreign Minister Akylbek Kamaldinov, and Qatari delegation was headed by the Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi.The parties outlined ways for cooperation development and expansion in bilateral and multilateral formats, discussed interaction within international and regional organizations to coordinate positions and address current issues, as well as mutual support for each other's foreign policy initiatives. In this context, Kazakhstan and Qatar delegations noted the importance of joint efforts within the United Nations in light of Kazakhstan's non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council.The meeting also noted the importance of cooperation within the Joint High-Level Commission and implementation of joint projects aimed at attracting investment to Kazakhstan's economy.The parties agreed on setting a closer cooperation for implementing joint projects in the fields of culture, education and science.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27738?lang=kk

Kazakhstan proposes a road map for implementing the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Union (EPCA). This was the announcement made in Brussels today by Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov during the 16th meeting of the Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Council.The Agreement, signed in 2015, has so far been ratified by majority of the EU Member States and received consent from the European Parliament. The EPCA is a next-generation document that covers 29 fields of cooperation. Already, new collaborative structures have been created – the cooperation committee in the “trade configuration", a subcommittee on customs issues, and a subcommittee on energy, transport, environment and climate change.“The implementation of the EPCA's full potential corresponds to Kazakhstan's interests as the document will facilitate the effective implementation of the comprehensive modernization strategy pursued by President Nursultan Nazarbayev", the Minister said. The Kazakh diplomat briefed his European colleagues on the policy priorities of the Head of State, as outlined in the yearly State-of-the-Nation “New Opportunities for Development Under the Fourth Industrial Revolution". Kazakhstan offers EU Member States the chance to actively participate in the digitalization of its industry, development of transportation and logistics, and modernization of its agricultural sector.The European delegation, which included high-ranking representatives of the European Commission and the European External Action Service, was headed by the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria Ekaterina Zaharieva, whose country now holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council. During the meeting, the delegations reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation issues between Kazakhstan and the EU, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations on February 2.The European Union is Kazakhstan's largest trade and investment partner, accounting for about half of the country's foreign trade and direct investments. The volume of trade between Kazakhstan and the EU increased by 25% in 2017 over the previous year, amounting to about $30 billion.As stated by the Kazakh side, the implementation of the new Agreement will let increase trade volume significantly firstly by high-tech products, and generate new opportunities for economic growth and job creation.“In turn, the strengthening of trade and economic ties is inextricably linked with the free movement of citizens. In this regard, starting negotiations on facilitating the visa regime as soon as possible has become an objective necessity," Minister Abdrakhmanov said. He expressed the hope that negotiations on visa facilitation will start this year.The Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Council is the highest body for interaction established under the EPCA. The Council meets once a year at the level of foreign ministers of Kazakhstan and the Member State holding the EU presidency in order to carry out a regular review of the Agreement's implementation, and also to discuss bilateral and international issues.Also today in Brussels, the European media platform “Euractiv" organized a forum on the topic “What's next for EU-Kazakhstan relations", with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko, EU Special Representative for Central Asia Peter Burian, members of European Parliament, high-ranking officials from the European External Action Service, European experts and the media in attendance. The forum participants noted the high level of comprehensive interaction between Kazakhstan and the EU and the existence of considerable prospects for the continued growth of this cooperation. The forum also highly evaluated Kazakhstan's presidency of the UN Security Council in January 2018.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27736?lang=kk

Kazakh Minister of Foreign Affairs Kairat Abdrakhmanov has held a series of bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Kazakhstan-European Union Cooperation Council meeting taking place in Brussels. At the meeting with Federica Mogherini, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the two sides exchanged views on a wide range of topical international and regional issues, including the situation in Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, as well as the DPRK nuclear programme.Talks with Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, were devoted to the process of updating the EU Strategy for Central Asia. Minister Abdrakhmanov underscored Kazakhstan's readiness to actively participate in the development of a new document with a view to contributing to its effectiveness and taking into consideration the interests of all states in our region. Particular attention was also devoted to cooperation and assistance for Afghanistan, including in education field.The Kazakh Minister also had a noteworthy meeting with Iveta Grigule, the Chair of the European Parliament delegation for Central Asia, during which parties sides discussed the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation, including in the legislative field. The next meeting of the Kazakhstan-EU Parliamentary Cooperation Committee is planned for the fall of 2018.At the meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of Belgium, Didier Reynders, Kazakh Foreign Minister discussed the prospects for developing bilateral trade, economic cooperation, and attracting Belgian investment and technologies to Kazakhstan. In the light of Belgium's bid for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council in 2019-2020, Minister Abdrakhmanov provided a detailed briefing about Kazakhstan's activities on the UNSC and President Nursultan Nazarbayev's peace-building initiatives.During his trip to Brussels Minister Abdrakhmanov also met with Foreign Ministers Carmelo Abela of Malta and Simon Coveney of Ireland.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27735?lang=kk

The Republican Information Group on Clarifying the Message of the Head of the State "New Development Opportunities in the Conditions of the Fourth Industrial Revolution", headed by the Minister of Internal Affairs K.Kasimov started work in the Kyzylorda Oblast.Kalmukhanbet Kasymov took part in the meeting of the gubernator of the region Krymbek Kusherbayev with the population, where the key tasks of the Address of the Head of the State were also discussed.During the meeting with the region's activists, the Minister described the main directions noted in the program document, described the measures taken by the Government of the country to achieve the goals. Particular attention is paid to the important directions of the implementation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the construction of a modern legal and safe society.The head of the ministry also held a personal reception of citizens, where he got acquainted with the problems of specific residents of the region, and gave instructions for the prompt solution of issues of concern to citizens.During the trip, the minister met with the personnel of the departments of internal affairs, emergency situations and the penal enforcement system, where he detailed the measures to be taken by the internal affairs bodies to implement the tasks stemming from the Message."Message of the President N.A. Nazarbayev to the people of Kazakhstan should give an impetus to the modernization of the activities of the bodies of internal affairs and technological development in order to meet the new requirements, "the Minister of Internal Affairs said to his colleagues.K.Kasymov got acquainted with the activities of the local police service, its equipment, the work of the duty unit and a portable police post with modern equipment. Visited the institution of the penal system after its complete reconstruction, where instead of barracks buildings were built dormitories for prisoners with conditions close to international standards. At the same time, the minister discussed the expansion of opportunities for obtaining vocational education and creating additional jobs for convicts with the involvement of business structures in the region.Attention of the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was submitted to the construction of the training center of the Department of Internal Affairs, the Zhalagash ROVD and the Saksaul police station of the Aral district.The minister also met with young road inspectors, who last year became the best in the republic. Kalmukhanbet Kasymov thanked them for the impeccable assimilation of the rules of road safety and noted that the YUID members contribute to the strengthening of public order, which is one of the tasks identified by the President of the country.  Press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27733?lang=kk

The State Institution "The Establishment of Motor Transport Services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan", Astana, T.uuelsizdik Ave., announces a competition for filling vacant police driver positions. Phones: 8 (7172) 722112, 273550, e-mail: mvd00@inbox.ru, fax: 714772.Official duties: Professional management of a company car. Keep the vehicle in proper condition. Know the rules of the road, the basis of vehicle maintenance.Requirements for the participants of the competition: age not older than 35 years, education not lower than the average, those who have completed military service, have a Certificate of the Agency for Civil Service Affairs on passing testing for knowledge of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, driving license of the category "B and VS", driver's experience more than 3 (three) years. Be ready for the delivery of established standards for physical fitness. Admission documents 10 days from the date of publication of the announcement.Requisites:GU "Establishment of motor transport services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan"Astana city, T.Universaliz avenue, 1.IIC: KZ92070101KSN0000000GU "Treasury Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan"BIK: KKMFKZ2ABIN: 020940002309Reception: 8 (7172) 722056E-mail: mvd00@inbox.ru  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27732?lang=kk

The Kazakh Ministry of Internal Affairs met with the delegation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic where the guests got acquainted with various aspects of the modernization of the internal affairs bodies and discussed topical issues of cooperation.During the meeting, the head of the Information and Analytical Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Roza Roza Zakargayeva and the deputy head of the Department for the organization of the disclosure of property crimes of the Criminal Police Department Abdukadyr Nazarov spoke about countering transnational crimes and Kazakhstan's features of fighting against telephone and motor vehicle theft.- We are currently working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to combat slaughter. Now the identification of the entire livestock is being conducted. In the border areas of the two countries, the facts of cattle theft or border crossing are often recorded by the animal itself. Having "personal data" of livestock, we can speed up the establishment of its location, "A. Nazarov emphasized.The Kyrgyz side, represented by Almazbek Boobekov, head of the Information Technology Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic and Ulan Baktygulov, the head of the department of the same unit, was interested in Kazakhstan's experience in using automated ATS systems, technical integration with databases, the possibility of exchanging data with other law enforcement agencies and their interaction implementation of the "Safe City" project, automation stages, as well as criteria for assessing the activities of law enforcement agencies s of the Republic of Kazakhstan.During the visit, the guests got acquainted with the work of the Operations Management Center, the Molecular Genetic Laboratory of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the specialized and migration CSCs.Press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27731?lang=kk

The "Counterfact" operative preventive action was conducted to detect, suppress and disclose criminal offenses in the field of information and communication, as well as to identify those who unlawfully manufacture and distribute products that are prohibited in free circulation.In the course of the operation, law-enforcement bodies revealed 167 offenses, including 115 violations of copyright and related rights, unauthorized access to information, illegal use of special technical means, fraud against Internet users.There are 8,600 units of products that are banned in free circulation, including more than 8,000 counterfeit CD-DVD disks and 11 flash cards, 18 carriers with pornography content, 14 with unlicensed software, and 116 other storage media were confiscated.In addition, a shop in Zhambyl region, which manufactured counterfeit products, was identified.Press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27730?lang=kk

It is important to note that there was no such thing in the penitentiary system of the Republic of Kazakhstan yet, and the project is being implemented within the framework of the implementation of the 33th step of "National Plan - 100 concrete steps".During the speech the deputy akim of Shakhtinsk city, Kairzhan Tleubergenov, noted that representatives of interested state bodies were involved in the development of this project, and its implementation would bring the penitentiary system closer to international standards.Despite the fact that in accordance with the Criminal Executive Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the re-socialization and rehabilitation of convicts was carried out on an ongoing basis, this project introduces a significant novelty in the educational work of convicts.Firstly, the special contingent will prepare for life at liberty from 6 to 12 months before release.For these purposes, according to the project "Prison for rehabilitation ", a whole complex of social and legal assistance is provided.In particular, the competence and skills, tasks, duties and powers of the executors of the pilot project will be determined. It is planned to develop rehabilitation programs focused on needs and risks (such as anger management, dependence treatment, financial literacy, housing programs, etc.).During preparation of the convict for freedom, attention will be focused on the formation of a sustainable motivation for resocialization, changing the way of life, a healthy circle of communication and the system of social assistance to persons who belong to the most vulnerable segments of the population.In addition, the project "Prison for rehabilitation" provides for the restoration of family ties and lost personal documents.The most vulnerable category of people, upon their written application and submission, institutions are sent by the social protection authorities to the homes of the disabled and the elderly.Based on the results of the project implementation, it is expected not only to reduce recidivism, but also to minimize the negative consequences arising from the execution of a sentence of imprisonment.It should be noted that on the eve of this project AK-159/18 and AK-159/20 hosted training seminars for the CES staff. Human rights defenders and representatives of NGOs familiarized the staff of the penitentiary system with the experience of a number of foreign countries.The pilot project of "Prison for rehabilitation", approved by the akimat of Karaganda region will be implemented during the first quarter of 2018.Press service of the CES Committee of the MIA of the RK   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27729?lang=kk

The results of the large-scale operational preventive action "Bus" conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs along with the Ministry of Investment and Development were summed up.Passenger transport is an integral part of the unified transport system of the country and the issues of safety of passenger transportation on roads are always relevant", Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Yerlan Turgumbayev said. "And it's not accidental that every year there are more than 500 transport incidents, which kill about 60 people and injure more than 800 people."Analysis of accidents on passenger transport shows that the reasons for the situation are primarily in the low transport discipline of the drivers themselves, the lack of appropriate targeted preventive work and control by officials responsible for the release of passenger vehicles on the line. During the action 190 bus park officials were fined for more than 5.7 million tenge for such violations.Totally during the operation police officers detected and suppressed over 19 thousand violations committed by public transport drivers, including 166 violations of the labor and rest regime, 245 - drivers without a certificate, 594 - the absence of compulsory insurance of civil liability of the carrier to passengers, 1 135 - speeding, more than 3.5 thousand facts of using the phone while driving a vehicle, 195 facts of illegal transportation of passengers. "14 facts were revealed when drivers of buses, who are responsible not only for themselves, but also for their passengers, managed to drive in a state of intoxication. Moreover, there are facts when the bus driver was arrested while driving in drug intoxication," Deputy minister said. "So, in Aktobe oblast, a bus driver was detained, who was in a state of drug intoxication, while he was serving the city route and there were passengers in the bus."As the results of the peacekeeping operations it showed that almost every sixth of the tested vehicle is technically faulty, while more than half of them had a mark about their pre-trip monitoring. 312 facts of illegal re-equipment were revealed, including numerous facts when seats were simply removed and turned into sleeping reclining places or even into cargo holdings. For example, in Karaganda region, when police stopped a bus that was traveling from Almaty to Ekibastuz, it turned out that the whole rear sector was converted under the bed, and the driver did not have the necessary permits and a license.In addition, during the peacekeeping operation 65 buses were identified with an unprecedented pre-trip inspection, 780 bus control facts that did not pass mandatory technical inspection.The revealed violations testify to the absence of unified requirements for the organization of non-scheduled traffic and the formal pre-trip inspection of a vehicle on the ground.Based on the results of the operational preventive action, the Ministry of Internal Affairs  developed proposals to improve the safety and comfort of passenger transportation on road, which will be sent to the MIR as the authorized body in the field of transport and communications for their further implementation.Press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27728?lang=kk

In order to ensure the readiness of the management bodies, forces and facilities of civil protection services by the spring period, from 5 to 6 March of this year the Republican command-staff exercise "Koktem-2018" is conducted in the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk.According to the plan, it is planned to work out the issues of interaction and notification of central and local executive bodies, to translate the regime of functioning of territorial and branch subsystems of the State Civil Protection System into a high alert regime for fulfilling tasks for the purpose of threatening and emergence of the spring period.The exercises are planned to involve operational groups from the central state bodies (republican civil protection services), local executive bodies (commissions for the prevention and liquidation of emergency situations), regional, district and city civil protection services, emergency rescue services, military units of the National Guard and approval of the Ministry of Defense.On March 5 this year staff work will be conducted with the republican and regional civil defense services to make a decision on the preparation of command and control bodies and civil defense forces and the management of the forces of the State Civil Protection System, in the event of emergencies of the flood period.On March 6 this year in all regions, the cities of Astana and Almaty, tactical and special exercises and trainings will be conducted with the units of emergency rescue services and formations, regional civil protection services, to develop practical actions for emergency rescue and emergency response work at the emergency of the spring period.Practical training will also take place directly in areas populated by flood-prone areas. This will allow to carry out the training of district emergency response units, to conduct real anti-flood measures in places prone to flooding.Qualitative testing of actions at the training places and carrying out preventive measures will in the future bring practical benefits for preventing accidents and reducing damage from flood waters.Republican operational headquarters of the RCSE "Koktem-2018"   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27722?lang=kk

On March 16 of the current year in "Alatau" Sports Complex there were competitions on struggle "Kazakshara kures", dedicated to the celebration of "Nauryz-Meiramy", within the Spartakiad of the central office of the Ministry. 12 teams of the central apparatus of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its structural divisions took part in the competitions. According to the results of the competitions in the team event, the team of the Special Training Department took the 1st place, the second place - the team of RSE "Alatau" of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the teams of the Office of the Specialized Security Service and the Operational Division shared the third place. DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL TRAINING   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27717?lang=kk

On March 27, Eastern Kazakhstan, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yuriy Ilyin paid a working visit to study the flood situation. He held a working meeting with the regional headquarters, and also from the regional akimat took part in the meeting of the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.At present, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan together with the Deputy Akim of the East Kazakhstan region fly over the flooded territories of the region.Yuriy Ilyin estimated the situation with a high water in Glubokovsky and Shemonaiha regions.The Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs drew particular attention to the areas where the most critical situation was developing - the villages Progress, Glubokoe, Predvornoye, Shemonaiha, Verkh-Uba.All settlements are under constant control of rescue units, rescue operations are carried out.The additional grouping of forces is planned, and additional measures are being taken, both to protect people and to ensure their livelihoods. Note that currently in the evacuation points of the region is about 100 people, another 900 from relatives. Some citizens refuse to evacuate.For citizens, the delivery of products has been carried out, and psychological assistance is being provided locally.    Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27716?lang=kk

Talented musicians, international competitions laureates – artists of the Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra violinist Assel Zhakiyanova and cellist Botagoz Kaliyeva, as well as pianist Zhanna Zdornova will present their art to the residents and guests of the capital.“This concert marks a debut performance of our trio, which is a great responsibility for us. This kind of music-making is different from what we do in our everyday life, and that is very interesting. Every instrument’s role is tremendously important, and all of them must interact with each other. The preparation process for the concert has been going on for several months. We have devoted a lot of time and attention to the selection of the program, which includes both popular works and rarely performed opuses. For example, A. Piazzolla’s Tango Revolucionario for trio will be performed in Astana for the first time. Undoubtedly, there is excitement and creative enthusiasm. It is very important for us to convey to the audience the beauty of this music, to share all the feelings and emotions that we experience when we come into contact with it,” said Assel Zhakiyanova.The artist noted that the idea of joint creative work was born in a friendly conversation.“We work together with Botagoz Kaliyeva in the Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra. She is one of the best cellists in Kazakhstan and has given concerts in Italy, Germany, Spain, Japan, Russia and other countries. Pianist Zhanna Zdornova, just like me, is a graduate of the Kazakh National University of Arts, and now we are studying together at the M. Glinka Novosibirsk State Conservatory,” shared Assel Zhakiyanova.The extensive concert program features masterpieces of romantic composers, as well as a passionate tango. F. Mendelssohn Bartholdy’s Piano Trio No.1 in D Minor, op.49, movement 1, F. Schubert’s Sonata for Violin and Piano in A Major, op.162, movement 1, J. Brahms’ Sonata for Cello and Piano No.1 in E Minor, Op.38, movement 1, F. Kreisler’s Zigeuner Capriccio, A. Piazzolla’s Tango Revolucionario for trio, P. Tchaikovsky’s June(Barcarolle) from the cycle The Seasons for trio, S. Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise, op.34, No. 14 (arrangement for cello and piano), A. Skriabin’s Poème, op. 32 No. 1 and 2 will be performed.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/tsm/press/news/details/27692?lang=kk

At the heart of the opera Turandot is the 12th century story about the love of Turandot and Calaf. At one time, it captured the attention of the playwright C. Gozzi, and he wrote a fairytale based on it. This fairytale caught the fancy of the outstanding composer G. Puccini, who created the priceless work that is now a part of the world opera treasury.The world premiere of Turandot took place in Milan on April 25, 1926. The composer died before completing his work on the opera, and all future performances ended with the final duet and finale written by Franco Alfano based on the author’s notes.The heroes of the Italian commedia dell’arte are portrayed in this opera as calculating Chinese officials, performed by the soloists of the China National Opera House. Turandot (the Austrian dramatic soprano Martina Serafin and the Kazakh opera diva Zhupar Gabdullina) represents in this opera the personification of cruelty and unattainable beauty. In order to take revenge on all men, she comes up with trials for her suitors – three riddles, and those who cannot solve them will be immediately executed. Only the Unknown Prince Calaf (the Bulgarian tenor Kamen Chanev), who is in love with her, passes the test. Due to the strength of his feelings and ingenuity, he solves all three riddles and is now ready to melt the heart of the headstrong princess, but only after she guesses his name.Turandot’s RiddlesZhupar Gabdullina – Turandot – is diligently preparing for the upcoming premiere. The artist explains that she has already been performing this part for a long time, consequently, it is up to the stage direction now: learning the mise-en-scenes and putting into action the ideas of Davide Livermore.“On account of the beauty of my heroine, the princes’ heads roll. Before Calaf, 14 of the princess’ suitors died. In many other productions where I happened to perform this role, the appearance of Turandot onstage was akin to ice that cools everything around her. In the libretto, she is only 14 years old. Therefore, in this production, the stage director interprets her actions from a psychological point of view. At one time, her grandmother was cruelly violated by some foreigners, so Turandot takes vengeance on all men in her name. Since birth, not a single one of them has touched her yet. Calaf’s right answers to all her riddles bring her great pain and disappointment. The princess says, “I will let you go, go your own way”, but meets resistance. In response, she receives a riddle from the protagonist, which she cannot solve. This is a really difficult role, and I will do my best to try to create this character, to convey to the audience the director’s main idea. According to Davide Livermore’s vision, Turandot is feminine, lithe; all of her movements are very pliant, which attracts men. In regard to vocals, hard work is to be done as well,” said Zhupar Gabdullina.Martina Serafin is also preparing the part of Turandot. The world-famous opera singer shared her impressions of her work in Astana.“The Astana Opera is a beautiful opera house, very well organized. For me, as an opera singer, acoustics are important, and the acoustics here are very good. Working with the conductor was a big pleasure. I also had a wonderful time working together with my colleagues – Kazakhstani singers and with the orchestra, which has a very beautiful sound. I have found very professional atmosphere here. The Stage Director Davide Livermore is giving his all to this production. He is working with every choir artist as if each of them were a soloist. He focuses on the characters emotions. Turadot is a role that I love very much, and sing a lot in my life. I am quite happy to share my interpretation with the audience of Astana. I would like to congratulate the people of Kazakhstan on the significant date – the 20th anniversary of the capital. I know that this performance is dedicated to the celebration of the anniversary, and I am happy to be a part of this event,” said Martina Serafin.Honored Artist of Kazakhstan, state prize laureate Maira Mukhamedkyzy and Honored Artist of Kazakhstan Zhannat Baktai, who has repeatedly interpreted this role at various international venues, will perform the fragile slave girl Liu, who is in love with Calaf.This will be the debut performance of this part for the opera prima Maira Mukhamedkyzy.“This defenseless girl with incredibly powerful inner energy amazes me very much. Such a strong love is rarely found on this earth, not everyone is given the opportunity to feel it. The audience remembers Liu by her heroic deed. All three arias that I have to perform are very difficult. The first aria is tender and exquisite; here she declares her love for Calaf, talks about her feelings. In the second aria, I must convey a storm of emotions raging in my heroine’s chest, because her beloved first saw Turandot and went crazy for the beautiful princess, not hearing or seeing anything around him. Liu cannot accept this, but her heart is still full of love. And since fate has decreed that they are not destined to be together, Liu kills herself, saving Calaf. Thus, the emotional, impassioned Liu is a contrasting character. She is the opposite of the cold Turandot. What is the difficulty in performing this part? The need to simultaneously deliver dramatic acting, meanwhile not forgetting about the technically complex vocals,” noted Maira Mukhamedkyzy.Director Davide Livermore has already worked at the Astana Opera in 2017 as a jury member of Placido Domingo’s Operalia, World Opera Competition. He was happy to accept the opera house’s invitation to stage G. Puccini’s opera Turandot. “I am very happy to be here, and I also feel great joy that our countries are united by a cultural bridge. I am grateful to the opera house’s management for the opportunity to work in this wonderful opera house again. I came into contact with Turandot for the first time when I was 6 years old. My father gave me a CD with the recording of this opera. The part with the children’s choir performance impressed me back then. After learning this excerpt, I often sang it in my room. Hence, this opera is with me since childhood. There are very distinctive characters in it. I believe that every person living on this earth can also be a prince, in another period of his life finding the traits of Ping, Pong and Pang within himself. Well, right now Calaf is the closest to me. I would like to experience life and believe in love, like he does,” shared Davide Livermore. In the Spirit of Showmanship…Set and Costume Designers Sofya Tasmagambetova and Pavel Dragunov suggested an interesting design concept for this production. It consists of mixture of styles, but the Chinese symbolism still remains the key element. The audience will see a fantasy China, as described by the author of the libretto, therefore there is a freedom of ideas for the designers here. For the first time, ultramodern technologies will be used, creating various bright effects. The appearance of a dragon and horses, as well as a spectacular stage transformation will add color to the production.The set and costume designers’ ideas were implemented by the experienced craftsmen of the Artistic and Production Complex, headed by Victor Carare.“For the first time at our opera house, we will use video projections on LED backdrops, which move around the stage throughout the performance. They simultaneously complement the frontal and rear projections, which consist of screens 24 meters wide and 15 meters high. To the surprise of the audience, it will be raining in the first act, and the water will be absolutely real. A unique combination of light and video content will create one of a kind theatrical magic. Incidentally, the light plays a very important role in this production. Among other things, we have built lifting mechanisms for the titular character, which will be appearing from under the ground, and be raised about 3 meters above the steppe (!). The Restoration and Craft Shop is finishing the work on the palace and columns; the Prop Shop has also carried out a large volume of work. With each new production, we are writing an unparalled theatrical history, gaining experience, which allows us to implement the most incredible projects at a very high level. This way, the viewers who come to us, enter a special world,” emphasized Victor Carare.              “Turandot is a very rich artistic material. First of all, we were guided by the director’s vision, the technical equipment of the stage, which we tried to make the most of. The space will transform, at times becoming immense, and at times more compact. Having studied the history of the productions of Turandot, I will definitely say that our production does not repeat any of the previous international versions. The Astana Opera production will have a unique blend of Asian and Chinese styles, that is, there will be a symbolism of these two cultures in the sets,” explained Set and Costume Designer Sofya Tasmagambetova.  The color palette both in the costumes and the sets is rather restrained, which carried particular significance. On the contrary, this ‘non-brightness’ makes it possible to highlight the most important thing, which is the action. Black and white colors create a specific shadow accent.“We used silk to make the costumes, but to a greater degree we utilized one of the more expensive fabrics – jacquard. Trimming and decorating are secondary here, and tape, braid or buttons are not at all characteristic to this production. The difficulty was in the use of specific Chinese cutting techniques, which the Costume Shop tailors know very well. In addition, fabric texture was very important. Its main function is keeping the shape of the costumes. The main heroine Turandot is always in front of the audience, which makes for a new task – costume changes need to take place right onstage. Thus, four different cloaks will alternately complement the base outfit. The princess’ last dress is red. In total, we have made 247 costumes, which took more than 2 thousand meters of fabric. Such a large amount is due to the choir artists’ costume changes. Initially we planned for them to be in the same costumes throughout the entire production, but then it was decided to increase that by another costume change,” concluded the set and costume designer.In Detail about the Little ThingsThere was a serious task before the Prop Shop – to create many intricate details, painstakingly encrust the ministers’ orders, chisel medals for the princes, which will then decorate the lapels of their costumes. Incidentally, the military theme is a common thread running through the production here. Halberds for the executioners and guards, combat swords, short swords, ritual swords, curved sabers made of metal and wood stretched out on the carpenter’s machine serve as a confirmation of this. Prop masters carefully carve out the grips of the weaponry, and, instead of the usual steel, use aluminum for the tips. Only then all this beauty is decorated and finished with leather. In addition, the craftsmen made swallows on sticks, which will be used in dance scenes. In order to create the flight effect, the wings were made of fabric so that they can easily move.The manufacturing technique for umbrellas, fans, staffs requires a lot of time, their coloring is characteristic of the Eastern culture. The work on making traditional Chinese straw hats is no less laborious. They were made from papier-mâché, taking into account a special form, which was decorated with twine on top. Such a head piece weighs about 400 grams! Attention is also paid to the armor manufacture, of which there are 22 pieces. It takes 200 pieces of leather to make each one of them.Musical WorldThe Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra and Choir under the baton of the Music Director and Conductor Alan Buribayev rehearsed for several months in order to achieve filigree sound. A particular importance is placed on the choir, which has a paramount role in this opera. Principal Chorus Master of the Astana Opera, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Dautov honed the skills of not only the Astana Opera Choir artists, but also those of the artists of the China National Opera House.It is known that the composer G. Puccini worked on the opera Turandot from the summer of 1920 until his death in the year 1924. At the premiere of the opera at the Teatro alla Scala, the music suddenly stopped in the middle of the final act: Arturo Toscanini laid down his baton, turned to the audience and announced: “Here the opera ends, because at this point the maestro died.” Franco Alfano, a friend of Puccini, who had achieved international recognition with his opera Risurrezione twenty years before, completed Turandot, using Puccini’s draft of the final duet, which he had at his disposal. This version of the finale will be performed at the Astana Opera.The opera Turandot is the Astana Opera’s twenty-fourth premiere. The production without a doubt can be called larger than life. Thanks to the titanic work of the production team, residents and guests of the capital will definitely enjoy this spectacular performance.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/tsm/press/news/details/27544?lang=kk

According to the information provided by the Guarantor States of the Astana Process on Syria, foreign ministers of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Turkey intend to meet in the capital of Kazakhstan on March 16, 2018.During the talks, the participants are planning to analyze the results achieved during the first year of cooperation on the settlement of the situation in Syria, as well as outline further joint actions.On the eve of the meeting, March 15, 2018, a meeting of senior officials, as well as meetings of the Joint Working Group and the Working Group on the release of detainees/hostages, the transfer of bodies of the deceased and the search for missing persons are expected.The ministerial meeting in Astana will be held without the participation of observers or parties to the Syrian conflict. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura will be invited to the meeting.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27429?lang=kk

New York, March 8, 2018. The Kazakhstan delegation headed by Special Envoy for Afghanistan Ambassador at Large Stanislav Vassilenko took part in a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.Within the event, the Security Council members unanimously approved resolution 2405, containing an assessment of the situation in that country, as well as the extended mandate of the UN Assistance Mission to Afghanistan for another year. This event is held quarterly to implement the provisions of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and to discuss political developments in the country. The meeting was particularly focused on women's involvement in the peace process.The Security Council highly appreciated the visit of the UNSC members to Afghanistan under the chairmanship of Kazakhstan in January 2018, which helped to better understand the situation in the country. Additionally, the emphasis was laid on the weight and effectiveness of the UNSC debates on Afghanistan chaired by Kazakhstan on January 19, 2018, themed “Building a regional partnership in Afghanistan and Central Asia as a model to link security and development."Vassilenko stated that political and economic challenges, as well as security threats faced by Afghanistan, require ongoing support from the regional countries, the international community, and, notably, the Security Council. It was highlighted that women and youth occupy a central position in the conflict prevention pattern.Therefore, Kazakhstan is planning to carry out an international conference “Women empowerment in Afghanistan" in autumn 2018 in Astana. Vassilenko also stated: “Our country has suggested to continue the education program for Afghan citizens with co-financing from the European Union and other partners. Within the framework of our $ 50 million educational program, about 1,000 Afghan citizens will study in Kazakh universities between 2010 and 2021." Currently, the European Union has been allocating funds for the first stage of the joint project, which will be implemented together with UN Women and is aimed at training Afghan girls in the universities of our country.Vassilenko pointed out that during the UN Security Council's mission to Afghanistan meetings were held with all the key representatives of the Afghan government and socio-political communities of the country, including women's organizations led by First Lady Rula Ghani.The Kazakh delegation underlined the significance of the so-called three-pronged strategy for tackling conflicts. It includes, firstly, the link between security and development, where sustainable development programs are also required for a lasting peace and security in the country; secondly, a regional approach for close cooperation among the regional countries is needed to overcome transboundary challenges and threats, because today it is impossible to deal with various threats and challenges exclusively within the borders of one state; thirdly, the One United Nations principle, the essence of which is to strengthen coordination and efficiency of the UN at the central and local levels.Given the importance of women in conflict resolution, the Kazakh representative concluded his speech with the Kazakh proverb “Woman rocks the cradle with one hand and rules the world with the other."Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27399?lang=kk