Kazakhstan to expand visa-free travel programJuly 16, 2015 - 13:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Kazakhstan said on Wednesday, July 15, that it would expand a visa-free travel program to 19 countries and principalities for visitors staying up to 15 days, after the success of a pilot project, the New York Times reports. The former Soviet republic in Central Asia, bordered by Russia and China, among others, said the new rules would eliminate visa requirements for travelers from Australia, Belgium, Britain, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. The new policy will remain in effect until at least the end of 2017. Kazakhstan’s economy has struggled in recent months, hampered by a recession in Russia, which has been grappling with lower oil prices and international economic sanctions related to President Vladimir Putin’s policies in Ukraine. “As a rapidly growing economy and a place of great natural beauty,” Kazakhstan’s minister of internal affairs, Kalmukhanbet Kassymov, said in a statement, “Kazakhstan has a lot to offer to both tourists and business travelers, and we are delighted to welcome them.” Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |