On October 2 in Astana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan hosted the jubilee award ceremony for the winners of the 10th Annual International Contest “Kazakhstan Through the Eyes of Foreign Media”. This year, by decision of the jury, the works of journalists from Armenia, Belgium, Pakistan, the United States, and Uzbekistan were recognized as the best in various categories.
More than 100 entries from 30 countries were reviewed this year, exceeding last year’s number of submissions. The winners – Marianna Mkrtchian (Armenia), Derya Soysal (Belgium), Muhammad Ali Pasha (Pakistan), Matt Fitzgerald (USA), and Arukhan Akpanbetova (Uzbekistan) – highlighted diverse aspects of Kazakhstan in their works, including digitalization, economy, tourism, sports, culture, and history.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov congratulated the laureates, noting the high quality of all submitted works and the steady increase in applications from journalists worldwide, which testifies to the growing interest of the international media community in Kazakhstan.
After the award ceremony, the contest winners attended the largest international technology forum – Digital Bridge 2025, where their visit was combined with the forum’s intensive program. In addition, to deepen cultural interaction and provide a closer acquaintance with the country, the laureates will visit Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and the Turkistan Region as part of a cultural and historical program.
The annual contest among foreign journalists contributes to raising international awareness of Kazakhstan’s development trends, promoting its rich natural and cultural heritage, and showcasing the country’s potential and attractiveness for foreign investors and tourists.
The “Kazakhstan Through the Eyes of Foreign Media” contest was launched in 2014. Each year, the jury selects text and video materials and awards prizes in various categories. Representatives of foreign publications and media outlets from around the world present their works in multiple formats – from print and online editions to blogs, podcasts, and traditional broadcast segments such as television programs. The themes of the publications and materials range from history, culture, education, tourism, and national cuisine to international relations and Kazakhstan’s investment potential.
