Kazakhstan builds interfaith forum into institution over 2 decades SEOUL, August 24 (AJP) - An idea that surfaced in Astana days after the September 11 attacks has grown into a standing international institution, with a permanent secretariat, its own awards, a 10-year strategy and a place on the United Nations record. The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions has met eight times since 2003, always in the Kazakh capital, and is scheduled to convene again in 2028. The proposal took shape during Pope John Paul II's visit to K August 24, 2026

Ex-US vice president suggests South Korea help Ukraine with interceptors SEOUL, August 24 (AJP) - Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday called for South Korea to help ease Ukraine's shortage of interceptor missiles, suggesting that Seoul could provide its advanced air defense weapons for deployment by the U.S. in Ukraine or elsewhere among its allies. Pence, who served as vice president during U.S. President Donald Trump's first administration, made the proposal in an interview with CNN from Kyiv, where he was visiting to attend an Inde August 24, 2026

KATSEYE No. 1 on Billboard tests boundaries of K-pop SEOUL, August 24 (AJP) - KATSEYE's first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 marks a breakthrough for the multinational girl group built by South Korea's HYBE and U.S. label Geffen Records and at the same time raises a complicate question on whether its feat can be counted as another victory for K-pop. The group's five-track EP WILD debuted atop the main U.S. album chart with 170,000 equivalent album units in the week ended Aug. 20, according to Billboard and data provider Lumin August 24, 2026

AJP On the Spot: Inside Astana's historic vote ASTANA, Aug. 23 (AJP) —"Today is undoubtedly a truly historic day for our country. For the first time, we are holding elections to the unicameral Kurultai," President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said after casting his ballot Sunday. "We have achieved significant results. At the same time, much work remains to be done, and the goals before us are of particular importance. Today's elections are only the beginning of this major undertaking." Around him, August 24, 2026

Baiterek tower, Kazakhstan Visitors stand at the observation deck of Baiterek Tower in Astana, Kazakhstan, August 22, 2026. August 23, 2026

Baiterek tower, Kazakhstan Visitors place their hands on a handprint cast of Kazakhstan's first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, at Baiterek Tower in Astana, Kazakhstan, August 22, 2026. August 23, 2026

Baiterek tower, Kazakhstan Baiterek Tower is seen in Astana, Kazakhstan, August 22, 2026. August 23, 2026

The National museum of Kazakhstan A mannequin dressed in traditional Kazakh attire, including a ceremonial headdress, is displayed at the Kazakhstan National Museum in Astana. August 23, 2026

The National museum of Kazakhstan A close-up view of an ornately decorated horse bridle with gold and bronze embellishments is displayed at the Kazakhstan National Museum in Astana. August 23, 2026

People of Kazakhstan vote for future ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Aug. 23 (AJP) — Kazakhstan is holding its first parliamentary election today for the newly launched unicameral legislature, the Kurultai, which replaces the country's former bicameral parliament. The morning in Astana, Kazakhstan, looked much like any other. But outside polling stations scattered across the capital, an unusual tension hung in the air. It was Aug. 23, election day for the Kurultai. A group of young athletes in mat August 23, 2026