Kazakh Embassy in the UK hosted the official reception to mark the 30th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Delovoy Kazakhstan reports.
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the UK Erlan Idrissov noted in his welcome remarks that in a short period of time, Kazakhstan transformed into a stable and prosperous state, the largest economy in Central Asia, accounting for more than half of the region’s GDP.
He also reviewed the results of the year and noted the positive dynamics of Kazakhstan-UK relations supported by meetings and visits at various levels. Ambassador Idrissov stressed that bilateral relations gained a new impetus after a Kazakh delegation led by Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin participated in the UN Global Climate Change Summit (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, where the two governments adopted the Joint Statement on Strategic Partnership and Joint Efforts to Respond to Climate Change.
UK Minister for Europe and Americas Wendy Morton MP delivered a congratulatory speech, in which she noted that Kazakhstan had made great progress in such a short space of time and that the UK was one of the first countries to recognise Kazakhstan’s independence.
“You are by far our largest partner in Central Asia, with trade in goods and services worth some £1.4 billion in the year up to June. And our joint ambition to expand that partnership was highlighted last month during the intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation,” she said, adding that as the ninth largest country in the world and the guardian of the precious steppe ecosystem, Kazakhstan is a key global partner in tackling climate change.
The Embassy of Kazakhstan presented a short video about the country’s achievements over the three decades of Independence, as well as the key milestones in the development of Kazakhstan-UK relations which also mark the 30th anniversary in January 2022.
Qos Arna, a duo of young Kazakh musicians, performed both Kazakh folk compositions and modern melodies of the West on traditional Kazakh instruments. Aida Zhakhanbek, member of the duo, is currently studying at the Department of Music of the University of Sheffield, and her brother Azamat is a student of the Department of Folk Music at the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory in Kazakhstan.
The event also showcased paintings by Kazakh artist Aigana Gali, as well as drawings by children from Kazakhstan about climate change. The drawings exhibition won the Best Art Piece at the 16th UN Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY16), which took place on 28-31 October in Glasgow, on the eve of COP26.
The reception guests were greeted by models in national costumes made by Omabelle brand by Kazakh designer Aidana Omarova. The costumes were supplied with the assistance of Silk Road Fashion London.
Kazakhstan’s flag carrier Air Astana also raffled off two economy and two business class return tickets to Kazakhstan among the guests.
According to a good Kazakh tradition, the guests left the event with a small sarqyt, or a goodie bag, with books about Kazakhstan, Kazakh chocolate, and legendary Aport apples which were delivered from Almaty for the special occasion.
The guests of the event included prominent British politicians, business executives, scientists, journalists, foreign diplomats and representatives of the Kazakh diaspora in the UK.
