Kazakhstan is strengthening its footprint in Germany beyond the federal level. A ceremonial opening of the Honorary Consulate of Kazakhstan took place in Saarbrücken, the capital of the Federal State of Saarland, marking a new chapter in Kazakh-German relations focused on regions, business and direct partnerships, DKNews.kz reports.
The event was hosted at the Saarland Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Saarland), a symbolic venue that sits at the heart of the region’s economic and entrepreneurial life. The choice of location underlined the practical orientation of the initiative - bringing diplomacy closer to industry, investors and local decision-makers.
A bridge between business and diplomacy
Frank Thome, Chief Executive Officer of the Saarland Chamber of Industry and Commerce, was appointed Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Saarbrücken. With extensive experience in international economic cooperation, he is expected to play a key role in expanding trade and investment ties between Kazakhstan and Saarland.
The appointment reflects a broader trend in Kazakhstan’s foreign policy - strengthening regional diplomacy through people who are deeply embedded in local business ecosystems and capable of translating political dialogue into concrete economic projects.
Strategic partnership with a regional focus
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Germany Nurlan Onzhanov emphasized the high level of strategic partnership between the two countries. He highlighted the growing importance of interregional cooperation and direct business contacts, noting that regions often become the engines of real economic interaction.
According to the Ambassador, the Honorary Consulate will serve as an effective tool for promoting economic, investment, humanitarian and regional ties, while also supporting a stronger presence of Kazakhstani companies in Saarland.
Saarland sees Kazakhstan as a reliable partner
Minister-President of Saarland Anke Rehlinger described Kazakhstan as a reliable and important partner for Germany in Central Asia. She pointed to strong prospects for expanding cooperation in industry, energy, innovation, digitalization and vocational education - sectors that are central to Saarland’s economic strategy.
Her remarks sent a clear signal to the regional business community: Kazakhstan is viewed not only as a distant market, but as a long-term partner with significant industrial and technological potential.
Business interest and new opportunities
Hanno Dornseifer, President of the Saarland Chamber of Industry and Commerce, noted the strong interest among local entrepreneurs in developing closer ties with Kazakhstan. He emphasized that the Honorary Consulate can become a practical platform for dialogue between businesses, chambers of commerce and institutional partners on both sides.
For Saarland companies, Kazakhstan offers access to Central Asian markets, while for Kazakh businesses the region represents a gateway into Germany’s industrial and innovation networks.
A symbolic moment and a clear commitment
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the consular patent to Frank Thome. In his remarks, he expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and confirmed his readiness to actively support trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian and regional cooperation between Kazakhstan and Saarland.
Why it matters
The opening of the Honorary Consulate in Saarbrücken goes beyond ceremonial diplomacy. It reflects a shift toward more pragmatic, region-driven cooperation that connects governments, businesses and communities directly.
For Kazakhstan, it is another step toward deepening its partnership with Germany through concrete regional engagement. For Saarland, it opens new doors to Central Asia. Together, these moves create a foundation for long-term cooperation built on trust, shared interests and real economic opportunities.
