Semey and Ypres have once again been united by historical memory. Ahead of the 35th anniversary of the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, representatives of Kazakhstan and Belgium recalled the devastating human cost of war and technological disasters, DKNews.kz reports.
According to an official statement by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Belgium, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Belgium Roman Vassilenko and Mayor of Ypres Katrien Desomer laid flowers at the monument dedicated to the victims of nuclear tests and technological disasters. Kazakhstan donated the monument to the Belgian city in 2010.
Kazakhstan’s monument has stood in Ypres since 2010
The commemorative ceremony took place on August 28, ahead of the International Day against Nuclear Tests. Vassilenko and Desomer observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims.
The ceremony carries particular significance for both Ypres and Semey. The Belgian city became one of the symbols of the devastating consequences of the First World War, while Semey lived for decades alongside one of the Soviet Union’s largest nuclear testing grounds.
“Semey’s and Ypres’ experience reminds us of a simple but important truth: peace cannot be taken for granted. It must be preserved through common efforts and passed on to future generations,” said Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Belgium Roman Vassilenko.
The connection between the two cities goes beyond commemorative events. The twinning agreement between Semey and Ypres was signed on March 16, 2012.
456 nuclear tests changed the meaning of August 29
The Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site was closed on August 29, 1991. Over more than four decades, 456 nuclear tests were conducted there.
The date later went beyond Kazakhstan’s national history and became internationally recognized.
At Kazakhstan’s initiative, the United Nations General Assembly designated August 29 as the International Day against Nuclear Tests. It was observed for the first time on August 29, 2010. The choice of date is directly linked to the closure of the Semipalatinsk test site, as confirmed by the official United Nations website.
After the site was shut down, Kazakhstan voluntarily renounced one of the world’s largest nuclear arsenals. As a result, the history of Semey became part of the global debate not only on the consequences of nuclear testing, but also on nuclear disarmament.
That is why the 35th anniversary of the historic decision taken on August 29, 1991, is being marked beyond Kazakhstan as well. Events linked to the country’s anti-nuclear agenda are also being held abroad.
Ypres and Semey plan to strengthen ties through youth projects
Ypres Mayor Katrien Desomer said relations between the two cities are built around preserving historical memory.
“Ypres and Semey are united by a special bond and a shared commitment to preserving historical memory. It is important that the lessons of the past are passed on to future generations and contribute to strengthening peace,” Desomer said.
The two sides confirmed their readiness to further develop relations between the sister cities. Cultural, educational and youth projects are among the areas identified for future cooperation.
This cooperation already extends beyond ceremonial commemorations. During Vassilenko’s visit to Ypres in September 2025, the sides also discussed expanding cultural and educational exchanges. Works by Abai in Flemish and French were presented to the city library at the time.
For Semey, this creates an opportunity to preserve the memory of the consequences of nuclear testing not only through anniversary events in Kazakhstan, but also through sustained international cooperation.
Semey remains part of the global anti-nuclear agenda 35 years later
On August 29, 2026, Kazakhstan marks exactly 35 years since the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site.
A date born from decades of nuclear testing is now part of the United Nations calendar. The monument in Ypres also demonstrates how Semey’s history has become connected with that of a European city deeply scarred by war.
Roman Vassilenko and Katrien Desomer confirmed their intention to continue strengthening this connection through new projects between the two cities.
