In his first message, the new Kazakh ambassador to Cairo outlines the features and importance of bilateral relations between the two countries.

His Excellency, Mr. Askar Zhengis, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Arab Republic of Egypt, sent a special letter expressing his great appreciation and pride in the Egyptian-Kazakh relations over 33 years of diplomatic and bilateral relations. The following is the text of the letter:

Dear friends!
I have received the honor and responsibility of being appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to the Arab Republic of Egypt by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev!

This year marks the 33rd Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Egypt. It is well known that the two nations share a long history and a close spiritual bond. With deep appreciation, I would like to thank our good friends who have contributed greatly to the development of Kazakhstani-Egyptian cooperation founded on respect and trust.

One of the first Arab nations to acknowledge Kazakhstan’s sovereignty was Egypt, which promptly established an Embassy in our nation. In Cairo, Kazakhstan opened its first Embassy in an Arab nation. Egypt has grown to be a significant Arab partner for our country today.

The people of Kazakhstan have special respect for the sacred land, which has been a center of science and education for centuries, and the cradle of civilizations. Our interest in expanding the scope of our communication and fraternal relations has never diminished. President of the Republic of Kazakhstan H.E.

Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said, “Today, Egypt is one of Kazakhstan’s main partners in the Islamic and Arab world. A constructive political dialogue has been established. Many bilateral treaties and agreements have been signed. We are ready to work together to strengthen cooperation without slowing down this momentum” – his words also indicate a strong intention to further deepen bilateral friendly relations. Partnership between the two nations will undoubtedly be strengthened by the heads of state’s desire to maintain the fruitful thread of cooperation and deepen our ties, as well as by their alignment of stances on regional and global concerns.

Despite the distance between our two countries, there are common values ​​that bring our states closer together. Our valiant forebears, such as the wonderful monarch and historical figure Sultan Az-Zahir Beibarys, who contributed significantly to the prosperity of the Islamic world, and the world-famous scholar Abu Nasr Al-Farabi, are sources of pride for all of us. And the historically significant monument in Cairo, the mosque named for our ancestor Beibarys, serves as a symbol of our friendly relations.

The grand opening of the renovated mosque in June 2023, on the occasion of the 800th Anniversary of the birth of Sultan Beibarys, was undoubtedly a significant event in the history of both countries. The event, which strengthened cultural and spiritual ties between the countries, was attended by H.E. Mr. Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of our country, on the special instructions of the President of Kazakhstan. In a significant event that will be especially marked in our history, the Days of Culture of Kazakhstan in Egypt were organized, and a gala concert was held with the participation of outstanding artists of our country.

Over 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, our states have managed to build a mutually beneficial partnership based on strong friendly ties. Stable economic, cultural and humanitarian connections have been established between our countries.

The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, periodically held in Kazakhstan, has become one of the main global formats for inter-civilizational dialogue aimed at reaching peace and harmony. It is worthy to note that the participation of the Sheikh of Al-Azhar, the Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayeb, as the head of the delegation of the Islamic world, in this significant event is of great importance. The contribution of religious representatives of both countries to the development of the Islamic world and the expansion of spiritual ties between states is enormous.

Today, about 150 students from Kazakhstan study at Egyptian universities. Also, the Nur-Mubarak Egyptian University of Islamic Culture in Almaty (since 2001), which allows Kazakhstani students to receive qualified theological education without going abroad, is an important joint project in the field of education between the two countries.

Egypt is the golden cradle of world civilization. Its cultural and spiritual monuments, preserved from ancient times to the present day, and its rich heritage are a precious treasure and priceless wealth of humanity.

Anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the wondrous culture of Egypt will surely experience a special feeling, like sifting grains of gold from mountains of sand, and will attain spiritual perfection. The Cairo Opera House in Egypt is an ancient cultural center, a repository of the spirituality of the Arab world.

We can proudly say that unique works of Kazakh art are also presented to the attention of local audiences here. For example, on the occasion of the 800th Anniversary of Sultan Az-Zahir Beibarys, the Makhambet Academic Kazakh Drama Theater from the Atyrau region, Kazakhstan performed the “legend of Beibarys” by Kazakh writer Rakhimzhan Otarbayev in this very cultural center.

It is clear that such cultural ties and spiritual harmony will bring the two countries closer together. Egypt’s cultural life, which dates back to ancient civilizations, continues to be recognized by the world’s discerning art lovers.

The names of such artists as the Egyptian singer, the exceptionally talented “Star of the East” Umu Kulsoum, the singer, composer and actor Amr Diab, and the prominent representative of the film and television industry, the famous actor and singer Muhammad Sarwat, are known throughout the world.

The Kazakh people, who inhabit the vast expanse of the Great Steppe, are the owners of a creative history spanning thousands of years and a rich cultural heritage that is part of the treasury of world civilization. We have always had world-class art groups and artists in our nation, which has retained the rich and pure legacy of nomadic civilization. The world is now familiar with the name of Dimash Kudaibergen, a gifted vocalist who followed in the footsteps of the Emirs of the past who performed in the Parisian court and had a joyful palette. It is true that during the Days of Culture of Kazakhstan in Egypt, famous Kazakh artists such as Almasbek Almatov, Batyrzhan Myktybayev, soloists of the Astana Opera, the State Dance Ensemble “Saltanat”, “Alashuly”, and “Sulu” performed at the art center – Cairo Opera, and were greatly appreciated by the local community, which profoundly enhanced the glory of steppe civilization. It is evident that the lovely recollections of those joyful evenings spent in the Egyptian steppes, complete with the gong’s sound, dances, and lovely music, have not yet gone. There is confidence that such cultural and spiritual ties, which will strengthen cooperation between the two countries, will continue and expand in the future.
Very high economic potential
Bilateral trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Egypt is growing rapidly. In 2024, the volume of trade turnover between the two countries amounted to around 274 million US dollars, of which exports amounted to 137.2 million US dollars, and imports amounted to 136.7 million US dollars. This indicator alone represents an increase of almost 1.7 times compared to 2023 (161.2 million US dollars).
Of course, both sides have great potential to achieve even higher indicators, develop economic relations, create joint ventures, and attract large investments. At the same time, in order to support the positive momentum of mutual trade and the above-mentioned areas, holding the 6th meeting of the Kazakhstan – Egypt Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation in Astana in the near future is currently one of the priorities on the agenda of both sides.
It is intended to hold this meeting, which will be complemented with essential documents and events. For example, work is already underway at the intergovernmental and interdepartmental levels to sign agreements in the areas of trade and industry, new and renewable energy sources, tourism, freedom of movement of labor, healthcare and medical sciences, culture, sports and youth affairs.
In addition, given Egypt’s achievements in the investment sector and the rapid development of finished goods manufacturing in a number of industries, we plan to focus our efforts on creating joint ventures that will produce various high-value products. At the same time, the issue of building several factories and medium/small industrial enterprises in Kazakhstan, together with representatives of large Egyptian businesses, is currently being considered.
It is also planned to sign a bilateral Convention on the Elimination of Double Taxation. In turn, such a document is the basis for our future goals, which will give a very important impetus to strengthening economic cooperation between our countries, expanding the scope of activities, and creating favorable conditions for investment. In the future, such a document will undoubtedly facilitate the exchange of information on tax issues, prevent tax evasion, and eliminate double taxation of income for legal entities and individuals.
 
Collaboration tourism industry is essential
Today, tourism has become a key area of ​​interaction between the two countries. Egypt, with its unique natural and historical attractions, is one of the most popular destinations for Kazakhstani tourists. The demand for resorts on the Red Sea is especially high. Taking into account this need, efforts are being made to increase air transport between our countries. As a result of negotiations between the aviation industry leaders of the two countries in May last year, the parties agreed to increase the total number of permitted flights between the countries from 14 to 48 per week. In addition, the number of designated carriers has increased. Direct flights are being operated from Kazakhstani cities to the famous Egyptian tourist city of Sharm el-Sheikh. Now, connecting the capitals of our countries using the potential of Egypt Air is also a good initiative.
In addition, Kazakhstan offers Egyptian tourists unique opportunities for recreation and travel. The mountains, lakes, and deserts of the Kazakh land are also of great interest to foreign tourists. It is worth noting that Kazakhstan pays special attention to the active development of ecotourism, ethnotourism, business tourism, and other areas.
There is a good proverb among the Kazakh people: “A single friendly deed is worth a thousand words about friendship”. It is undoubtedly in the interest of both sides to build on our unwavering peace and unbreakable friendship. The goals and plans set to elevate relations between Kazakhstan and Egypt to a new level are also extensive. At the same time, I am confident that our partnership in bilateral and multilateral formats for the benefit of our peoples will continue in the future and grow rapidly with the support of our countries, and I would like to express my readiness, as well as that of the Embassy staff, to make every effort to implement it.