ENU celebrated 31st anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and South Africa

Eurasian National University hosted an official event dedicated to the 31st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Kazakhstan.

The event was attended by diplomats, representatives of international organizations, scientists and teachers.   

“Holding such an event within ENU walls highlights the huge role of education and science in the development of cooperation and mutual understanding between our countries. And today’s meeting with our colleagues is a great opportunity to discuss important issues of expanding cooperation with our partners and implementing new projects within the framework of scientific and academic collaboration.

I would like to note that the President of the Thembekile Mandela Foundation, Ndileka Mandela, is an Honorary Professor at ENU and during her visit in August 2021 gave a lecture to students and teachers of the university. 

Today’s meeting will give a new impetus to the development of bilateral relations in the field of science and education,” Yerlan Sydykov, Rector of L.N. Gumilyov ENU emphasized welcoming the guests.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of South Africa to Kazakhstan Keitumetsi Matthews, expressed gratitude to ENU Rector and the university staff for supporting the implementation of joint projects.

“At the beginning of our official cooperation with Kazakhstan, South Africa was not yet a democratic country, Mr. Nelson Mandela was released two years earlier – on February 11, 1990.

By the will of fate, President Tokayev turned out to be exactly the person who in the early nineties held a meeting with President Mandela and presented him a beautiful Kazakh national shapan,” the diplomat said.

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Candith Mashego-Dlamini, spoke in detail about the development of diplomatic relations between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

“Today is indeed a significant event. We would like to note Kazakhstan’s contribution to the international community due to its role in various multilateral issues. We share values and comparable views on the current global political and economic architecture.

We are convinced that the future relations between South Africa and Kazakhstan will become even more dynamic, especially the economic aspects of our relations, which demonstrate great potential for further expansion,” the speaker concluded.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kanat Tumysh said during his speech:

“We are glad that you have brought an African flavor to today’s event. Let me assure you that the next 30th anniversary of our countries’ diplomatic relations will be a golden period of our cooperation.

The great leader of South Africa, the first democratic President Madiba Nelson Mandela said that education is the most powerful weapon if you want to change our planet.

Also, our great philosopher al-Farabi said: “If you want to see the future of the nation, look at its youth.”

At this time of turbulence, we need to maintain the spirit of brotherhood, love, and mercy. Let’s build a better world for our successful generation.”

Following the meeting, African performer Danny Petersen demonstrated playing Djembe drums.