18.06.2026
Honorary Consulate of Romania Officially Opens in Almaty
ALMATY, June 18, 2026 — The southern capital hosted the official opening ceremony of the Office of the Honorary Consulate of Romania in Almaty. This milestone event marks a new chapter in strengthening bilateral relations, deepening economic partnership, and expanding humanitarian ties between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Romania.
The solemn event was attended by Her Excellency Madalina Lupu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to Kazakhstan; His Excellency Zhanibek Abdrashov, Ambassador-at-Large and Head of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty; Mr. Denis Van den Weghe, Chairman of the Board of the Society of Honorary Consuls of Kazakhstan, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps and business community.
Opening the ceremony, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to the RK Madalina Lupu recalled the origins of diplomatic relations, emphasizing that Romania historically became one of the first nations in the world to recognize the independence of Kazakhstan. Her Excellency noted the consistently high level of bilateral trust and constructive dialogue that has been steadily developing over the decades.
In his welcoming speech, Zhanibek Abdrashov, Ambassador-at-Large and Head of the Representative Office of the MFA in Almaty, highlighted the strategic role of the new consular office. He emphasized that the opening of this representative office will give a powerful impetus to strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties, revitalizing academic exchanges, developing tourism, and providing direct support to joint business initiatives, while expressing confidence in the further deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation.
In his speech, Denis Van den Weghe, Chairman of the Board of the Society of Honorary Consuls of Kazakhstan, noted that interstate relations stand firmly on a large-scale economic foundation, highlighting the investments of JSC NC KazMunayGas in Constanța, Romania, through the KMG International group (Rompetrol brand).
The Head of the Society pointed to a unique example of parity and synergy within the institution of honorary consuls:
"In Romania, within the key port region of Constanța, the Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan, Ms. Corina Martin, is actively operating, elevating the dialogue between our business communities to a qualitatively new level. Today's opening of the Honorary Consulate of Romania here in Almaty — the financial and cultural heart of Kazakhstan — creates a mirrored, symmetrical support for this bridge of friendship," underlined Denis Van den Weghe.
Denis Van den Weghe also drew attention to the rapid strengthening of the institution of honorary consuls: while three years ago there were just over 40 active honorary consuls in Kazakhstan, today their number has reached 75 (with the association's total network encompassing around 150 local and international members).
Concluding his speech, the Chairman of the Board formally welcomed the new Honorary Consul of Romania in Almaty, Mr. Andrey Schumacher, into the ranks of the Society, expressing confidence that his extensive entrepreneurial experience and commitment to high corporate governance standards will make a significant contribution to international activities.
In turn, Honorary Consul Andrey Schumacher expressed his deep gratitude to the governments of both countries for the high trust placed in him and pledged to actively and comprehensively fulfill the diplomatic and economic tasks entrusted to his office.
