15.11.2023

Opening of the Honorary Consulate of Lithuania in Almaty

November 15 ,2023 became a significant day in the history of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and the Republic of Lithuania with the opening of the Honorary Consulate of Lithuania in the city of Almaty.

The solemn ceremony was attended by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the Republic of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Egidijus Navikas, the Consul General of the Republic of Lithuania in Almaty, Gvidas Kerušauskas, the Chairman of the Society of Honorary Consuls, Denis Van den Weghe, the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Representative Office in Almaty, Bakytzhan Bulegenov, as well as honorary consuls and business delegations from various countries.

Mr. Alexander Deriglazov, a businessman who is the owner of the retail chain "Meloman/Marwin," a chain of hypermarkets for home goods "Comfort," and the "First Kazakhstan Music Publishing House” LLP. Alexander Deriglazov is among the top 50 wealthiest and most influential businessmen in Kazakhstan according to the Forbes 2023 ranking.

It is worth noting that this honorary consulate became the 11th Honorary Consulate of Lithuania in Kazakhstan, making it the absolute leader with regards to the number of opened honorary consulates in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The trade and economic cooperation between the Republic of Lithuania and the Republic of Kazakhstan amounted to 412 million dollars in 2019. The main items of Kazakhstan's exports to Lithuania were petroleum products, food products, and non-ferrous metals. The primary items of imports were dairy products, automobiles and their parts, fish, and food products. From 2005 to 2019, the gross inflow of direct investments from Lithuania to Kazakhstan amounted to 31.2 million US dollars, and from Kazakhstan to Lithuania - 21.2 million US dollars.

The opening of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Lithuania in Almaty is another step towards expanding diplomatic and economic ties between the countries and it underscores the importance of diplomatic activity and cooperation on the world stage. This event also provides new opportunities for cultural exchange and the development of business cooperation between both nations.