10.06.2025

Opening of the Honorary Consulate of the Portuguese Republic in Almaty

Almaty, June 10, 2025 — A solemn ceremony was held in Almaty to mark the official opening of the Honorary Consulate of the Portuguese Republic.

The event was attended by His Excellency José Ataíde Amaral, Chargé d'Affaires of the Portuguese Republic in Kazakhstan; His Excellency Zhanibek Abdrashov, Head of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty and Ambassador-at-Large; Hon. Dias Suleimenov, Honorary Consul of the Portuguese Republic in Almaty; and Hon. Denis Van den Weghe, Chairman of the Board of the Society of Honorary Consuls of Kazakhstan.

Among the distinguished guests were His Excellency Ștefan Gorda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Moldova to Kazakhstan; representatives of General and Honorary consulates; representatives of various UN agencies; and members of the Portuguese community - all of which underscored the significance of the event in strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing cooperation between Kazakhstan and Portugal.

The opening of the consulate represents an important step in the development of bilateral relations, opening new horizons for collaboration in the economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres.

In his remarks, Chargé d'Affaires José Ataíde Amaral emphasized the importance of the consulate’s opening as a key element in advancing intergovernmental dialogue.

Zhanibek Abdrashov, Head of the MFA Representative Office in Almaty, expressed confidence that the consulate would serve as an effective tool for further expanding the partnership between the two countries.

Denis Van den Weghe, Chairman of the Society of Honorary Consuls of Kazakhstan, congratulated the newly appointed honorary consul on his new role, wished him every success in his mission, and noted that the Society had gained a worthy new member, which was warmly welcomed by all.

The event was given special symbolic meaning by the fact that it took place on Portugal Day - a national holiday celebrated in honor of Luís de Camões, the great Portuguese poet, and a symbol of the country's national pride and cultural heritage.

Honorary Consul Dias Suleimenov expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and assured that he would do his utmost to effectively fulfill his duties and to actively strengthen ties between Portugal and Kazakhstan.