29.10.2025
14th World Congress of Consuls, Marrakech, Morocco
29 October – 1 November, 2025, Marrakesh – The Moroccan city of Marrakech hosted the 14th World Congress of Honorary Consuls, organized by the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC) in collaboration with the Union of Honorary Consuls of Morocco. The event gathered over 200 participants from 87 countries, establishing itself as one of the largest international platforms this year dedicated to the latest trends in consular diplomacy, institutional cooperation, and global developments in international relations.
The delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, representing the Society of Honorary Consuls of Kazakhstan, included the President of the Society and Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Belgium in Almaty, Hon. Denis Van den Weghe, Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic in Almaty, Hon. Gulmira Tolganbayeva, Honorary Consul of Hungary in Aktobe, Hon. Jambulat Sarsenov, and Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Belgium in Aktau, Hon. Murtaza Arifov.
The Congress program featured plenary sessions, expert discussions, and a General Assembly meeting, addressing a broad range of consular issues: strengthening interstate trust and political understanding, developing tools for economic diplomacy, expanding intercultural and humanitarian cooperation, integrating digital technologies into consular practice, and tackling challenges in cybersecurity and government system sustainability amid global transformations. Two strategic panels - Bridging Nations in Modern Times" and "Navigating Modern Diplomacy" - explored contemporary consular challenges, including economic partnerships, cultural dialogue, health diplomacy, cybersecurity, and climate action.
During the Congress, leadership for 2025–2028 was confirmed with H.E. Nikolaos K. Margaropoulos re-elected as FICAC President and Hon. Asif Chowdhury as Vice-President. The newly elected Board of Directors reflects FICAC’s truly global reach, including members from Ghana, India, Italy, Monaco, Israel, Belgium, Honduras, Kazakhstan, and the United States. The General Assembly also approved significant constitutional amendments to strengthen the governance structure of the Federation.
A key highlight of the Congress was the re-election of Denis Van den Weghe to the FICAC Board of Directors for a new three-year term, reflecting recognition of his contributions to the global consular community and to enhancing Kazakhstan’s role in international consular diplomacy. Within the framework of the Congress, on behalf of the Society of honorary consuls of Kazakhstan, Mr. Van den Weghe presented the candidacy of Almaty city to host the 15th World Congress of Honorary Consuls in 2028.
The active participation of the Kazakh delegation at the Congress underlines Kazakhstan’s commitment to developing the Institute of Honorary Consuls as an effective tool for international diplomacy, economic cooperation, and fostering long-term partnerships.
