25.11.2025
Opening of the Honorary Consulate of France in Shymkent
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.
Shymkent, November 22, 2025 — The official opening of the French Honorary Consulate took place in Shymkent. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps and business community of Shymkent city.
The opening of this new consular institution marks an important step in strengthening international relations between Kazakhstan and France, as well as in developing cooperation in economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. Igor Kopaïlov was appointed Honorary Consul of France. He is the Executive Director of Shymkent Invest Company, a member of the Regional Council of the Shymkent Chamber of Entrepreneurs, and President of the National Association of Hospitality and Restaurant Businesses.
A welcoming speech was delivered by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Kazakhstan, His Excellency Sylvain Guiaugue, who highlighted the steady development of Kazakh-French relations and expressed confidence in further deepening the partnership between the two countries.
Denis Van den Weghe, President of the Society of Honorary Consuls of Kazakhstan, spoke about the activities of the Society and its key areas of focus, emphasizing the importance of inter-consular collaboration. Concluding his remarks, he congratulated Igor Kopaïlov on his appointment, noting his professionalism, commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, and his special affinity for France. He expressed confidence in the significant contribution the new Honorary Consul would make to the consular community.
In turn, the newly appointed Honorary Consul, Igor Kopaïlov, expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Sylvain Guiaugue for the trust placed in him and emphasized his readiness to actively promote economic cooperation and strengthen business ties between Kazakhstan and France.
Notably, the opening date of the French Honorary Consulate coincided with one of France’s most recognizable celebrations — Beaujolais Nouveau Day, which fell on November 20 in 2025.
Beaujolais Nouveau is a light, bright, and fruity red wine made from the Gamay grape grown in the Beaujolais region. The harvest is picked by hand in September, fermented using a rapid technique, and ready for consumption within 6–8 weeks. This wine is celebrated not for its complexity, but for the energy of the moment — its fresh taste, liveliness, and festive spirit. In France, the celebration lasts a full week, with themed tastings in restaurants, public festivities, and parades with wine barrels.
The coincidence of these dates serves as a symbolic highlight of the cultural dimension of the French presence in Kazakhstan, emphasizing the warm nature of bilateral relations and the spirit of openness that underpins French diplomacy.
