Andre Thomas Hope, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Sierra Leone

The Society of Honorary Consuls is an invaluable asset to our activities through its four main avenues:
A ready and reliable source of continuously updated information. Thanks to the Society, we receive daily English-language news updates from Kazakhstan Newsline, allowing us to stay informed about detailed and informative news regarding all aspects of events in Kazakhstan. It's a user-friendly resource for us as readers.
The recently opened WhatsApp group, which not only serves as a platform for information dissemination but also provides members of the Society with quick access to each other in case of need.
A very accessible Secretariat for all Honorary Consuls, which can be reached through email, phone, WhatsApp, or in person for those located in Kazakhstan. This ease of access and communication encourages members to reach out to the Secretariat for assistance in obtaining specific information or establishing contacts with institutions and/or individuals within Kazakhstan. Personally, I recently reached out to Denis Van den Weghe for assistance in connecting with an ambassador representing an African country in Kazakhstan. In a very short time, he provided me with the contact information, and I was able to establish a connection.
The annual congress of the Society of Honorary Consuls in Kazakhstan and the events within it over several days, which include essential presentations by key government departments and officials, along with visits to significant institutions and cultural activities, are invaluable to members who interact with one another in an atmosphere of common goals and efforts. It's an excellent opportunity for official and social interaction among Society members.

Henk Nieboer, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Netherlands

In July 2019, I joined the Society of Honorary Consuls as the Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in the Netherlands. When I attended the first Congress of the Society in Nur-Sultan in September 2019, I realized the significance and potential of this Society.
First and foremost, I am convinced that being an honorary consul is a profession. Like in all professions, it's essential to stay in touch with your colleagues, discuss what it means to be a consul, and how others perceive their profession. This leads to increased professionalism and encourages a creative approach.

Secondly, I genuinely appreciate that, thanks to the leadership and secretariat of the Society, which we have as consuls in Kazakhstan, we can more effectively represent the interests of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the respective countries. The fact that our chairman has direct access to the highest government authorities in the country means that we can share our issues and knowledge with them, receiving feedback on the effectiveness of our work.
Attending the Congress, I genuinely felt a sense of camaraderie among all the Honorary Consuls present, which truly inspired me to put in additional effort in this challenging profession. Contact with these individuals provides an opportunity to draw from their creativity, which positively impacts my effectiveness.

Mahendra Sanghi, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in India (Mumbai)

I am delighted to be a member of the Society of Honorary Consuls. The Society serves as a platform for communication with government institutions and unites the interests of all consul members. Thus, it can become a crucial link in the dissemination of information about investment projects in Kazakhstan and business proposals for various Indian industries.
Many of the events organized by the Society, such as the Congress of Honorary Consuls in Nur-Sultan, consular and business meetings/negotiations, and other programs, are always valuable. These events provide members of the Society with an opportunity to receive recommendations for improving the business climate in Kazakhstan and to facilitate foreign investment in Kazakhstan, as well as to increase the export of Kazakh goods to India and other countries.
In this way, the Society plays a vital role in promoting economic and diplomatic relations between countries and fostering cooperation between its members.

Jambulat Sarsenov, Honorary Consul of Hungary in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Establishment of the Society of Honorary Consuls in the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2018 was a significant event. It serves as a platform for discussions related to the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, improving the business climate, and attracting investments to the Republic of Kazakhstan. In a short period, the Society has opened branches in various regions of Kazakhstan, and its partners include government bodies, national companies, and organizations in Kazakhstan in the field of socio-economic development. The number of honorary consuls of foreign states who are members is increasing. Notably, the Kazakh Consular Congress took place jointly with the KAZENERGY Association and the World Federation of Consuls during Kazakhstan Energy Week in 2019.

The task of honorary consuls is to strengthen cooperation between companies and governments in the fields of trade and investment, as well as to promote direct information exchange. In the current complex situation caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the need for rapid information exchange online regarding the most significant issues of our activities and joint development takes precedence.
I am confident that participation in the work of the Society opens up new opportunities and horizons for mutually beneficial cooperation for honorary consuls. It is an honor for me to feel connected to the Society as one of its participants, as well as the Honorary Consul of Hungary in Kazakhstan and the Co-Chair of the Kazakhstan-Hungary Business Council. I hope that contacts between consuls within the Society will strengthen, and the number of joint projects and connections between companies will increase. I am ready to provide comprehensive support to the organization. I wish you success and prosperity!

Suleiman Shazali, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Brunei Darussalam

Honorary consuls play a crucial role in promoting bilateral trade and investment between the country they represent, in my case, Brunei Darussalam, and Kazakhstan. To fulfill this task, it is essential for them to obtain up-to-date information that can be disseminated to interested parties.
We are fortunate that with the creation of the Society of Honorary Consuls, of which the Honorary Consulate of Kazakhstan in Brunei Darussalam is a member, we receive current information about what is happening in Kazakhstan. The annual Kazakhstan Honorary Consuls Congress provides a great opportunity to meet with other honorary consuls for networking, listen to presentations on investment opportunities in Kazakhstan, and visit relevant agencies that can help us with providing information and contacts for future cooperation. We also maintain a dialogue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to better understand our roles.
Kazakhstan Newsline provides very detailed news and information on current events covering general issues and various industries. Information is regularly provided to us in English.
Furthermore, an unofficial WhatsApp group has been created to allow us to interact with other honorary consuls worldwide and receive notifications on urgent matters from the Secretary-General of the Society of Honorary Consuls.
Membership in the Society offers tremendous benefits.