B Raza Syed
MANCHESTER, United Kingdom: Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United Kingdom H.E. Magzhan Ilyasov officially opened the Honorary Consulate of Kazakhstan in Manchester on October 11, 2024. On the occasion, Mr. Abid Latif Chohan was graced as the first Honorary Consul of the Kazakhstan for Greater Manchester.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne(MP). Afzal Khan MP, Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Paul Andrews, representatives of the diplomatic circle, political and business community of Greater Manchester.
On behalf of the Government of Kazakhstan, H.E. Magzhan Ilyaso congratulated Mr Abid Latif Chohan upon his appointment and vowed full support to Mr Chohan in his new role. H.E. Magzhan Ilyasov informed the audience that bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom are at their highest level, within the overall framework of the strategic partnership, thanks to the competent leadership of the two countries. “Honorary Consuls have an important role to play in ensuring an intensified diplomatic representation of Kazakhstan. Therefore, the opening of the Honorary Consulate in Manchester and the appointment of Mr.Abid Latif Chohan as the Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan will undoubtedly contribute to the development of a long-term fruitful relationship and cooperation between our two countries in the areas of tourism, business, culture. It will also help increase people-to-people contacts,” said the Ambassador.
He also cited Kazakhstan’s achievements in various areas and economic factors attracting investors. Ambassador Magzhan Ilyasov further invited participants to visit Kazakhstan and discover its variety of tourist attractions.
MP Afzaal Khan felicitated Mr Abid Latif Chohan on his new appointment and commended good relations existing between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom. He also applauded Kazakhstan for creating an extraordinary environment for investments.
The Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne MP expressed his delight at being in Manchester for the occasion. Speaking at the event, he highlighted his responsibility for international relations in the field of health and care.
In his address, the Minister emphasized the importance of global cooperation to tackle shared health challenges, stating, “We need to collaborate and share knowledge, particularly in addressing global health issues together.”
He also expressed his enthusiasm for strengthening ties between the United Kingdom and Kazakhstan. “I look forward to deepening connections between the UK and Kazakhstan. It’s fantastic that we now have this office here in the vibrant city of Manchester,” he added.
On this occasion, The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Paul Andrews, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Abid Latif Chohan on his appointment as the Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan. Speaking at the event, the Lord Mayor praised the move, stating, “On behalf of the city, I believe this is an excellent step forward.” The Lord Mayor emphasized that this appointment would strengthen ties between the city and Kazakhstan, fostering greater cooperation and mutual benefit.
Speaking at the event, Chairwoman of the Board, Aliya Ospanova,” Bolashak Program” highlighted the importance of the program.
Mr Abid Latif Chohan expressed his gratitude for being nominated Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan and committed to fulfilling his duties successfully. He praised the favorable environment for doing business in Kazakhstan, an experience he draws from his investment in the country.
On this occasion, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, H.E.Magzhan Ilyasov, also met with Kazakh students studying in Manchester under the Bolashak Scholarship program to discuss their academic progress, adaptation, and future career prospects in Kazakhstan.
Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland were established on 19 January 1992.
The British Embassy in Kazakhstan opened in October 1992. The Embassy of Kazakhstan in the UK opened in February 1996.
The main aim of the Honorary Consulate is to provide assistance to Kazakh citizens in the regions of North West England as well as Yorkshire and the Humber as well as to promote bilateral economic and cultural relations between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom.
