The Portuguese library fund replenished with books about Kazakhstan

On October 13, 2020 the presentation of books of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev "The Era of Independence" and "The Book of Words" of the great Abai Kunanbaiuly in Portuguese language was held in Lisbon.

During the event and meeting with the Director General of the National Library of Portugal Maria Inês Cordeiro, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Daulet Batrashev emphasized that the book "The Era of Independence" will allow Portuguese readers to get acquainted with the history of formation of our country and with the strategic vision of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on strengthening of independence and statehood of Kazakhstan as well as about his important decisions, which contributed to the creation of a modern state.

Talking about the work of Abai, the Kazakh diplomat noted that this year the 175^th anniversary of the great Kazakh poet, composer, enlightener, thinker and founder of Kazakh written literature is being celebrated. He expressed the hope that the main work of "Kazakh Camoens" - Abai Kunanbaiuly "The Book of Words" will be widely accepted by the Portuguese audience.

Numerous books about Kazakhstan and the First President of our country as well as recent publications in Portuguese language, including the Address of the President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev to the People of Kazakhstan "Kazakhstan in a New Reality: Time for Action" as well as the Concept of Civil Society Development in Kazakhstan were also handed over to the Fund of the National Library of Portugal.

In this context, special attention has been given to the opening of the Centre for Kazakh Literature and Culture in Lisbon. The Kazakhstani diplomat, spoke in detail about the implementation of such projects around the world.

In its turn, Maria Inês Cordeiro welcomed the development of cooperation in the field of culture and literature of two countries, noting that Kazakh works will be included in the large book collection of the Portuguese library and will undoubtedly find their admirers. She expressed confidence in the success of joint projects, which will promote friendship and cultural exchange between two countries. In addition, books about Kazakhstan will be distributed to the libraries of Porto, Coimbra and Evora in order to reach a wider readership.

Following the meeting, an agreement on the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the National Library of Portugal was reached.