The Virtual Conference held on the theme “At the source of modern diplomatic relations with the Islamic world: life and destiny of Nazir Torekulov and Karim Hakimov”

The Virtual Conference entitled “At the source of modern diplomatic relations with the Islamic world: life and destiny of Nazir Torekulov and Karim Hakimov” took place on May 27, 2020.

The event was held by the joint efforts of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Saudi Arabia, the Permanent Mission of Russia to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia – Islamic World,” as well as with the support of the OIC Secretariat.

The Conference was attended by political figures, famous diplomats, and scientists from Russia, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and Bashkortostan. Among them, member of board of the Eurasian economic commission Mr. Tair Mansurov, Assistant Secretary General of the OIC Mr. Askar Mussinov, the Permanent Representative of Russia to the OIC Mr. Ramazan Abdulatipov, Head of the Center of Information and Arabian-Russian Studies Dr. Majed Al Turki, Deputy Chairman of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia – Islamic World” Farit Mukhametshin and others.

During the Conference, the participants discussed the life and activities of prominent representatives of the Soviet diplomacy Nazir Torekulov and Karim Khakimov, as well as informed about the scientific researches and ongoing works to preserve the rich heritage of those bright political figures for future generations.

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Saudi Arabia and Permanent Representative to the OIC Mr. Berik Aryn highlighted in his speech the distinguished merit and contribution of the glorious son of the Kazakh nation Nazir Torekulov to the formation and development of mutually beneficial and friendly relations between Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia.

In this connection, Ambassador Berik Aryn pointed out the measures those have been taken by the Government of Kazakhstan to perpetuate the memory of the outstanding Kazakh politician and diplomat, including the establishment of “Nazir Torekulov Medal” in 2003 that is awarded “For the contribution to the development of Foreign Policy of Kazakhstan.” Besides, he noted that the Library named after Nazir Torekulov is working at the premises the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Riyadh.

Assistant Secretary General of the OIC H.E. Mr. A.Mussinov in his turn briefed on the invaluable contribution of outstanding diplomats Nazir Torekulov and Karim Khakimov to the establishment and development of relations between the USSR and its peoples with the Islamic world, which occupies a vast territory starting from Morocco to Indonesia. Stressing the importance of continuing their activities, he called for further development of cooperation in the field of education with Muslim countries. In this regard, he invited the Kazakh and Russian parties to consider the possibility of allocating educational grants and quotas on a paid basis, as part of the Educational Exchange program of the OIC.

The proposal of the Assistant Secretary General was widely supported by the participants and Mr. F.Mukhametshin expressed readiness of his organization in realization of this proposal.

It is worth to mention that Nazir Torekulov (1882-1937) was the first Kazakh diplomat, prominent political and public figure, and scholar. Being the Plenipotentiary Representative of the Soviet Union to Saudi Arabia from 1930 to 1935, he made a significant contribution to the development of Soviet-Saudi cooperation.

The Kazakh diplomat, who had good relations with the ruling Al Saudi family, promoted in organizing an official visit of the future King, Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to the USSR in June, 1932.

Shortly after returning to the USSR, Nazir Torekulov was executed by Stalin’s regime as the “Enemy of the people” in 1937.” In 1958, he fully rehabilitated by the decision of the USSR Supreme Court.