Expansion of Cooperation with French Colmar
Colmar, April 24, 2024 - The Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Strasbourg, Anel Bakytbekkyzy, made a working visit to the city of Colmar, where held bilateral meetings with the municipal administration and representatives of the cultural sector of the region.
During the meeting with the Mayor of Colmar, Eric Straumann, issues of cooperation with local authorities were discussed, as well as prospects for collaboration in the economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres, including the possibility of establishing sister city relationships between Colmar and cities in Kazakhstan. A. Bakytbekkyzy briefed the Mayor on the contemporary development of Kazakhstan, President K. Tokayev's reform program, and acquainted him with the government's priorities for further modernization and diversification of the state's economy.
In order to foster investment cooperation, the Consul General outlined opportunities in key sectors and urged businesses in the region to more effectively utilize investment potential in Kazakhstan. In this context, Mayor E. Straumann was proposed to conduct a joint business seminar with the participation of local chambers of commerce and business circles on the platform of municipal assets.
Furthermore, considering the significant potential of Colmar, the parties exchanged views on partnership prospects in the tourism industry, agriculture, as well as in scientific and technical fields. It is noteworthy that in November 2023, tour operators from the Mangystau region participated in an international tourism exhibition in Colmar with the aim of exploring the possibility of establishing a Kazakhstani stand at upcoming exhibitions, upon invitation from the regional administration.
- Straumann also emphasized that the Colmar Administration is ready to cooperate with the Kazakh Consulate General and is interested in considering the announced initiatives on joint cultural events.
In conclusion of the meeting, emphasizing the anniversaries and commemorative dates of historical figures of Kazakhstan in 2024, such as the 125th Anniversary of K. Satpayev, the 100th Anniversary of S. Nurmagambetov and R. Koshkarbaev, the Consulate General of Kazakhstan expressed readiness to conduct a lecture for students at one of Colmar's universities.
In order to add further dynamic to bilateral cooperation in the fields of historical research, art, and museum affairs, A. Bakytbekkyzy met with the Head of the National Committee of Monuments "Hartmannswillerkopf," Jean Klinkert.
During the conversation, the Consul General proposed J. Klinkert to organize consultations in the format of video conferencing with colleagues from the National Museum of Kazakhstan as part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation signed in 2023. It was noted that the online meeting would contribute to expanding partnership in the field of studying the historical heritage of the two museums.
On his part, J. Klinkert expressed readiness to exchange scientific information, documentation, and publications with Kazakhstani colleagues.
Following the negotiations, Mayor of Colmar E. Straumann and the Head of the French museum, J. Klinkert, were invited to visit the V World Nomad Games in Astana in coming September, where representatives from 75 countries of the world have already confirmed their participation.
Located at the strategic crossroads of European metropolises (Germany and Switzerland), Colmar is the third largest French municipality in Alsace. Colmar's economy is characterized by diversity and the presence of industrial giants such as Liebherr, Ricoh, and Timken. The city hosts a developed cluster of biotech companies and an agricultural research institute specializing in viticulture. Colmar boasts numerous museums and is also the birthplace of Auguste Bartholdi, the creator of the Statue of Liberty in New York.
The National Committee of Monuments "Hartmannswillerkopf" is a preservation and promotion entity of the history of World War I, which manages Franco-German historical monuments in France.