Brussels, 22 October 2026 — Ahead of Republic Day and as Kazakhstan marks the 35th anniversary of its independence, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Belgium, Roman Vassilenko, met with Kazakhstani students studying at universities in Belgium and Luxembourg.
The open discussion focused on opportunities for young Kazakhstanis, expanding educational cooperation, and new initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between Kazakhstan and Europe.
“Today, studying abroad is about more than earning a diploma. It is about gaining the knowledge, experience and connections that will help you turn your ideas into reality. Perhaps the next successful project between Kazakhstan and Belgium will begin with an idea from one of you,” Ambassador Vassilenko said.
Particular attention was given to the new opportunities arising from the historic State Visit of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians to Kazakhstan. The visit included a Forum of University Rectors, which resulted in the signing of 22 agreements and memoranda, paving the way for greater academic mobility, joint research and collaborative educational programmes.
Nazgul Nurgali, the newly elected President of the Qazaq Society student association, presented the organisation’s activities and outlined its plans for educational, cultural and community initiatives.
“We want Qazaq Society to be more than a place where young Kazakhstanis meet and support one another. We want it to be a platform where they share ideas, launch joint projects and introduce Europeans to today’s Kazakhstan,” said Nurgali.
Throughout the meeting, students shared their ideas, explored opportunities to work with the Embassy and suggested new ways to bring the Kazakhstani student community together while promoting Kazakhstan’s culture and heritage.
One proposal was to launch an annual essay and creative project competition focusing on Kazakhstan and its relations with Europe, bringing together students from Kazakhstan, Belgium and other countries.
The programme also featured an interactive quiz and informal discussions with diplomats, giving students an opportunity to raise practical questions, including those related to consular services.
The meeting helped strengthen connections within the Kazakhstani student community in Belgium and Luxembourg and laid the groundwork for further joint initiatives supported by the Embassy.
