Author

Derya Soysal

editor · EUReflect

Contributing writer at EUReflect.

164 stories · page 1 of 6

  • sport

    Akhal-Teke 2026 International Championship

    The world's most celebrated horse breed will take center stage this week as the Akhal-Teke 2026 International Championship opens in Kronenberg, the Netherlands, bringing together breeders, equestrian enthusiasts, cultural organizations, and international media from across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

  • politics

    2026: The Year of Kyrgyzstan?

    How a landlocked nation of mountains and nomads became one of Eurasia's busiest diplomatic crossroads

  • politics

    Kazakhstan’s New Parliament: The Qurultai

    Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has officially registered 145 deputies of the Qurultay, the country’s new unicameral parliament, with their parliamentary mandates taking effect, today, on August 27.

  • politics

    International Experts Analyse How Kazakhstan’s Historic Kurultai Elections Unfolded

    ASTANA – As Kazakhstan held its first-ever elections to the newly established Kurultai, the eyes of the international community turned toward Central Asia. Foreign experts, academics and political observers travelled to the country to witness the vote first-hand, visiting polling stations, speaking with citizens, and sharing their assessments with international journalists.

  • conferences events festivals

    Qairat Almaty vs Anderlecht

    This week, football fans across Europe are once again turning their eyes toward Central Asia, as FC Qairat Almaty — the reigning champions of Kazakhstan — take on RSC Anderlecht in the play-off round of the UEFA Europa League qualifying path.

  • politics

    Kazakhs Will Vote the Qurultay

    This Sunday, 23 August 2026, millions of Kazakhstanis will walk into polling stations to take part in one of the most consequential moments in their nation’s modern history: the first-ever election to the Qurultay (Құрылтай), Kazakhstan’s newly established single-chamber parliament.

  • politics

    King Philippe of Belgium Visits Kazakhstan in October 2026

    At a glance From 12 to 15 October 2026, King Philippe of the Belgians will pay his first-ever State visit to Kazakhstan, at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. It will be the first time in history that a Belgian sovereign travels on an official visit to the Central Asian country, since diplomatic relations were established in 1992.

  • travel

    Kazakhstan: The World’s Most Underrated Travel Destination

    When people, especially in Europe, think of great travel destinations, they often imagine France, Spain, Italy, Japan or Thailand. Rarely does Kazakhstan come to mind. Yet this vast Central Asian nation offers something increasingly difficult to find in modern tourism: authenticity. But for me, as a Belgian journalist, Kazakhstan is one of the most underrated travel destinations. It is so rich that, in one country, you can experience so many different things.

  • politics

    Special Interview with H.E. Adit Erkin, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Belgium

    Kyrgyzstan is entering a new chapter in its international engagement. Following its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, the country is preparing to play a more visible role on the global stage. In an interview with EUReflect, Ambassador Aidit Erkin, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union, discussed Kyrgyzstan's priorities at the UN, regional cooperation in Central Asia, and the enduring importance of the Kyrgyz nomadic heritage.

  • interview

    Exclusive Interview with Dmytro Gordon at the Global Media Forum in Shusha

    Shusha, Azerbaijan — On the sidelines of the 4th Global Media Forum in Shusha, EUReflect Media spoke exclusively with renowned Ukrainian journalist and public figure Dmytro Gordon, who reflected on the significance of the international media gathering, the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Azerbaijan, and the solidarity that continues to unite the two nations during a defining period of European history.

  • politics

    Kazakhstan–EU Partnership Enters a New Era in Brussels

    Brussels, 7 July 2026 – Senior European and Kazakh policymakers, diplomats, experts, and representatives of civil society gathered at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Brussels for the latest edition of the Shanyraq Dialogues, a platform dedicated to fostering informed discussion on Kazakhstan’s engagement with Europe.

  • conferences events festivals

    The Third International Maqom Art Forum in Uzbekistan

    The Third International Maqom Art Forum took place in Namangan, Uzbekistan, bringing together distinguished musicians, scholars, government officials, and cultural representatives from around the world to celebrate one of the richest traditions of Eastern classical music. The opening ceremony, held on June 23, was attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. Welcoming forum participants, foreign guests, and representatives of the cultural and artistic community, the President emphasized that maqom is far more than a musical tradition—it is a spiritual bridge that unites people’s hearts and promotes peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding.

  • interview

    Interview: with Angola’s Minister of Tourism, H.E. Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel

    Speaking to Derya Soysal, Angola’s Minister of Tourism, Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, said the country is focused on increasing its visibility as a tourist destination. He highlighted regional co-branding initiatives and noted that leisure tourism grew by 25% between 2024 and 2025 thanks to promotional efforts.

  • conferences events festivals

    Angola Positions Itself as Africa’s Next Emerging Tourism Destination

    At the Angola Investment Summit 2026, Tourism Minister Márcio Daniel told EUReflect that Angola aims to raise its international profile and attract new investment. Through global partnerships and sustainable development, the country seeks to position itself as Africa’s next emerging tourism destination.

  • travel

    President João Lourenço’s speech during the Angola Invest Summit

    LUANDA, ANGOLA — Under the high patronage of the President of the Republic, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Angola hosted the Angola Investment Summit from June 17 to 19, 2026. The summit was an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, held in partnership with the Global Tourism Forum Institute (GTFI), based in Brussels and Dubai.