On October 25th, Kazakhstan’s Republic Day, Manneken Pis, the famous Belgian statue, was dressed in traditional Kazakh costume.

The Republic Day (Республика күні) commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic on October 25, 1990. This declaration marked the first step toward Kazakhstan’s independence, which was officially proclaimed on December 16, 1991.

Over the past 35 years, the country has experienced significant economic growth, asserted its independence, gained prestige on the international stage, and emerged as a regional leader and a key partner for major global powers such as China, the European Union, the United States, and others.

Since Kazakhstan’s independence, the European Union has been one of its main political and economic partners. In fact, the EU is Kazakhstan’s leading partner in terms of trade and investment. On this Republic Day, the country not only celebrated its national holiday but also marked the 10th anniversary of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) by dressing the Manneken Pis in traditional Kazakh attire. The ceremony took place in the historic center of Brussels.

The message was clear: long live the Kazakh Republic, and long live the strong ties between Kazakhstan and both Belgium and the European Union.

The ceremony was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Belgium, in collaboration with the Brussels City authorities and the Order of the Guardians of Manneken Pis. Representing the City of Brussels was Ahmed El Ktibi, who delivered a speech alongside Kazakh Ambassador Roman Vassilenko. Together, they celebrated not only Kazakhstan’s Republic Day but also the 10th anniversary of the EPCA.

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Roman Vassilenko stated: “Today’s event reflects the strong partnership between Kazakhstan and Belgium, based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the development of cultural dialogue. We are pleased to present the rich traditions of the Kazakh people in the heart of Europe – in Brussels, the capital of the European Union.”

This is why, on this special day, Kazakhs celebrated not only their Republic Day but also a decade of friendship and partnership with the European Union.

Note: The agreements between the European Union (EU) and its partners generally aim to:

Provide a basis for political dialogue;
Support the efforts made by the countries to strengthen their democracies and develop their economies;
Accompany their transition to a market economy;
Encourage trade and investment. (Source: European Union. (n.d.). Partnership and cooperation agreements (PCAs): Russia, the Southern Caucasus and Central Asia. EUR-Lex. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/partnership-and-cooperation-agreements-pcas-russia-the-southern-caucasus-and-central-asia.html)

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European Union. (n.d.). Partnership and cooperation agreements (PCAs): Russia, the Southern Caucasus and Central Asia. EUR-Lex. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/partnership-and-cooperation-agreements-pcas-russia-the-southern-caucasus-and-central-asia.html