Honorary Consulate of France opened in Atyrau

By Saule Tasboulatova

Francis Etienne, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Kazakhstan, and Yesengali Baimenov, Honorary Consul of France to Kazakhstan.On Friday, June 20, the official opening ceremony of the Honorary Consulate of France took place in Atyrau. Francis Etienne, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Kazakhstan, and Deputy Governor of Atyrau Oblast Shyngis Mukan participated in the ceremony.

– When we speak about the capacity of Kazakhstan, first of all, we mean its gas and oil reserves, - said Mr. Etienne in his speech. - And we look at Atyrau Oblast, of course. We are aware that here 1/3d of internal gross product of Kazakhstan is created and that it’s the main donor of the republican budget. In order to expand our relations we want to open an honourable consulate of France in Atyrau. This is the first regional honourable consulate in Kazakhstan.

Mr. Etienne introduced the honourary consul to Atyrau Yesengali Baimenov - the director general of Mercur Holding.

– We will try to strengthen business and cultural cooperation between France and Atyrau Oblast, - said Baimenov. - We want to facilitate French visa issues for the citizens of Atyrau and other regions. And we also plan to open direct air flight between Atyrau and France.

France, investing in Kazakhstan's economy USD 9 billion, ranks third in terms of investment after the Netherlands and the USA. Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and France.