Consulate General of Kazakhstan opens in Busan

Kazakhstani Ambassador to Korea Bakyt Dyussenbayev, second from right, and Consul General of Kazakhstan in Busan Ayan Kashabayev, third from left, pose for a photo with dignitaries during the opening ceremony of the Consulate General of Kazakhstan in Busan, May 12. Courtesy of Embassy of Kazakhstan in Korea

By Kwon Mee-yoo

The Consulate General of Kazakhstan opened in southern port city of Busan, May 12.

According to Kazakhstani Ambassador to Korea Bakyt Dyussenbayev, the consulate general was opened by the decree of Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to "enhance the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian interaction of Kazakhstan with Busan and the southeastern region of the Republic of Korea."

In his congratulatory remarks, Ambassador Dyussenbayev expressed gratitude toward the Korean government as well as Busan Metropolitan City for its assistance in opening the Consulate General.

He also noted that the opening coincided with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Kazakhstan, highlighting the two countries' lasting relations.

Ayan Kashabayev, has been designated as consul general of Kazakhstan in Busan, vowed in a speech during the opening ceremony to make every effort for the consulate general to intensify bilateral cooperation, as well as to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Kazakhstan citizens.

Busan, the second-largest city in Korea, is the primary port of Korea and the world's sixth-largest container port as of 2019, serving as a gateway connecting the Pacific Ocean and Eurasian continent. Reflecting the city's international nature, there are 51 diplomatic missions in Busan, including six consulates, five cultural centers, two U.N. agencies, a trade mission and 37 honorary consulates.