In order to strengthen interregional cooperation between Kazakhstan and Great Britain, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the UK, Magzhan Ilyassov, visited Scotland last week. The Ambassador met with representatives of the Scottish Government and Parliament, as well as with the leadership of Heriot-Watt University.
In the course of negotiations with Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Constitution and Culture of the Scottish Government, the parties discussed a high level of cooperation in the spheres of education, agriculture, and oil and gas industry. The Ambassador informed about the launch in 2023 of a partnership program between Heriot-Watt University and Aktobe Regional University to develop three English-language bachelor’s degree programs in technical specialties (oil and gas, electric power and computer engineering).
It was noted that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2024 to further expand the multi-year partnership between Robert Gordon University and the Kazakh-British Technical University, which will create joint study programs, exchange students and launch a number of joint research projects. Special attention was paid to the significant potential for cooperation in the fields of mining, renewable and green energy sources, as well as common interests in the development of cultural and humanitarian ties.
During the meeting with Provost of Heriot-Watt University Steve McLaughlin and Vice-Provost Mark Biggs, the parties noted the dynamic development of Kazakh-British cooperation in the field of education, including with Scottish universities. One of the main points of discussion was the successful partnership of Heriot-Watt University with Aktobe Regional University. The Kazakh diplomat emphasized that the presence of British universities in Kazakhstan contributes to the strengthening of bilateral relations and ties between our countries.
Ambassador Ilyassov also visited the Scottish Parliament, where he took part in a roundtable discussion organized by the Cross Party Group on Nuclear Disarmament on the eve of the International Day of Peace (21 September) and the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons (26 September). In his speech, the Kazakh diplomat shared Kazakhstan’s unique experience in the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. The Ambassador also informed about the initiative of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the establishment of the International Agency for Biological Safety, put forward within the framework of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly.
Photo: gov.kz
