In his opening speech, the European Union Ambassador, Kestutis Jankauskas, emphasized the importance of interpersonal relationships in strengthening ties between countries, in which cultural events play a big role: “That is why we decided to celebrate this significant day with a concert that will unite the cultures of the EU countries and Kazakhstan.” Ambassador Jankauskas thanked the partners - Astana Opera; Council of Europe (CoE) in the framework of the joint EU/CoE Central Asia Rule of Law Programme; European Bank of Reconstruction and Development; Sheraton Hotel, and Air Astana who made this event possible.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko, in his turn, underlined the efficient and fruitful work done throughout 30 years and expressed his trust in the further development the relations between EU and Kazakhstan.

The head of EU diplomacy HR/VP Josep Borrell and the Deputy Prime-Minister – Minister pf Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi sent video messages to congratulate the people of Kazakhstan on this significant day.

To mark this occasion a Gala Concert in the hall of Astana Opera was organised for the music lovers. The concert was also honoured by the attendance of high officials of Kazakhstan as the State Counsellor, Erlan Karin, Minister of Culture and Sports, Askhat Oralov, Minister of National Economy, Alibek Kuantyrov, and many more. The stars of the Kazakh and world opera scene Susana Gaspar, Maria Mudryak and Medet Chotabayev performed at the stage and the well-known maestro Abzal Mukhitdinov took the conductor's podium.

For Susana Gaspar, a Portuguese opera star, this was the first trip to Kazakhstan. She heard a lot about Kazakhstan, the wonderful singers of our country, yet this was the first time she performed on world stage with Maria Mudryak, who became the ambassador of cultural relations between Kazakhstan and Italy last year and Medet Chotabaev, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, Commander of the Order of the Star of Italy.

Besides these performers the spectators could enjoy best European and Kazakh pieces by the symphonic orchestra and choir of Astana Opera, and famous musicians of Kazakhstan.

Those who were not able to attend the concert could connect to the live-stream of Tengri - https://tengrinews.kz/tv/

The whole concert recording will be available soon on the YouTube channel of the EU Delegation in Kazakhstan - EU Delegation to Kazakhstan channel