Astana International University hosted a warm and productive meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Spain Kingdom, Mr. Luis Francisco Martinez Montes. The visit began with an official conversation with the university leadership, where they discussed new opportunities for education and exchange programs between our countries. As a sign of deep respect and commitment to national traditions, the AIU leadership presented the guest with a special gift — a Kazakh kamcha. This symbol of courage and honor became a vivid gesture of our university's hospitality.
The visit continued with an open lecture dedicated to the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Spain. The Ambassador gave an exciting presentation, revealing the cooperation between our countries from unexpected and very interesting angles. The speaker talked about deep cultural and sporting ties, recalling the legendary match between "Kairat" and "Real Madrid," which remains in the memory of fans forever. He also mentioned the famous sculpture by Jaume Plensa, which has become a symbol of modern art in Kazakhstan. Another striking example was a large-scale film project about Karlag, filmed with the participation of Netflix, featuring actors from both Kazakhstan and Spain.
During the Q&A session, students were able to not only ask about politics but also receive valuable advice from a world-class professional. The Ambassador was very open with the students, and this accessibility and simplicity in communication resonated greatly with the audience. The meeting concluded with a commemorative photo to mark this friendly visit. Such events help AIU students feel like part of a larger world and inspire them to reach new heights in their studies and careers.