Portuguese Ambassador Visits Astana International University

Today, Astana International University welcomed a delegation from the Embassy of the Portuguese Republic led by José Ataíde Amaral, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Portuguese Republic to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The delegation also included Deputy Head of Mission Nuno Almeida and Assistant to the Ambassador Aigerim Kassylova.

The guests were welcomed by Anar Myrzagaliyeva, Rector of Astana International University. During the meeting, the parties discussed an initiative to screen the feature film Amadeo (2020), directed by Vicente Alves do Ó. The film explores the life and work of Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, one of Portugal’s first modernist artists. His artistic legacy forms part of the European art heritage of the early 20th century.

The Portuguese Ambassador’s visit marked an important step towards developing academic and cultural ties between Astana International University and the Portuguese Republic. The parties discussed potential areas of cooperation between AIU and Portuguese universities. They considered academic mobility programmes for students and faculty members, as well as opportunities to engage scholars from Portuguese universities as international research supervisors for the university’s doctoral students. The parties also discussed initiatives to organise joint cultural and educational events.