On 10 December 2024, with the organisational support of the Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Almaty, a scientific meeting between Dr Azamat Seitov, Head of the Laboratory of Anthropology and Conflict Studies of the Institute of Advanced International Studies (IASI), and leading experts from Kazakhstan was held. The event was held in a ‘no-tie’ format and brought together high-level experts who devoted the discussion to topical issues of bilateral and regional co-operation.

Among the participants of the meeting were Eduard Poletaev, President of the World of Eurasia Foundation; Rustam Burnashev, Professor, Candidate of Philosophy; Zeinollah Karazhanov, Director of the Kemel Arna Public Foundation; Laura Karataeva, Doctor of History, Deputy Director of Research Projects at the Eurasian Centre for People Management; Andrei Chebotarev, Director of the Centre for Current Research “Alternative”; Saken Belgibaev, Head of the Foundation for Assistance to Professional Media, film director, and other experts.

During the meeting, the participants discussed a wide range of topics, including the development of Uzbek-Kazakh relations, joint efforts to preserve peace and stability in Central Asia, combating the consequences of climate change, and issues of national identity of the peoples of the region. Special attention was paid to the prospects for scientific and educational co-operation between IPMI and Kazakhstan’s research structures.

The experts noted the high level of trusting relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, emphasising the importance of the scientific and educational sphere as a promising area for deepening bilateral ties. The format of such meetings, as it was emphasised, plays a key role in strengthening mutual understanding between the countries of the region and developing people’s diplomacy.

The participants expressed gratitude to the Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan for organizing the event and expressed hope for continuation of such meetings, which contribute to the development of constructive dialogue and strengthening of scientific cooperation.

The meeting was held in a warm and constructive atmosphere, emphasising the importance of informal formats of interaction for addressing key issues of regional development.