Students recite Abai Kunanbayev's poems at the "Abai Poetry Recitation" event in Beijing, on August 8, 2025. Photos: Courtesy of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in China

Counselor of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in China Kalamkas Duzbayeva told the Global Times in a written interview that cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and cooperation are one of the key pillars of Kazakhstan-China relations, which continue to grow in education, culture, tourism, science, and technology. 

The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in China recently hosted an "Abai Poetry Recitation" event in Beijing to commemorate the 180th anniversary of the birth of Abai Kunanbayev - the great Kazakh poet, philosopher, educator, composer, and founder of Kazakh written literature.

Counselor Duzbayeva said that, as a tradition, annual "Abai Readings" commemorative events are held not only in Kazakhstan, but also in many other countries around the world. 

Kunanbayev authored about 170 poems, 56 translations, and several prose works, including the philosophical masterpiece Qara Sozder (or The Book of Words).

"Such cultural events provide a valuable opportunity to present Kazakh literature and music to the Chinese public," said Duzbayeva.

Among the participants at the reading and poetry recital event were many students in primary schools and middle schools, who delivered exciting performances. 

"By studying his [Kunanbayev's] philosophy and poetry, young people from Kazakhstan and China not only deepen their understanding of each other's cultures, but also build bridges of friendship and cooperation between our two countries," Duzbayeva noted. 

Meanwhile, as one of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, Kazakhstan has witnessed great progress in cultural, tourism, and film cooperation.

There is genuine mutual interest in learning about each other's language and traditions, Duzbayeva noted while providing an example. "We see Chinese youth studying Kazakh, learning to play the dombra, and exploring our music, while young people in Kazakhstan are increasingly eager to learn Chinese and study in China. This reflects both our shared history as neighbors and our aspiration to strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties."

Within the framework of cultural and people-to-people cooperation, Kazakhstani theaters of different genres are eager to bring their performances to audiences across China. 

"Our dance, music, children's, and circus theaters offer diverse and vibrant programs that preserve traditions and showcase our unique artistic style. These cultural exchanges bring our peoples closer together through a shared appreciation of creativity and heritage," Counselor Duzbayeva stated.

Talking about tourism cooperation, she revealed that the 2024 Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China raised awareness of Kazakhstan as an attractive destination and led to an increase in the number of Chinese visitors. This success has been carried forward into 2025, which is the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan.

"These initiatives not only create new opportunities for tourism development but also deepen partnerships and highlight the shared interest of both countries in each other's cultural and natural heritage," said Counselor Duzbayeva.

Under the 2017 Intergovernmental Agreement on Joint Film Production, Kazakhstan and China began film cooperation. One of the first projects, The Composer, which tells the true life story of one of China's greatest composers, Xian Xinghai, "demonstrated the strong potential of our partnership," she said.

From her point of view, within the SCO framework, further collaboration is being promoted. 

"Currently, both countries are actively working to expand joint projects in the film industry, which will deepen cultural dialogue and strengthen friendship between our peoples," said the counselor.

Counselor of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in China Kalamkas Duzbayeva

Counselor Duzbayeva assumed her current role in August 2024.

The counselor also noted that Chinese culture's richness and diversity have become even more apparent to her in recent years. In recent years, "I am particularly fond of the Chinese New Year, a vibrant and deeply meaningful holiday that emphasizes family unity and respect for elders," she shared. 

Talking about her observation on the common ground between Kazakh and Chinese cultures, she said that Kazakhstan and China share many cultural intersections, beginning with the ancient Silk Road. 

"Today, cooperation in culture, museums, and archival work continues to develop, allowing us to explore and present the deep connections between Kazakhstani and Chinese traditions," Counselor Duzbayeva said.