Commons flies Kazakh flag for visit by Ambassador
21 October 2021
The Speaker of the House of Commons congratulated Kazakhstan for 30 years of independence during his meeting with the country’s Ambassador to the UK.
His Excellency Erlan Idrissov thanked Sir Lindsay Hoyle, during their inaugural meeting, saying he was very pleased the anniversary would be celebrated at an event in Parliament later this year.
Kazakhstan declared its independence from the Soviet Union in December 1991, and Mr Idrissov said the UK was one of the first nations to open diplomatic relations with the Central Asian state.
Trade in goods and services between the UK and Kazakhstan is currently worth $2.5bn, with 5,000 Kazakh students choosing British universities in which to study.
Mr Idrissov said he and his ambassadorial colleagues were "very excited" by Sir Lindsay’s mission to reach out to the entire diplomatic community in the UK.
He was also very proud to see the Kazakh flag – featuring a blue sky, golden sun and a free-flying eagle representing freedom – flying a warm welcome at the entrance to Parliament.
The meeting was organised by Sir Lindsay as part of his Speaker-led UK parliamentary diplomacy to establish enduring ties between countries and parliamentarians.
Image credit: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor