Thessaloniki, 14 November 2025 – The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Hellenic Republic, Timur Sultangozhin, paid a working visit to Thessaloniki, the country’s second-largest city and its informal “northern capital.” Thessaloniki, the administrative center of the Central Macedonia region, is one of the leading economic and transport-logistics hubs in the Balkans, with significant industrial, innovation and academic potential. During the visit, the Ambassador held meetings with the municipal authorities, business representatives and the academic community to advance practical cooperation.

In his meeting with the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis, discussions focused on strengthening partnerships between the regions of the two countries, including cooperation in urban infrastructure, transport and logistics solutions, digital municipal governance, tourism and cultural initiatives. Particular attention was given to the possibility of establishing sister-city relations between Thessaloniki and a major city in Kazakhstan, as well as expanding direct contacts between chambers of commerce and business associations. Mayor Angeloudis described Kazakhstan as a reliable partner of Greece in Central Asia and expressed readiness for Thessaloniki “to serve as a bridge between the Balkans and Kazakhstan.” The parties confirmed their interest in holding Kazakhstan Culture Days in Thessaloniki, strengthening academic and innovation links and increasing tourism exchanges.

To promote trade and economic cooperation, a Round Table titled “Opportunities for Doing Business between Kazakhstan and Greece” took place at the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Ambassador presented Kazakhstan’s investment and transport-logistics potential, highlighting opportunities in agribusiness, transport, renewable energy and technological development. Representatives of Greek companies active in tourism, logistics, education, agriculture, development and consulting expressed their interest in establishing direct contacts with Kazakh partners.

A key part of the visit was the meeting with the Rector of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Kyriakos Anastasiadis. The Greek side expressed interest in ongoing reforms in Kazakhstan’s higher education system and international academic cooperation. The parties agreed to intensify academic exchanges, develop joint educational programs and research projects, as well as enhance the implementation of the 2018 Cooperation Agreement with Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University.

At the end of the visit, the Ambassador visited the Honorary Consulate of Kazakhstan in Thessaloniki, where discussions focused on consular support for citizens, information outreach and further strengthening Kazakhstan’s cultural presence in Northern Greece.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-athens/press/news/details/1105466?lang=kk