26 November 2025, Ancient Olympia – The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Hellenic Republic, H.E. Timur Sultangozhin, took part in the Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony at the invitation of the Municipality of Ancient Olympia. The event was held on the historic grounds of the ancient sanctuary, a site of key cultural significance for the international Olympic movement.

The ceremony was also attended by Mr.Konstantinos Tasoulas, President of the Hellenic Republic, heads of diplomatic missions, and official representatives of the sister cities of Ancient Olympia. The Kazakh side was represented by the honorary guest, Mr. Bakhytzhan Orynbekov, Mayor of Taraz.

During the visit, Ambassador Sultangozhin and Mayor Orynbekov met with Mr.Aristidis Panayiotopoulos, Mayor of the Municipality of Ancient Olympia. The Ambassador underlined the importance of Kazakhstan’s invitation to participate in the ceremony and emphasized the value of further strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between Kazakhstan and Greece.

The parties also discussed the prospects for enhancing cultural cooperation and deepening relations between sister cities, including potential projects in cultural exchange and youth initiatives. The Mayor of Ancient Olympia reaffirmed the municipality’s readiness to expand its cooperation with the city of Taraz.

For reference: Ancient Olympia is the traditional site of the Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony preceding each cycle of the Olympic Games. The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will be held in Italy from 6 to 22 February 2026, with the main events hosted in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-athens/press/news/details/1113297?lang=kk