Ypres, Belgium, 28 August 2026 – On the eve of the International Day against Nuclear Tests and the 35th anniversary of the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium Roman Vassilenko and Mayor of Ypres Katrien Desomer paid tribute to the victims of nuclear testing and human-made disasters.

The Ambassador and the Mayor laid flowers at the monument presented by Kazakhstan to the city of Ypres in 2010 and observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims.

“The experiences of Semey and Ypres remind us of a simple but important truth: peace cannot be taken for granted. It must be preserved through our common efforts and passed on to future generations,” said Roman Vassilenko.

On 29 August 1991, the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, where 456 nuclear tests had been conducted over more than four decades, was closed. Kazakhstan subsequently voluntarily renounced one of the world’s largest nuclear arsenals, making a historic choice in favour of peace and security.

At Kazakhstan’s initiative, the United Nations General Assembly designated 29 August as the International Day against Nuclear Tests, which serves as an annual reminder to the international community of the consequences of nuclear testing and the need to achieve its complete cessation.

“Ypres and Semey share a special bond and a commitment to preserving historical memory. It is important that the lessons of the past are passed on to future generations and contribute to strengthening peace,” said Mayor of Ypres Katrien Desomer.

Particular attention was given to the sister-city partnership between Ypres and Semey. Ypres, which became a symbol of the tragic consequences of the First World War, and Semey, which endured the consequences of nuclear testing, are today united by a common mission: preserving historical memory and promoting a culture of peace.

Roman Vassilenko and Katrien Desomer reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening ties between the two cities, including through cultural, educational and youth projects.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-brussels/press/news/details/1282280?lang=ru