On September 29, 2025, an event of great significance brought together the Italian community in Astana, Kazakhstan, as the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, met with compatriots living and working in the country. The meeting highlighted the strength of bilateral relations and the vitality of Italy’s presence abroad, in particular through the work of associations such as ACIK, represented by its President, Marco Beretta.

The event opened with remarks by Antonello De Riu, Ambassador of Italy to Kazakhstan and to Kyrgyzstan, who offered a broad overview of the sectors where Italy and Kazakhstan share common goals and projects. He spoke of energy and infrastructure development, the growing sectors of fashion and design, and the importance of scientific research and academic exchanges that allow knowledge to flow between the two countries, creating bridges for future generations. De Riu also underlined the contributions of Italian professionals, such as architects, consultants, entrepreneurs,who daily uphold Italy’s reputation for excellence, as well as religious representatives who have contributed to the revival of spiritual life after decades of Soviet repression. His address closed with a heartfelt thanks to President Mattarella for being present and showing the closeness of the Italian State to its citizens abroad.

In his speech, President Mattarella expressed his great pleasure in visiting Kazakhstan, recalling how this visit followed President Tokayev’s official trip to Rome in January 2024 and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s participation in the Astana International Forum in May 2025. He noted that these exchanges have marked a turning point in bilateral relations, which are today characterized by a growing capital of friendship and cooperation. Italy, he underlined, is now the leading European partner of Kazakhstan, a recognition of both economic ties and the strategic role Italy plays as a bridge between East and West. This geographical and symbolic position, he added, can and must serve the cause of peace.

President Mattarella shared that he and President Tokayev had spoken at length about their common aspiration for international peace, an ideal that inspires the action of both countries. He announced that new instruments of collaboration are currently being defined across a wide range of fields. In particular, he drew attention to the cultural and academic dimensions: agreements between universities, opportunities for Kazakh students to study in Italy, exchanges of professors and researchers, and the shared commitment to safeguard the cultural heritage and traditions of both nations.

Turning directly to the Italian community in Kazakhstan, President Mattarella expressed his deep appreciation and urged them to continue to act with credibility and professionalism:

“Trust is built through the verification of positive and collaborative behavior, which generates reliability and the willingness to cooperate even more.” He extended his gratitude, in the name of the Republic, to all those who represent Italy in Kazakhstan, reminding them that, while geographically distant, Kazakhstan is deeply connected to Italy. “Thank you for what you do. I assure you that the Republic is always close to you.”



The meeting concluded with a moment of greetings and handshakes with all participants, including Marco Beretta, President of ACIK. This personal and symbolic gesture sealed a day that reflected not only the strong and strategic partnership between Italy and Kazakhstan, but also the commitment, passion, and dedication of the Italian community abroad.