TWO-METER BEARS TO IMPRESS KAZAKH PEOPLE DURING GERMAN FAIR IN SUMMER IN ASTANA

Kazakh people will become better acquainted with German modern Germany during the Year of Germany in Kazakhstan, announced Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany to Almaty Gerold Amelung.

“We would like to introduce modern Germany this year,” said Amelung on a press conference on January 21. He noted that the main objective of the event is to promote closer relations between people. “Our events are primarily targeting Kazakh youth that is interested in a more open dialogue on deeper relationships,” said Amelung.

The Consul also believes that Kazakh people will be interested in the bear fair, which will be held in Astana in summer. “A bear is the symbol of Berlin. The exposition counts almost 140 two-meter bear models that have been painted by famous international artists,” said the diplomat.

He said that the bear figures will be displayed along the river Ishim. “It will become a very pleasant event for residents and visitors of the capital,” Amelung added. He also noted that that a famous German punk rock band Die Toten Hosen will give two shows on 17-18 September in Astana and Almaty. The countries will also hold a boxing championship between German and Kazakh national teams. He reminded that such competition already took place in Germany in 2009 during the Year of Kazakhstan in Germany.

The official opening ceremony of the Year of Germany in Kazakhstan will take place 3 February. The countries will hold over 60 political, economical, scientific and social events in 2010.

Kazakhstan in Focus #4