Kazakhstan, Slovakia Forge Closer Ties in Tourism and Sports

Kazakhstan and Slovakia have explored opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation in tourism and sports.

The discussions took place during a meeting between Kazakh Ambassador to Slovakia Zhanna Saginova and Slovak Minister of Tourism and Sports Rudolf Huliak, during which Slovakia was briefed on Kazakhstan’s tourism potential, increasingly developed through data analytics and artificial intelligence, The Caspian Post informs, citing Kazakh media.

Huliak noted that shared perspectives and the absence of contentious issues provide a solid foundation for collaboration through experience sharing, professional exchanges, and joint initiatives. He also emphasized that establishing direct air connections between Kazakhstan and Slovakia could boost tourist flows and support business tourism.

The meeting further addressed sports cooperation, highlighting Kazakhstan’s achievements in boxing, weightlifting, cycling, judo, wrestling, chess, and tennis. With major events like the 2027 Judo World Championships and the Junior Short Track World Championships on the horizon, Saginova expressed hope for active Slovak participation.

Huliak also congratulated Kazakhstan’s football club Kairat on reaching the Champions League playoff round after defeating Bratislava’s Slovan, underlining the role of sports in strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between nations.

Both sides agreed to draft and sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the relevant ministries to formalize their cooperation.