“We fully value Kazakhstan’s constant reference to the centrality of the United Nations Charter and its principles, which serve as a compass in addressing crises and conflicts with balance and constructive spirit.” With these words, President Sergio Mattarella, on an official visit to Astana, underlined the shared challenges facing the international community—from climate change and desertification to the energy transition—and praised Kazakhstan’s renunciation of nuclear weapons as “a choice of peace and civilization.”

Speaking at the Academy of Public Administration after his meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Mattarella stressed that Italy and Kazakhstan share the responsibility to foster dialogue, preserve stability, and promote development rooted in justice, fairness, solidarity, and genuine cooperation.

Italy, he noted, is Kazakhstan’s top trading partner in Europe, playing a key role in strategic sectors such as energy security—an issue increasingly crucial amid the global energy transition. His remarks also touched on artificial intelligence, described as “an innovation rewriting the rules of the system and reshaping the way we organize, work, and live.”

The Italian Head of State highlighted the cultural dimension of bilateral ties: “Italy has chosen Almaty as the site of the first Italian Cultural Institute in all of Central Asia. I am confident this will further deepen our mutual knowledge of the ancient and fascinating roots of our traditions and heritage.” He recalled the intellectual legacy of Abai Qunanbaiuly, the father of Kazakh literature, as an example of cultural bridges that enrich both nations.

Answering a student’s question about the importance of professional training, Mattarella concluded with a smile: “My very advanced age has given me a lot of experience. That is the advantage of getting older.”