Astana Street Honors Famous Hungarian Poet
Kazakhstan Names Street After Hungarian Poet Sándor Petőfi
The Kazakh capital, Astana, recently named one of its streets after the renowned Hungarian poet, Sándor Petőfi. The official naming ceremony took place on November 2 and was attended by Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, as well as Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó.
The decision to name a street after the Hungarian national poet holds great symbolism, especially during the year of his 200th anniversary. This gesture is expected to strengthen the friendly relations between Kazakhstan and Hungary and foster cultural exchange between the two countries.
During the ceremony, Nurtleu expressed the significance of naming a street after Sándor Petőfi and highlighted its potential impact on further enhancing the bilateral ties. He emphasized the contribution made by the Hungarian poet to Hungary’s independence and his reputation as a passionate advocate for freedom.
Szijjártó, in turn, expressed his gratitude to the Kazakh government for honoring the Hungarian poet. He considered this act a profound sign of respect from the Kazakh people towards Hungary. He also praised Sándor Petőfi as a genius known for his passion for freedom, which he believed resonated with the people of Kazakhstan.
The decision to rename the street after Sándor Petőfi was made by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This move reciprocates the gesture made by Budapest, the capital of Hungary, which named a street after the great Kazakh poet Abai Kunanbaiuly in 2014.
Sándor Petőfi is widely recognized as an outstanding cultural figure and a national poet of Hungary. He played a crucial role in shaping an independent and democratic Hungary through his work. His poetry is renowned worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages.
In a meeting between Nurtleu and Szijjártó, the two parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic cooperation between their countries. They highlighted the increasing political dialogue and explored opportunities for intensifying trade, economic, and investment cooperation. Additionally, they discussed the prospects for further collaboration in the field of education.
The naming of the street after Sándor Petőfi not only serves as a tribute to the Hungarian poet but also signifies the growing bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Hungary. This cultural exchange is expected to facilitate closer ties and mutual understanding between the two nations.
