Iran hosted a ceremony of awarding the Order of Dostyk II degree to the researcher of the history of Iranian Kazakhs, the author of numerous works on the ties between the two countries, the translator of Abai's poetry and prose into Persian Kazhymukhamet Shatkam.

The decree on awarding him for his significant contribution to the popularization of the heritage of Abai Kunanbayuly was signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on August 4, 2020.

K. Shatkam thanked the leadership of Kazakhstan for the high assessment of his 20-year work devoted to the study of Abai's creativity. He noted that many features of the worldview of the great poet, as well as of another famous native of Kazakhstan, Abu Nasr al-Farabi, are common not only for Kazakhs, Persians and Arabs, but also for all mankind. He wished success to his historical homeland and said that he intends to continue to make his feasible contribution to the development of its cultural ties with Iran.

In continuation of the event, the grand opening of the Abai Center at the Consulate General of Kazakhstan in the city of Gorgan took place. The Ambassador of Kazakhstan Askhat Orazbay, First Deputy Governor of the Iranian province of Gulistan Ibrahim Karimi, representatives of the administration of the city of Gorgan and the Kazakh diaspora took part in it.

The guests of the event were given printed and illustrative materials about the life and work of al-Farabi and Abai, as well as about modern Kazakhstan.

The center, opened in the city of Gorgan, where a significant Kazakh diaspora lives compactly, will allow Iranians to learn more not only about the culture and science of our country, but also about its current political, economic and social achievements.