Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Keitumetsi Seipelo Thandeka Mathews visited Astana International University.

The speaker delivered a guest lecture on "BRICS: a new geopolitical reality".

During the event, which was attended by students, masters and doctoral students of AIU, as well as scientists and experts in the field of international relations, discussed the prospects of Kazakhstan's entry into this interstate association.

As is known, in October last year the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev confirmed the intention to strengthen multifaceted co-operation with BRICS countries, noting that Kazakhstan would like to contribute to the development of BRICS potential as a member state.

In addition, during the meeting with the leadership of AIU, an agreement was reached to establish a BRICS Centre on the basis of the University, which is an important step in the field of substantive study of the activities and opportunities of this organisation in Kazakhstan.

At the same time, the students learnt with interest about the key areas of cooperation between Kazakhstan and South Africa, including the potential for intercultural enrichment, scientific and educational cooperation and prospects for cooperation in areas such as agriculture, green energy and tourism.