The World Federation of Consuls (Fédération Internationale des Corps et Associations Consulaires - FICAC), invited all consuls from around the world to attend the FICAC Eurasia Conference, held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from September 11-15, 2024.

Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, continues to serve as a vibrant host for international cooperation. The FIFAC Eurasian Conference brought together honorary consuls from over 80 countries. This conference, a vital platform for fostering international cooperation and diplomacy, saw a series of high-level discussions, agreements, and cultural exchanges.

Federico “Freddie” Borromeo, Member of the Conseil Magistral and Bailli of Manila in the Philippines, reported, “My wife Josephine and I were in Kazakhstan attending this conference. On Saturday evening a chef presented an outstanding dinner prepared before our eyes and served to us in small plates. The Consul of Belgium in Kazakhstan, Denis Van de Weghe, presented the chef after the remarkable dinner.”

He continued enthusiastically, “I was pleasantly surprised by Astana’s wide tree lined boulevards, avenues, modern buildings, miniparks, jogging paths and cycle lanes. Kazakhstan is clearly spending its oil and mineral wealth wisely. The shops are full of imported goods, and they drink and eat well too.

My colleague, Denis Van der Weghe, is a young man with many talents including a certain ability to organize good receptions and dinners. Having thought further I realised that we might be able to have a representation of the Chaîne in the country as we do not have one yet.”

Marie Jones
Managing Editor

About Freddie Borromeo
Freddie is Consul General and Head of Mission in Manila for the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. He is a former director of the FICAC based in Brussels, Belgium.