Meaford welcomes Ambassador from Kazakhstan
The Ambassador arrived in Meaford on Wednesday afternoon and was feted around town by Mayor Francis Richardson and other local officials. He was officially welcomed to the community at a special reception held Wednesday evening at Meaford Hall.
On Thursday, the Ambassador toured Meaford including stops at Barbetta Orchards, Coffin Ridge Winery and a boat trip hosted by Rod Brebner.
At the reception the Ambassador was presented a special painting by local artist Gary Chick that depicts the Meaford harbour area looking up the street at Meaford Hall.
The Ambassador is appointed to be his country's representative in Canada for one-year.
Mr. Abildayev said at the reception that he enjoys visiting as many parts of Canada as possible.
"I try to visit places like yours. It's very nice, it's very picturesque and it's very beautiful," he said. "Kazakhstan and Canada have many similarities. We're similar in size, population and natural resources," he said.
The Ambassador said both countries have similar cultural and ethnic diversity. He explained that during the days of the Soviet Union, dictator Joseph Stalin sent many ethnic groups to live in Kazakhstan - then a Soviet Republic.
"The Kazakh people received them with warm hospitality. Now, we all live in peace and harmony - all of the people of Kazakhstan," he said.
Kazakhstan became independent just 18 years ago after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
"We regarded Canada as a model. We looked at your achievements. You created a powerful economy and successful society with values like democracy and harmony," said the Ambassador.
Tulpan - a film made in Kazakhstan - was the first movie played last Thursday night at the Meaford International Film Festival. The Ambassador attended the screening of the film and was interviewed on stage after the movie.
Mayor Francis Richardson hosted the Ambassador for his visit to Meaford. The Mayor said he made sure he learned as much as he could about the Ambassador's home country and was surprised by the many similarities Kazakhstan shares with Canada.
"Kazakhstan is the 9th largest with one million square miles. I have to say, modestly, that Canada is the 2nd largest country in the world. Kazakhstan is a huge country with a relatively small population spread across the country. Its economy depends on agriculture with livestock farming of cattle and sheep. Growing of grains like wheat and barley are also very important," said the Mayor, who also pointed out one giant similarity Kazakhstan shares with Meaford. "Kazakhstan is thought to be one of the original homes of the apple. They have a huge apple industry there and here Meaford is the Apple Capital of Ontario. They're trying to protect that industry in Kazakhstan like we are here," said the Mayor.
Meaford Hall General Manager Paul Osborn said the Ambassador's visit to the facility is a major moment for Meaford Hall.
"When you consider that this is just the third year of the Meaford International Film Festival - to have this kind of attention is phenomenal. The Ambassador didn't just agree to attend - he wanted to come," said Osborn, who said he spoke to the Ambassador about Kazakhstan's burgeoning film industry. "They're starting to make their mark. The Ambassador hopes a series of strong films will be coming out of Kazakhstan. Their government is highly committed to the industry," he added.
Osborn said for Meaford Hall the Ambassador's visit is another big moment.
"This ranks way up there. It goes a long way for people to understand the importance of what this facility can be for our community. To be able to host people of this caliber is wonderful," said Osborn, Kazinform refers to the press service of the Kazakhstan Embassy in the USA.