12:37, 18 April 2009 | GMT +5
Queen Sofía of Spain receives Kazakh Ambassador
ASTANA. April 18. KAZINFORM Kazakh Ambassador Yergali Bulegenov and his wife have been received by Queen Sofía of Spain in the Palace of Zarzuela in Madrid; Kazinform refers to the Kazakh MFA?s press service.

At the meeting the Kazakh diplomat told about the state and development of social0economic situation in the country, democratic reforms in the society, and international initiatives of the country?s leadership. Y.Bulegenov noted that for the last years Spain became one of the important political and economic partners of Kazakhstan in Europe owing to the friendship of our heads of the states.
Mostly Queen Sofía of Spain was interested in the social policy conducted in Kazakhstan in the global financial crisis. She was informed of President Nursultan Nazarbayev?s task to support the social sphere maximally. Bolashak state program is successfully implemented in the education sphere; within the framework of 100 schools state program construction of schools, kindergartens and healthcare entities continues.
Besides, at the meeting Y.Bulegenov noted the gender policy held in the country and activity of the National Commission on Family and Women?s Affairs. The Kazakh diplomat told about charity of First Lady of Kazakhstan Sara Nazarbayeva, who is the founder of Bobek International Children?s Charity Fund, children's villages and etc.
Touching upon accumulation of bilateral Kazakh-Spanish cooperation, the issue of an opening in Kazakhstan of the Center of the Cervantes Institute was discussed. The Queen of Spain expressed her support and willingness of the speedy opening of this cultural linguistic center in our country, which will positively influence on scientific, cultural, economic, social and political relations between Kazakhstan and Spain.
Finally, the Kazakh Ambassador expressed gratitude for the reception and noted that Kazakhstan expects a visit of the King and Queen of Spain this year.