In a formal ceremony held in the center of Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, a new street was inaugurated and named after Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, reports Armenpress.
The event was attended by Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin, Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva, and other high-level officials.
In her opening remarks, Aida Balayeva emphasized the significance of naming the street after Mashtots. “Today’s event is a symbol of friendship between our two nations. Mesrop Mashtots’s legacy shows that culture begins with language, and societal progress begins with education. Kazakhstan and Armenia enjoy a strong friendship. This year marks the 33rd anniversary of our diplomatic relations, which have brought major achievements across political, economic, and cultural sectors. Today, we are also signing a memorandum to advance cooperation in museums, libraries, and cinematography,” she said.
Minister Zhanna Andreasyan noted that this moment becomes a milestone in the history of cultural and friendly relations between the Armenian and Kazakh peoples. “Mesrop Mashtots is not only a pillar of Armenian cultural identity but also a great contributor to human civilization. His legacy serves as an invisible bridge that connects generations through education and historical memory. Armenia and Kazakhstan have always complemented each other with their history, thinkers, and future aspirations. I believe this street opening marks a new beginning in our cultural and educational partnership,” she said.
During President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to Armenia last year, both sides raised the idea of naming sites in each other’s capitals in a reciprocal gesture. As part of this initiative, in April 2025, the Yerevan City Council decided to name a park adjacent to Almaty Street in Avan District after Kazakh poet and literary figure Abai Kunanbayev.
