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Our Team

A dedicated team of leaders, advisors, and professionals shaping EU–Kazakhstan cooperation.

Brief description highlighting their leadership, expertise, and goal to build EU-Kazakhstan partnerships.

Our Leadership

Valikhan Bakhretdinov

President

A visionary professional with deep experience in international affairs and cross-border cooperation. Valikhan oversees the strategic direction and development of the organization, ensuring alignment with our mission and expanding our presence in the EU and Kazakhstan.

Zhanybek Yessimseitov

Vice-President

A forward-looking professional with strong expertise in international relations and partnership building. As Vice-President, Zhanybek supports the strategic leadership of the organization, driving initiatives that strengthen cooperation between the EU and Kazakhstan and fostering sustainable growth of our activities across both regions.

Advisory Board

Our Advisory Board includes experienced professionals and thought leaders who provide strategic guidance and support to the organization. Their insights strengthen our programs and long-term vision.

Marat
Terterov

Founder of the Brussels Energy Club

Expert in global energy investment processes, international energy security and Eurasian geopolitics

Stefania Benaglia

EU Foreign Policy Advisor

Expertise in EU-Asia relations and the Global Gateway

Henri Vantieghem

Senior Diplomat and Legal Expert

Ambassador of Belgium to Central Asia, based in Astana, Kazakhstan (2021-2025), with extensive expertise in international commercial law as an honorary barrister at the Bar of Brussels.

 

Alberto Turkstra

Project Director, Diplomatic World

Extensive expertise in Central Asia and EU–Central Asia relations, developed both at Diplomatic World, a Brussels-based quarterly magazine. Had experienced career at the European Commission and the think-tank world.

Interested in collaborating or joining our team?