Tengrinews.kz - President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin, in Astana, according to the Akorda press service.
Tokayev praised UEFA’s support and attention toward Kazakhstan.
“The Head of State emphasized the importance of establishing a sustainable market-based business model in domestic football and developing club management. He expressed support for UEFA’s efforts in implementing educational and exchange programs aimed at raising the professional level of specialists and young players,” the Akorda press service said.
For his part, Aleksander Ceferin expressed readiness to expand the partnership with Kazakhstan. He noted that UEFA and the Kazakhstan Football Federation have already established close cooperation.
According to the press service, more than one million people in Kazakhstan – or 13 percent of all athletes – are involved in football.
“This clearly reflects the high popularity of the sport in the country,” the statement reads.
For his contribution to the development of sports in Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded Aleksander Ceferin the Order of Dostyk, Second Class.
The Order of Dostyk was established in 1995 to promote international cooperation at the highest level. In Kazakhstan, the award is given for work in maintaining mutual harmony in society and for merits in strengthening peace, friendship, and cooperation between nations.
Earlier, President Tokayev awarded Metropolitan Alexander the Order of Dostyk, First Class.