AKSAI, Western Kazakhstan oblast, 18 January 2003 -- On 17 January a concert "The Culture of Kazakhstan" and exhibition of arts took place at the Aksai House of Culture. The both events were prepared by the students and lecturers of the Institute of Arts and Culture of West Kazakhstan State University.

The event was organized familiarise KIO staff, especially their expatriate colleagues, with the indigenous culture of Western Kazakhstan and the work of the University.

According to representatives of the University, "the idea to organize such a concert came as a result of the close co-operation between KIO and WKSU. It was our way of saying thank you".

Speaking of the co-operation with the academic institutions of Western Kazakhstan, Mauro Accornero, HR senior manager, said, "It presents a strategic importance for the successful implementation of the KIO nationalisation programme".

As Kuat Dombai, PR manager, said, "Undoubtedly, this cultural event will long remain in the memories of KIO staff. Such initiatives bring everyone together, and this will help further strengthen the co-operation".

The scale of the joint initiatives with the University is wide. KIO and WKSU are planning the first emergency response training facility in Kazakhstan. Both students and lecturers regularly have internships at KIO.