ISU alumnus Zhang Hanhui is China’s new Ambassador to Kazakhstan after presenting his credentials to Aspenhal MusiIvanov, Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan.

Zhang noted that since China and Kazakhstan established diplomatic ties 22 years ago, bilateral relations have become increasingly mature with results from substantial cooperation in all fields. He said he is responsible for strengthening policy dialogue and pushing for the healthy and rapid progress of Sino-Kazakhstan cooperation. Zhang added that SISU, acting as “ambassadors” for China, should be responsive to national strategic development, strengthen cross-cultural communication and develop research for policy advice.

In May, Zhang Hanhui visited SISU with his colleagues working at Eurasian Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. During the visit, Zhang detailed the demands on diplomatic talents, which has included integrated bilingual skills, high familiarity of foreign culture and history, and strong executive capacity.

Zhang graduated from SISU’s School of Russian and Eurasian Studies in 1988. Before he was named director of Eurasian Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in 2003, he had worked at the Beijing Diplomatic Personnel Service, the Chinese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, and the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine.