Gani Kasymov

Gani Kasymov

Political statesman of Kazakhstan
Date of Birth: 03.05.1950
Country: Kazakhstan

Content:
  1. Gani Kasym, Kazakh Politician and Statesman
  2. Diplomatic Career
  3. Political Career
  4. Controversy and Dismissal
  5. Later Career

Gani Kasym, Kazakh Politician and Statesman

Early Life and Education

Gani Kasym was born on May 3, 1950, in the city of Guryyev, Kazakhstan. The son of educators, he entered Kazakh State University named after S. M. Kirov in 1967. In 1969, he transferred to the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, where he graduated in 1974 with a degree in international relations.

Diplomatic Career

Kasym's diplomatic career began in 1974 as the first secretary of the protocol department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the Kazakh SSR. He subsequently held positions as head of the press and information department and head of the protocol department. In 1981, he became the Secretary-General of the MFA of the Kazakh SSR.

From 1987 to 1990, Kasym attended advanced training courses for diplomatic cadres at the Diplomatic Academy of the USSR MFA in Moscow. Upon returning to Kazakhstan, he served as an advisor to the President of the Kazakh SSR.

Political Career

In February 1992, Kasym became the head of the International Department of the Office of the President and Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He was appointed the Trade and Economic Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan in France in April 1994.

From 1996 to 2002, Kasym served as the Chairman of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In 1999, he unsuccessfully ran for President of Kazakhstan.

Controversy and Dismissal

Kasym's 1999 presidential campaign was marred by controversy. During an interview, he famously threw a vase of carnations at a journalist who asked about his drinking habits. He later appeared on the same television channel to apologize but also made a violent gesture, breaking a wine glass in his hand to symbolize his resolve.

Despite this incident, Kasym's presidential bid was unsuccessful, garnering only 4.6% of the votes. He was dismissed from his position as Chairman of the State Customs Committee in 2002 after the sinking of several ships in the Caspian Sea.

Later Career

In 2007, President of Kazakhstan appointed Kasym as a senator to the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He is also the Chairman of the Patriot Party of Kazakhstan and the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Additionally, he holds the rank of Major General of the Customs Service.

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