Maten and KoZhaN: Writing a New Chapter of China-Kazakhstan Cooperation through Cultural Empathy

As the ice and snow began to melt, the Kazakh grasslands welcomed one of the most culturally meaningful moments of the year. On March 22, as the festive smoke of the Nauryz celebration rose gracefully over the skies of Kyzylkoga District, representatives from Maten Petroleum and KoZhaN JSC gathered with local herdsmen in front of newly erected yurts, each holding a wooden bowl of traditional Nauryz kozhe (holiday porridge). With this folk delicacy symbolizing Eastern friendship, they ushered in a new chapter of civilizational dialogue between China and Kazakhstan.

This grand festival was born out of the companies’ deep cultural resonance. As an ancient celebration symbolizing the rebirth of all things, Nauryz embodies the Kazakh philosophy of "harmonious coexistence between man and nature" that has been passed down for millennia. Maten and KoZhaN jointly donated yurts to the local community. Azmukhanov Kanat, Head of Kyzylkoga District, expressed his gratitude, remarking: “These yurts not only preserve our cultural memory, but also reflect a vision for sustainable development.”

As energy enterprises deeply rooted in the Kazakh market, Maten and KoZhaN have consistently embedded ESG principles into their growth strategies. A representative of KoZhaN remarked, “What we pursue is not merely the physical connection of resource development, but also the profound integration of cultural and civilizational values.”

As the melodies of the dombra faded, the new yurts became a fresh highlight on the steppe. Representatives from Maten and KoZhaN accepted the traditional bata (blessing) offered by the Kazakh people and tied multicolored ribbons to the central poles of the tents—a gesture symbolizing unity. This ceremonious moment is a vivid embodiment of how Chinese enterprises are engaging in the Belt and Road Initiative: forging bonds through cultural empathy, innovating with technology to carry tradition forward, and turning each collaborative project into a seed of mutual understanding—blooming into shared prosperity in the spring breeze of the Eurasian continent.