Kazakhstan on Monday made a public show of gratitude towards the 2006 comedy “Borat” for having massively contributed to the development of tourism in the central Asian state. Upon its release, the film, which describes Kazakhstan as backward and barbaric, had been banned immediately in that country.

“After the release of this film, the number of visas issued by Kazakhstan has been multiplied by ten,” said the Kazakh Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yerzhan Kazykhanov, during a session of parliament, as local agencies reported. “I am grateful to Borat for helping to attract tourists in Kazakhstan,” he added.

“Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan,” whose main role is played by Sacha Baron Cohen, was inspired by the British comedian’s television skits.

Just after its release Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who had thought it better to laugh off the film, declared that “Borat” would at least arouse curiosity concerning his country.

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