A bi-weekly online publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan www.mfa.kz Issue # 51 Tuesday, 13 April 2010 [PDF]

Nazarbayev, Obama Meet to Discuss Kazakh-US Strategic Partnership

            President Nursultan Nazarbayev met with President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C., on April 11 to discuss key issues related to the Kazakhstan-U.S. strategic partnership. At their meeting the two leaders discussed strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and Kazakhstan and pledged to intensify bilateral cooperation to promote nuclear safety and non-proliferation, regional stability in Central Asia, economic prosperity, and universal values.

            The two presidents had a comprehensive exchange of views on a number of issues relating to international security, including nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, strengthening peace and rehabilitation in Afghanistan, democratic development, economic ties and investment opportunities, energy partnership, and Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

            Both leaders noted with satisfaction their shared approach to major international challenges on global and regional scale.

            President Nazarbayev reaffirmed his support for President Obama’s nonproliferation initiatives, including the Nuclear Security Summit convened in Washington on April 12.  He also reiterated Kazakhstan’s strong commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation with the United States. 

            “I commend President Obama for his leadership in convening the Nuclear Security Summit. It will provide a useful framework for preventing nuclear terrorism,” President Nazarbayev said earlier.

            According to the US National Security Council Senior Director for Russian and Eurasian Affairs Michael McFaul, President Obama praised President Nazarbayev as “one of the model leaders in the world. We could not have this summit without his presence."

            During the meeting, President Obama underlined the historic significance of Kazakhstan’s OSCE Chairmanship, the first time a former republic of the Soviet Union has chaired the OSCE.  He noted positively Kazakhstan’s initiative to promote greater OSCE engagement in Afghanistan, to hold a Review Conference in Kazakhstan on Implementation of Commitments in the Human Dimension, and to advance the Corfu process. The United States and Kazakhstan agreed to work on developing a substantive agenda for an OSCE Summit.

            After the meeting, the two presidents issued a Joint Statement detailing some of the most important topics they discussed.  In it, the Presidents underlined the 15-year track record of close cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United States and success in reducing nuclear threats in Kazakhstan and around the world. President Obama thanked President Nazarbayev for his offer to host an International Nuclear Fuel Bank and expressed his support for Kazakhstan’s intention to become a member of the IAEA Board of Governors.

            The United States and Kazakhstan expressed their intention to enhance cooperation on nuclear energy and development of alternative energy resources. The parties said they will further encourage large-scale bilateral commercial cooperation in agriculture that can make a significant contribution to the US and UN initiatives on global food security.

            The United States also encouraged Kazakhstan to implement its forward looking 2009-2012 National Human Rights Action Plan and 2010-2020 Legal Concept. President Obama noted the United States will continue to support the Kazakhstan Government’s efforts to liberalize its media and democratize its political system, including through legal reform. In addition, the two presidents underlined the importance of strengthening contacts between American and Kazakh civil societies, including NGOs, religious groups and educational institutions.

            Earlier in the day, Kazakhstan and the United States signed a number of agreements facilitating bilateral economic goals, Kazakhstan’s industrial development and U.S. technology acquisition objectives.

            In particular, Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Kairat Umarov and Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert  Blake  signed the U.S-Kazakhstan Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement at the historic Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, D.C. At a signing ceremony, the two countries, which have been collaborating on scientific and other issues since 1991, committed to a comprehensive and formal partnership to increase cooperation in key areas.

            “We’re pleased to take this significant step with the United States to enhance our ongoing cooperation in science and technology by establishing this partnership,” Kairat Umarov said.  “This marks yet another important milestone in our strong bilateral relationship, paving the way for our governments and institutions to undertake joint research, science, and technology development activities.”

            The partnership is expected to open the way for Kazakh and U.S. entities to engage in joint activities in education, health, biotechnology, energy, seismic research, water resource management, information technology engineering, and the environment. 

            In addition, two Kazakh companies have successfully concluded deals with U.S.-based General Electric (GE) and Pilot Training College to acquire critical U.S. expertise, technology, and training.  Kazakhstan’s National Railway Company signed an agreement with General Electric Transportation for the Commonwealth of Independent States Shunter Locomotive Program.

            GE Transportation announced its plans to develop the railway infrastructure in Kazakhstan by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Kazakhstan's Joint Stock Company “Locomotiv” and Joint Stock Company “Kurastyru Zauty” for 150 shunter locomotives. Sides plan to jointly develop shunter diesel-electric locomotives suitable for use in Kazakhstan and across the CIS region. GE Transportation will incorporate its proven AC traction technology in the design of the locomotives. AC technology provides lower life-cycle costs and higher availability than older DC technology. First locomotives are expected to be delivered in 2012.

            In its turn, Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s national airline, reached an agreement with Pilot Training College in Florida to train an additional 24 pilots by the end of 2010.Kazakhstan will benefit from access to advanced U.S. technology and training needed to assist and accelerate its industrial development and economic growth.  Implementation of the technology agreements is expected to have a positive economic effect on the vast Commonwealth of Independent States market with nearly 280 million consumers.

Kazakhstan Seeks to Expand Cooperation with European Union

President Nazarbayev held talks with President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy in Brussels on Saturday, April 10.

The Kazakh leader noted active involvement of all leading EU states in modernization of the Central Asian country’s economy and briefed his counterpart about the current developments.

“The EU is Kazakhstan’s largest international trade partner. Our trade turnover in 2009 amounted to US$ 28.8 billion”, the President said.

Another impressive figure is the investments made by companies from EU states which amount to US$ 56 billion, or more than one third of all foreign investments in the Kazakh economy. The Kazakh companies have invested about US$ 10 billion in the EU.

Kazakhstan is the only Central Asian state that has a special program on improving technological, innovational, and social engagement with the EU nations, titled “Path to Europe”.

During the talks with the EU leader, Nursultan Nazarbayev stressed Kazakhstan’s readiness to serve as a “Europe’s gateway” to Central Asia, a s a country that has all the necessary land and natural resources to become a kind of technological and industrial hub with direct access to the markets of Russia, China, and Central Asian nations.

Special attention is paid to deepening Kazakhstan-EU cooperation in energy.

“Our country is the third largest non-OPEC energy supplier for Europe. In some countries the share of Kazakh oil supplies is quite high. In Romania it reaches 30 percent, in Austria 25 percent, in Switzerland we are the 2^nd largest supplier of oil. In total, Kazakhstan secures up to 20 percent of the total volume of oil imported by EU countries”, President Nazarbayev reminded.

Kazakhstan is eager to launch negotiations on concluding a new agreement with the EU on advanced partnership and expects the European Commission to soon be capable to secure the appropriate mandate from all EU states.

As a country chairing the OSCE, Kazakhstan participates in advancing the new format of a dialogue on the European security within the “Corfu process”. President Nazarbayev underlined the importance of work on shaping a new architecture of the continent’s security. It is also highly relevant to increase joint efforts in stabilizing security situation in Afghanistan.

Nursultan Nazarbayev thanked Herman Van Rompuy for the kind invitation to visit the EU headquarters in October 2010. He expressed confidence his forthcoming negotiations in Brussels would open a new page in the history of Kazakhstan-EU relations.

Earlier during the day President Nazarbayev held a meeting with President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Philippe Maystadt. The Kazakh leader said his country considered the bank a key partner in attracting investments in the nation’s economy.

He hailed a framework agreement signed on the same day between Kazakhstan and EIB.

“This will allow Kazakhstan to obtain long-term inexpensive credit resources, first of all for infrastructure development projects,” he added. Philippe Maystadt also received an invitation to attend the upcoming Council of Foreign Investors, which is scheduled to take place in June in Almaty.

Kazakh OSCE Chairmanship Works to Help Restore Order in Kyrgyzstan

            Zhanibek Karibzhanov, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office’s Special Envoy and a seasoned Kazakh diplomat has been holding active talks in Kyrgyzstan ever since his deployment on April 8, the second day of political turmoil there.

            He has met with key figures of the provisional government of the Central Asian country, and held active consultations with representatives of other international organizations working toward stabilization and peace in the Kyrgyz Republic. Ambassador Herbert Salber, the Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre in Vienna, is supporting him on the trip.

            Building confidence among the Kyrgyz people in the new political environment is crucial for restoring stability in the country, said the Special Envoy of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in meetings with Roza Otunbayeva, the leader of the interim administration on the evening of April 9, and with the acting Head of the National Security Service and the acting Interior Minister on April 10.

            During the meeting with Otunbayeva, he discussed ways of working together to overcome the consequences of the crisis.

            “Safeguarding human lives and rebuilding trust among the people are vital for restoring law and order. The OSCE stands ready to support this process. At the request of the interim administration, we are already providing through the OSCE Centre in Bishkek concrete assistance to meet the urgent needs of citizen patrols in Kyrgyzstan, which help to keep public order and ensure the inviolability of property,” he said

            The Kazakh diplomat spoke with Otunbayeva about the co-ordination of activities on the ground with all key domestic and international players: “We will only be able to decide on further steps that we could undertake once we get a comprehensive picture of the situation in the country. We are planning to discuss it with all parties involved, as well as with the UN Special Envoy and the EU Special Representative for Central Asia arriving in Kyrgyzstan shortly.”

            In meetings with the acting Head of the National Security Service Keneshbek Duishebayev and with the acting Interior Minister Bolot Sherniyazov, the Special Envoy discussed the measures taken so far. “We welcome the steps made to restore public order and reassure people, and hope for the further normalization of the situation throughout the country,” he said.

            Offering condolences to the bereaved over their losses, he said: “We stand with the people of Kyrgyzstan on this day of nationwide mourning. During these events, we have seen the violation of the greatest inalienable human right - the right to life, and this is what makes it a real tragedy. We have to work together to prevent this tragedy from happening again.”

            The OSCE CiO’s Special Envoy also held coordinative meetings with his colleagues Jan Kubis, representing the UN Secretary General, Pierre Morel, representing the EU, and Valeriy Semerikov, representing the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

            Co-ordination of activities between international partners and national authorities is crucial for ensuring public safety and successfully addressing current political challenges in Kyrgyzstan, he said after the meetings.

            “We have met with a wide spectrum of society, including provisional administration leaders, members of the former parliament and civil society representatives. These talks have helped us get a comprehensive picture of the situation and the current political landscape in the country” Karibzhanov said. “Together we have identified spheres where the OSCE could make an effective contribution.”

            The primary areas of focus are ensuring public safety, reviving business activities and assisting the new administration in strengthening the existing legal system, the diplomat said: “Acting under a clear legal framework would raise public confidence and contribute to easing tensions in all parts of the country.”

            He praised the close co-ordination between the international representatives involved in the process. “We are united in our support for efforts to restore stability in Kyrgyzstan, to ensure its peaceful development, and to improve the socio-economic situation in the country as well as the lives of the people. This way we will be able to achieve more than any of us would achieve working alone,” Karibzhanov said.

            Zhanybek Karibzhanov was appointed Special Envoy by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on April 8. He is Deputy Speaker of the Majilis (lower house of Parliament) of Kazakhstan, which holds the 2010 OSCE Chairmanship.

            In his address to the OSCE Permanent Council on April 8, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed the need for better cooperation between the two organizations, with restoring the stability and order in Kyrgyzstan as a test for that. “Nothing better illustrates the need for the United Nations and the OSCE to work closely in common cause,” Ban said.

            The UN Secretary-General also highlighted the OSCE's role in regional conflict prevention.

            “Through the years, the OSCE has shaped our modern world by promoting dialogue, co-operation and human rights. You helped end the Cold War. You have championed human dignity and empowered your citizens,” ban said. “The bloodshed in Kyrgyzstan is a deeply troubling reminder of the vital importance of addressing such issues. As the Chairperson-in-Office said yesterday, there are political, economic and social issues underlying the unrest.”

            In his address to the Permanent Council, Ban commended Kazakhstan for its “historic” Chairmanship as the first post-Soviet and Central Asian state to head the Organization.

            He underscored the need to intensify co-operation between the UN and the OSCE, and called for deepening practical co-ordination in five areas - disarmament and non-proliferation, securing peace, election assistance, environment and development, and promoting human rights.

            “Greater co-ordination and co-operation between the UN and the OSCE is an important goal, but it is not an end in itself. Our success will not be measured in terms of process or mechanisms, but in the difference we make in peoples’ lives,” he said.

            “I look forward to continuing to strengthen ties with the OSCE as a crucial partner in our work for a safer, better future for all.”

            The Permanent Council is a main decision-making body of the 56-country OSCE. It meets weekly in Vienna to discuss developments in the OSCE area and to make appropriate decisions.

             In the meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Karim Massimov announced Astana was ready to deliver humanitarian aid to Kyrgyzstan to help the neighbours overcome the hardships caused by the political turmoil.

Kazakhs Extend Moral Support to Poland Hit by Terrible Airplane Crash

President Nursultan Nazarbayev sent a message of condolences to the Speaker of Sejm of the Republic of Poland Bronislav Komorowski and the people of Poland mourning the death of 96 victims of the airplane crash near the Russian city of Smolensk, including President Lech Kachynski and the first lady, Maria Kachynska, among others.

 “In this difficult moment, on behalf of the people of Kazakhstan and my own, I offer my deepest condolences to our friends in Poland. We are mourning with you,” the message reads.

OSCE’s Chairperson-in-Office, Kazakhstan’s Secretary of State and Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev also sent the words of moral support in relation to the airplane crash.

“I offer my deepest condolences to the Polish people and to the families of those killed in this tragic accident. Our hearts go out to you in this difficult time,” he said on Saturday.

The common people in Kazakhstan, just like in many other countries around the world, felt the deep sympathy toward the Polish people, who in one moment lost their President and First Lady along with a considerable share of the nation’s elite, political, military, academic, cultural, and clerical.

Lech Kachynski has previously been to Astana on March 28-30, 2007, as he paid the official visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan. During his service as President of Poland, bilateral relations between the two countries have been developing rather dynamically, especially in economic development and humanitarian affairs.

The Embassy of Poland in Kazakhstan reports it has been receiving numerous telephone calls and visits from citizens of their host country who wanted to offer their condolences and sincere words of support. People keep coming both to the Embassy in Astana and the General Consulate in Almaty. A weeklong nationwide mourning, which started on April 11, has been declared in Poland.

The victims were first mourned during the Sunday mess in Astana’s Roman Catholic Church on April, one week after the Easter, which this year coincided for all Christian denominations. Most of Astana’s Polish community was there, and many others came specifically to support their Polish friends in this hour of sorrow.

On Monday, the Embassy in Astana opened the book of condolences in which people of Kazakhstan can express their feelings about the tragedy.

Among the first visitors was Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Karim Massimov. He recalls that he last met with late President Kachynski a month ago in Kyiv, at the inauguration of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich.

“On behalf of our President, I express my condolences, and I hope the Polish people would find the strength to overcome this tragedy”, he was quoted by local mass media.

  The visitors on the first day also included Ural Mukhamedzhanov, Chairman of Majilis (the lower house of Kazakh Parliament), several MPs, Russia’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan Mikhail Bocharnikov and many other diplomats, as well as numerous other citizens of Astana.

The staff of the Polish Embassy said they felt the true support from the Kazakh government and common people, as well as the entire world standing next to their nation in this hour of grief, and said they were sincerely grateful for that, the Kazakh media report said.

It is possible to visit the Embassy of Poland in Astana to express condolences the whole week from 9am to 5 pm.

Also in the News:

• On April 8, President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed the law introducing amendments and addenda to the acts of Kazakhstan concerning counteraction to terrorism. The law introduces changes and supplements to the Criminal, Civil and Legal Codes, to the Code on Administrative Offences, as well as to a number of laws of Kazakhstan. The additions to the Criminal Code assuming prohibition of exemption from criminal liability of people who committed terrorist crimes in connection with statute of limitations.
• International conference on the development of the administrative justice in Kazakhstan to take place in Astana on April 13-14. The event brings together more than 100 participants, including representatives of the government, parliament, the judiciary, academia, and non-governmental and international organizations, as well as international experts, to discuss various models of administrative justice systems. “We welcome Kazakhstan’s adoption in its Legal Policy Concept 2010-2020 of a new vision for the development of administrative justice, which is in line with the best practices in the OSCE participating States,” said Ambassador Alexandre Keltchewsky, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana. The conference is co-organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana, the Senate Committee on Legislation and Legal Issues and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ).
• To promote the tariff policy and the quality of services in the field of civil aviation, the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Kazakhstan has established a working group. It was decided that in a month service providers in civil aviation will present their recommendations. After reviewing them, the Ministry will prepare their proposals to concerned government agencies to improve the tariff policy. The next step is to hold meetings on improving the quality of services in the field of civil aviation.

Things to watch:

• On April 13, President Nursultan Nazarbayev addresses more than 45 other world leaders in Washington, DC, who gathered for the Global Nuclear Security Summit convened by President Barack Obama.
• On April 13 through 15, the Israeli delegation led by Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Binyamin Ben Eliezer will visit Kazakhstan. The main purpose of the visit is to hold the 5^th meeting of the Kazakh-Israeli intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation in Astana. The delegates will also meet with Prime Minister Karim Masimov and heads of major companies.
• On April 15 and 16, Almaty will host the 13^th meeting of national coordinators in the public dialogue on social integration and education of ethnic minorities in Central Asia.
• On April 21, delegates of the fifth conference “Topical issues of trade and economy and financial cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia in the global crisis” will gather in Almaty. They will discuss issues of deepening trade and economic, financial and investment cooperation between the countries, economic integration and cooperation between regions and sectors within the Customs Union and the prospects for creating a single economic space.

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