Nazarbayev Calls for Development of “Maastricht Plus” Document in OSCE
(At the 3rd Astana Economic Forum, President calls for global financial reform)
Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan: Good Deeds and Pure Intentions
(“We are one team!” campaign tallies up preliminary results)
Eighteen Years in Service of Kazakhstan’s National Interests
(July 2 Marks Official Day of Kazakhstan’s Diplomatic Service)
New Musical Wins Hearts of Viewers, Promotes Cultural Understanding
(Palace of Peace and Harmony hosts “Astana!” musical by Almas Serkebayev)
Kazakh Shambhala: Katon Karaghai, Heavenly Corner in Altai Mountains
(Country’s eastern corner draws visitors by fabulous landscapes, intriguing history)
Nazarbayev Calls for Development of “Maastricht Plus” Document in OSCE
The Third Astana Economic Forum held on July 1-2 in the Kazakh capital brought together more than 2,000 representatives of political and business circles from more than 50 countries to discuss key issues of global economic development. The list of honourary guest included heads of the world’s leading banks, financial groups, and public organisations as well as politicians, prominent economists, analysts and scientists.
The two-day forum titled “Economic growth stabilization in post-crisis period” aimed at elaborating mechanisms for creating favourable conditions and providing long-term sustainable development in the post-crisis period through consolidating state economic policy, scientific achievements and private sector initiatives.
The forum focused on key issues of innovation, business, industry, international trade, export and import, customs union, energy, ecology, international financial and currency systems, Islamic financing and youth development.
Addressing the forum with a welcoming speech, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev set forth a number of initiatives regarding the transformation of the world financial system and the promotion of Eurasian integration. The Kazakh leader pointed out several key issues on the global agenda.
“First of all, it is necessary to reform financial markets. It is time now to establish new financial architecture with a global system of regulation and supervision over financial markets in its core. I still insist on the introduction of a single supranational currency with a view of ensuring stable macroeconomic indices,” he said.
Nazarbayev also drew attention to issues of ecological and food security, poverty and inequality between countries, giving special priority to economic integration.
The President underscored Kazakhstan has overcome the global economic crisis and even managed to increase its GDP by 8% over the last six months. In his words, one of the main aims of the Third Astana Economic Forum is to continue the work of the G20 summit, which addressed the problems of the global financial system and the world economy a week earlier in Toronto, Canada.
Another initiative announced by Nursultan Nazarbayev suggests filling the second, econimoc and environmental, basket of the OSCE with new content which implies Eurasian integration. The Kazakh president also suggested solving global economic issues within the OSCE activity.
“I suggest launching the development of a new document which could be named “Maastricht plus”. It should reflect the modern post-crisis realities of the changing world and must aim at becoming a guide for a mid-term and long-term period. We have proposed discussing it during the OSCE summit which is to be held at the end of this year in the city of Astana,” he said.
These initiatives were discussed at the forum and gained some support from representatives of international organisations, financial sector and economists. Participants of the Astana forum also paid particular attention to Kazakhstan’s anti-crisis programme.
Speaking of Kazakhstan’s economic development, Canadian economist andNobel Prize winner, Robert A. Mundell said: “I believe Kazakhstan has timely responded to the global crisis challenges. Steps taken by your country were absolutely correct”.
Coordinator of the economic and environmental activities of the OSCE Goran Svilanovic noted: “I welcome the initiative of President Nazarbayev to develop a “Maastricht plus”. The Maastricht treaty is a kind of bible for Europe, and the development of “Maastricht plus” has just given a new impetus to the economic and environmental dimension of the OSCE”.
On the eve of the forum, Nursultan Nazarbayev held a number of meetings with the high guests who came to partake in the event. Speaking to the Kazakh leader in the Ak orda presidential residence, President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Ahmad Mohammed Ali Al-Madani said: “It is a great honour for me to meet with Nursultan Nazarbayev and congratulate him on the upcoming Astana celebrations. We are delighted Kazakhstan will chair the Organization of Islamic Conference next year. This will assist to further develop and deepen the cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Islamic countries.”
Nazarbayev also received Shaoyu Zhao, Vice-President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) later. Addressing the journalists after the meeting, Shaoyu Zhao said: “On behalf of the Asian Development Bank I have congratulated President Nazarbayev on the country’s successful economic development against the background of unfavorable financial situation in the world. This year we plan to loan Kazakhstan more than $1 billion for financing some projects in the sphere of road construction and render support to the small and medium-sized businesses. We believe cooperation with Kazakhstan will be of great benefit for both sides.”
The annual Astana Economic Forum is the main event of the “Eurasian Economic Club of Scientists” Association where the most topical issues of modern economy have been discussed over the last few years.
The “Eurasian Economic Club of Scientists” Association was founded in June 2008 with the aim to unite the efforts of officials, scientists and experts to solve key financial and economic development issues.
Activities of the forum are supported by the World Economic Forum, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the World Bank, the UN Economic Commission for Europe and the Islamic Development Bank.
Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan: Good Deeds and Pure Intentions
A good deed earns merit only if done with right intention, the common truth says. The large-scale movement with a resounding motto of “We are one team!” gained thousands of followers in Kazakhstan as it promotes the values inspired by pure intentions. Activists of Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan from Astana, Atyrau and Temirtau, who initiated the movement, gathered at the National Press Club in the capital on June 30 to sum up its preliminary results.
The campaign was launched for the first time in Qaraghandy oblast in April this year, after the local youth galvanized non-governmental organizations, state bodies and business circles of the country to implement socially useful deeds. Everything started with repairing a sports ground in the steelers’ city of Temirtau.
As of today, more than 470 events have taken place across Kazakhstan, 137 of which passed in the largest cities of the country. On the whole, upward of 300,000 people were involved in the activities, thus making the “We are one team!” initiative a nation-wide drive of charitable acts.
An unusual local store opened its doors in Ust-Kamenogorsk, where the local residents leave clothes and toys for those who are unable to buy these essentials themselves. The shop has an appropriate title “All things for thanks” meaning those in need may get the necessities just in exchange for a “thank you” to store managers.
Apart from the charity activities, the campaign encouraged free medical services across the country. A brigade of doctors and health officials was sent to Kyzylagash, the southern region of Kazakhstan severely hit by the flood earlier this year. Residents of Almaty and Taraz cities had an opportunity to get free dental services. Within a few days, the “We are one team!” mobile care train with medical professionals on board will set off on a long journey to the remotest parts of the nation to conduct prophylactic examination of rural communities.
The young activists get even more inspired by the fact the country’s nongovernmental organizations are actively engaged in the initiative and apply every effort to assist in voluntary acts of kindness. Thus, a “Balam-ai” centre for children with disabilities appeared in the Kazakh capital under the support of businessmen and NGOs.
Numerous activities addressed the needs of veterans of the Second World War. The year of the 65th anniversary of the Great Victory is of special significance for the aged. The rising generation compiled information, relics, photographs and documents of the hardest years in the latest history with a view of establishing a specific Internet resource dedicated to the Great Victory’s anniversary. And, people across the country joined together in cleaning up and modernizing war monuments and memorials. In Temirtau, veterans wrote letters to the young generation, whereas in Petropavlovsk volunteers and computer science instructors took part in a “Veterans in touch” campaign, teaching computer literacy to the older generation.
Summing up the results of all steps taken within such a short period, the Civil Alliance organized a forum titled “Birligimiz zharaskan!” (Kazakh for We are one team!) and involving nearly 5,000 people from across the country. This dialogue platform was aimed at getting through to the population the major mission of the Civil Alliance’s activity, and to reward the heroes of the activities.
Eighteen Years in Service of Kazakhstan’s National Interests
The date when President Nazarbayev signed a decree establishing the independent Kazakhstan’s own Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1992 is marked by the country’s diplomats as a special day to celebrate their achievements. Celebrating the day is a way to recognize the work of several hundreds of Kazakh diplomats in the central office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in posts throughout the world.
During the first official celebration in honor of the diplomatic corps a special reception in 2007 was held to honour the veterans and staff of the diplomatic corps in Kazakhstan who have diligently served to promote Kazakhstan as an important player in international relations and continues to be an extension of its domestic policies of dialogue and tolerance. The fact that Kazakhstan has no conflicts with any country and especially with neighbouring states is a good illustration of the effectiveness of the foreign policy. Moreover, Kazakhstan managed to solve border issues, those that could not be solved for centuries, and the nation for the fist time now has recognized undisputed borders with its neighbours.
To be fair, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kazakh SSR legally existed since 1944, so the diplomatic service in Kazakhstan can claim a history of 66 years. However, much as the Ministry of Defense, the real work of the ministry has started with the independence from the Soviet Union. Prior to 1992, the Ministry’s job was technical, and its responsibilities included organization of receptions of foreign delegations, present speeches at international forums (as part of the Soviet’s Oriental exotica”), and positioning of Kazakh students in the DiplomaticAcademy of the USSR. It was a mix of what we would now call a department for external relations and protocol, and had elements of the ministry of culture and education. However, due to the status of a SovietRepublic, there was not much talk of truly “foreign” relations.
The period from 1944 to 1991 cannot be erased from history, and to be fair there is no need for it. The post of Minister of Foreign Affairs was during the time held by such prominent people in Kazakhstan as Tulegen Tazhibaev (1944-1953, 1955-1958), Hairgaly Baygaliev (1953-1955), Askar Zakarin (1958-1961), Adi Sharipov (1963 - 1966), Balzhan Bultrikova (1966 - 1971), Malik Fazylov (1973-1976), Muslim Bazarbayev (1976-1981), Mihail Isinaliev (1981-1989), and Akmaral Arystanbekova (1989-1991).
Since the founding of the truly functioning Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the main task of the new leadership was the resolution of “technical problems”, the legal and material resources, the structure of ministries and personnel matters. Obviously, the human resource capacity of the Kazakh SSR Ministry of Foreign Affairs was, at best, not enough for new challenges. So, as was the case for many other young nation-states, dozens of brightest specialists from other fields were recruited to form the new backbone of the independent Kazakhstan’s diplomatic corps. The Ministry started its work, and high representatives of the nation have been sent to those countries which at that time (and also today) are of the greatest importance for Kazakhstan as an independent state.
It was basically in mid-1990s that the gradual professionalization of the Foreign Ministry took place. In personnel policy, emphasis was placed on education and promotion of a new generation of diplomats.
Naturally, all these events were not immediate steps. And the current status of the ministry has been the work of hundreds of diplomats and staff who have built the foundations of an establishment worthy of representing Kazakhstan on the global arena.
As years went by, the initial recruits of the Kazakh foreign office matured with experience to become the commanding staff supported by hundreds of younger diplomats who had been trained in the international relations schools at home, with the best candidates also obtaining knowledge from prestigious diplomatic schools in Russia, US, UK, Germany, France, and other countries.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs today runs 71 diplomatic and consular offices throughout the world. A total of 41 are embassies, eight are diplomatic missions, seven general consulates, and 12 consulates, two are representative offices with international organizations, and one is an embassy’s section.
In 18 years, five persons served as Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan. Those are Toleutay Suleimenov (1991-1994), Kanat Saudabayev (1994, and once again since September 2009) Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (1994-1999 and 2002-2007), Erlan Idrissov (1999-2002), and Marat Tazhin (2007-2009).
Special days in recognition of diplomatic service are also observed in Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Moldova, and Ukraine.
Kazakh Shambhala: Katon Karaghai, Heavenly Corner in Altai Mountains
Nestled in the very heart of the Altai Mountains, the Katon-KaragaiNationalReservationPark is the largest protected area in Kazakhstan included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and picturesque landscapes.
In 2003 the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) awarded the Kazakh government a “Gift to the Earth Certificate” for creating the park. Kazakh singers often call it the Turkic Cradle or the Heaven’s Corner and believe this mountainous and forested area is full of divine grace. People often compare it to a wellspring of living water, an elixir that heals wounds, makes them strong and youthful.
The park, established nine years ago, is a true pearl located in Eastern Kazakhstan, in a region bordering Russia, China, and Mongolia. Its territory stretches across the Central and Southern Altai areas covering nearly 637,000 hectares of land and forming a part of Kazakhstan’s Altai-Sayan Montane Forests, one of the WWF’s Global 200 eco-regions. These forests are home to 360 species of vertebrates, around forty of which are listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Data List of endangered species, including the Altai argali (the mountain sheep), the red wolf, the Menzbieri marmot, and the Altai snowcock.
This richly diverse area is abundant with snow covered mountain peaks, enchanting cedar forests, glades of berries, crystal lakes, rivers and brightly colored wildflowers. The land is also home to rare and endangered animals, including wild brown bears and Altai maral, snow leopard, Asiatic wild dogs, foxes, badgers, wild goats, partridges and wood grouses.
Bright Alpine carpets of flowers, healing herbs, multicoloured rocks, and clean mountainous air filled with cedar aromas, waterfalls and healing sources are all traits of this vivid area in Eastern Kazakhstan. The rivers of Irtysh, Bukhtarma, and Naryn offer opportunities for exhilarating recreation. Local mountain slopes contain salt and other mineral resources. There is also a cascade of impressive waterfalls – including Arasan, Rakhmanov Springs and the largest, 80 metre-high Kokkol.
The highest and most mysterious Altai peak is the legendary Belukha-MuztauMountain (4,506 metres above sea level) which towers above the Promised Land. Some believe this is the place where Buddha descended from heaven and went to India. Mystics and artists such as Nicholas Roerich call it a place of power, while local shamans believe this is the Hub of the Universe linked to the space. According to myths, the mysterious Shambhala is also hidden here.
The un-spoilt natural beauty of Katon-Karagai attracts tourists from all over the world. These places are often visited by international ecological and cultural scientific expeditions. In addition, the park is famous for its Altai deer (known locally as maral) breeding and bee-keeping farms.
The Orthodox Old Believers from Russia started breeding deers in Altai in the 18th century, producing a valuable substance known as pantocrine which is made of the male deer’s antlers while they are still in the soft growing stage. The pharmaceutical plant near the Beloye village also produces pantocrine, Pantomedovyi and Belukha balsams, bee glue, hawthorn, motherwort herb, calendula liqueur and fir oil from local, ecologically clean raw materials. Katon-Karagai has become a trade mark for all of these natural remedies.
Katon-Karagai is also rich with history. In ancient times, an extensive interconnected network of trade routes across the Asian continent called the Silk Road, embracing the territory of the present-day reservation park, connected Southern Siberia, the Altai, Central Asia and Western China. It was also called the Golden Branch, as caravans with Scythian gold and bronze from Altai travelled through large parts of Eurasia. Regiments of Genghis Khan invincible warriors, along with hordes of nomads, stormed along it from the Mongolian steppes and south Siberia to the west and farther.
To this day archeologists keep finding traces of ancient mining developments, irrigation channels, ruins of fortresses and Buddhist temples in this area. One of the principal archeological finds is the Berel burial ground. The burial mound of a Scythian prince of the fourth century B.C. was found 1,200 metres above sea level in the area known as the Kings’ Valley. An open-air museum displaying scientific marvels is being established at this place to preserve rich cultural inheritance.
Today, the Kazakh government and the Public Council for Implementation of the “Madeni Mura” national strategic project for 2009-2011 work to develop the preserve. Authorities aim to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the region, promote sustainable use of the natural resources, as well as understanding and enjoyment of its qualities by the public, and advance economic and social development of the area’s communities. A new scientific and cultural centre, an amphitheatre, museums, cafes and hotels are to be built within the next few years.
Also in the News:
President Nursultan Nazarbayev met President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Ahmad Mohammed Ali Al-Madani, who came to partake in III Astana economic forum, at the Akorda presidential residence on June 30. IDB has already started its work in Kazakhstan. They discussed further prospects of bilateral cooperation. IDB President said: “It is a great honour for me to meet with Nursultan Nazarbayev and congratulate him on the upcoming Astana celebrations. We are delighted Kazakhstan will chair the Organization of Islamic Conference next year. This will assist in further developing and deepening the cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Islamic countries.”
President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed the updated Customs Code on June 30, aimed at defining major legal frameworks of customs activity in the republic. The Code ensures favourable environment for business activity in Kazakhstan. In particular, it reduces the number of documents required for customs declaration, regulates the issues of interaction between customs agencies and external economic actors, and excludes the compulsory license fees for customs activities in the country. According to the document, starting from 1 July 2010 tax authorities will be in charge of indirect tax, VAT, and excise tax collection.
On July 2, President Nursultan Nazarbayev arrived in Temirtau to congratulate the metallurgists of the region on the 50th anniversary of the Qaraghandy metallurgical combine. The so-called “Kazakh magnitka”, which is the largest industrial complex in Kazakhstan, started its work on July 2, 1962. As part of the celebrations in the Cultural Centre of Metallurgists, President Nazarbayev presented state awards to the best workers who made a significant personal contribution to the development of Temirtau.
EurAsEc Secretary General Tayir Mansurov informed President Nursultan Nazarbayev on preparations for the upcoming summits of EurAsEc and the Customs Union. Five heads of state are to take part in the meetings on July 5 in Astana. During the meetings the leaders plan to adopt a package of documents, in particular, the unified Customs Code for Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus.
The 4th convocation of the Kazakh Parliament has finished its work within the third session on Wednesday. Prime Minister Karim Massimov, Head of the Supreme Court Mussabek Alimbekov, Cabinet members, and officials of the Presidential Administration attended the joint sitting. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Speaker of Mazhilis Ural Mukhamedzhanov noted that during the third session the Parliament has reviewed a total of 199 draft laws. A number of laws were passed which let significantly enlarge the legislative base on the Customs Union. The Parliament also ratified several agreements of global character aiming to serve as the basis for future economic development. In compliance with the legislation, the summer parliamentary recess in Kazakhstan starts on July 1 and lasts until the end of the August.
The working group of Kazakhstan’s National Human Rights Centre summarized the results of monitoring visits to prisons of Qaraghandy region on June 30. The campaign was preceded by dozens of complaints received by the ombudsmen from the convicts against poor confinement conditions. The working group involved representatives of the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministries of Justice and Health. Following the review, the officials expressed concern about the situation in prisons and recommended the authorities to take urgent measures for ensuring fulfillment of Kazakhstan’s commitments to international standards in the related sphere.
The first session of the Council on financial stability took place in Astana on June 30. During the meeting, the participants discussed the issues of consecutive increase of capitalization of the republic’s financial institutions. The Council reviewed the draft law introducing amendments and addenda to some legislation acts of Kazakhstan on regulation of banking and financial institutions in terms of risk minimizing. The next session with the participation of second-tier banks is scheduled for July 16 this year, which is expected to formulate a coherent position and legislative initiatives aimed at minimizing the risks of financial sector.
Things to Watch:
Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel will pay an official visit to Kazakhstan on July 18. According to Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Konstantin Zhigalov, a package of bilateral documents at the national and business levels will be signed within the visit. “A wide range of issues of mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields will be discussed. We expect the visit to provide a positive impulse for further cooperation between Kazakhstan and Germany,” Konstantin Zhigalov said.
On July 5, the summits of Interstate Council of Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEc) and the Customs Union will take place in Astana.A number of urgent issues will be discussed during the events, including the future prospects of EurAsEc’s activity, the proper functioning of the Customs Union and establishment of the Unified Economic Space. The joint statement by the heads of EurAsEc member states is to be made on the occasion of the organization’s 10th anniversary.
Kazakhstan is to celebrate the 12th anniversary of the founding of the capital city of Astana on July 4-6. Within the nation-wide celebrations, a broad range of festivity events will be held in Astana, including the circus show “Echo of Asia”, a photo exhibition and a planner of Kazakhstan’s artists, the opening of the “Khan Shatyr” trade and entertainment centre, a festival of nomadic civilization “Millennia around Astana”, the concerts of Denis Matsuev, Nicole Henry and Kimberly Davis, Sergey Bezrukov, Ayman Musakhodzhayeva and others. For afull list of events please go to www.astana.kz
Representatives of 12 countries across the world will continue competing in the second phase of the international equestrian sport contest held on 2-4 in Almaty. The phase is divided into five routes, and the winners of the first four will compete for the Grand Prix, the “Cup of the President of Kazakhstan”. The competition is a continuation of triathlon which took place in Capchagay city on June 18-20.
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