Canadian expert community emphasized relevance of large-scale reforms carried out in Kazakhstan
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Canadian senators and experts took part in the expert roundtable conference, dedicated to the early presidential election’s results in Kazakhstan and implementation of large-scale reforms of Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazinform has learned from the press service of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.
Canadian senators Victor Oh and Jean Guy Dagenais and Parliamentary Affairs Director of the Office of Senator Victor Oh Lauren Ray participated in the event. Previously they have visited our country as independent international observers. Canadian observers stated that all the necessary conditions were created for holding open and fair election and the voting took place in accordance with national legislation and international standards.
Fellow of the leading Canadian think tank "Canadian Global Affairs Institute" Andrew Rasiulis, Senior Fellow at Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University, Former Ambassador of Canada to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Margaret Skok, Canada Eurasia Chamber of Commerce National Board Chairman Gilles Breton participated in the expert panel discussion.
In his remarks, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Canada Akylbek Kamaldinov informed participants about the early presidential election’s results and Action Plan’s main priorities to implement President Tokayev’s election program "Fair Kazakhstan - For All and For Everyone. Now and Forever".
Ambassador noted that this document’s task is to ensure effective implementation of reforms aimed at further modernization of Kazakhstan society and state, and highlighted that our country has entered a qualitatively new stage in its development.
Canadian experts stressed the importance of building a "Just and Fair Kazakhstan" and ensuring such principles as political competition, further democratization, demonopolization of the economy and creating conditions for open competition.
Overall, Canadian expert community emphasized the relevance of the large-scale reforms being carried out in our country and expressed their readiness for constructive cooperation.
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Kazakhstan provides significant support to Afghanistan - EU special envoy
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According to EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan Tomas Niklasson, Kazakhstan actively allocates grants and scholarships to the Afghan youth in the education field, with some of them distributed through UNDP and EU systems, Kazinform reports.
The Belgian capital played host to the 3rd meeting of Central Asian and EU special envoys for Afghanistan.
According to Terhi Hakala, the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Kazakhstan plays a great role in supporting Afghanistan.
We know that your country actively supports Afghanistan, which is part of the dialogue on security with the Central Asian countries," said Terhi Hakala.
EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan Tomas Niklasson also pointed out the EU’s considerable assistance to the Afghan people, carried out in keeping with the international humanitarian law and principles.
Stressing that the Taliban restricted women’s work at NGOs, Nikalasson said that women make up around 30-40 per cent of the personnel of the NGOs providing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. He added that the assistance as well as observance of humanitarian commitments will continue.
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Kazakh - U.S. Human Rights Dialogue holds 2nd meeting
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Kazakhstan and the United States held the second meeting of the annual High-Level Dialogue on Human Rights and Democratic Reforms, co-chaired by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Special Representative of the President for International Cooperation Erzhan Kazykhan and the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Zeya, the press service of the Kazakh MFA reported.
The parties discussed in a constructive way the implementation of the program of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on further democratization of the political system and strengthening the constitutional guarantees of human and civil rights. The U.S. side reaffirmed its full support for the implementation of large-scale reforms of the Head of State.
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to continue a productive engagement in the area of human rights and adopted a Joint Statement.
Source: kazinform
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30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and EU defines intensity and vast coop agenda
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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko had a series of bilateral meetings with senior representatives of European Union institutions in Brussels today.
On the eve of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and the EU (2 February), the main goal of the meetings was to review the whole range of Kazakhstan-EU relations in light of the changing international situation and the implementation of agreements following the visit by President of the European Council Charles Michel to Astana in October 2022. This visit and meetings between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen last year allowed updating the bilateral cooperation agenda and outlining concrete priority areas of enhancing the partnership in the field of economy, trade, transport, energy, "green transition" and digitalization, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s press service informs.
During the meetings, officials paid special attention to further steps for the effective and full implementation of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Kazakhstan and the EU which covers 29 spheres of engagement. Moreover, the development of a Road Map to implement the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding on a strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials, batteries and renewable hydrogen value chains is in the focus of both sides.
Mr. Vassilenko held talks with high-ranking European officials, including Deputy Managing Director for Russia, Eastern Partnership, Central Asia and OSCE of the European External Action Service Luc Devigne and EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore. He also had meetings with Member of the European Parliament and its Human Rights Subcommittee Nacho Sanchez Amor, as well as with Co-rapporteur on Kazakhstan of the European Parliament Andrius Kubilius. Mr. Vassilenko underlined the high dynamics of political dialogue, active development of cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, as well as engagement in the human rights dimension as factors determining the intensive nature of cooperation for the future.
The Kazakh diplomat thoroughly informed his counterparts about the progress in implementing the large-scale political and socio-economic reforms initiated by President Tokayev to build a "Just and Fair Kazakhstan". He also informed them about the early parliamentary elections of deputies of the Majilis of the Parliament and Maslikhats on March 19 this year that ten international organizations were invited to observe the election, including the OSCE.
A detailed exchange of views on relevant issues on the international agenda took place, including the situation in and around Ukraine, and the need to minimize its negative consequences for Kazakhstan’s economy.
The European side welcomed the rich bilateral and multilateral agenda and expressed its interest in further strengthening cooperation with Kazakhstan and the implementation of the EPCA.
The sides agreed on the importance of maintaining regular political dialogue for further consolidating cooperation in light of global instability.
The European Union is Kazakhstan’s main trade and investment partner. The EU accounts for about half of the country’s foreign trade and foreign investments.
Trade turnover in January - November 2022 compared to the same period of 2021 increased by 28.8 % and reached $36.4 billion (exports - $29.9 bn, imports - $6.5 bn).
In the first nine months of 2022, the inflow of foreign direct investment from the EU increased by 10 % compared to the same period of 2021 ($7.7 bn) and amounted to $8.5 bn.
Overall, there are more than 6,000 EU member states companies operating in Kazakhstan.
Source: kazinform
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Kazakhstan and U.S. debate energy security coop issues
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National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met today with Kazakhstani Special Representative for International Cooperation Yerzhan Kazykhan, the White House release reads.
During the meeting, the two reaffirmed the commitment of the United States and Kazakhstan to support the principles of the UN Charter, including the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. They also highlighted the strategic partnership between their nations and the cooperation on key bilateral and regional issues, such as energy security. The U.S. side reaffirmed U.S. support for Kazakhstani President Tokayev’s efforts to improve transparent, accountable governance in Kazakhstan.
Source: kazinform
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Accreditation of foreign journalists to cover Digital Almaty Forum opens
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On February 2-3, 2023, a regular meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council (EIGC) and the International Digital Forum "Digital Almaty: "Digital partnership in the New Reality" will be held in Almaty.
The regular meeting will be attended by the heads of governments of Kazakhstan, Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and the Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission. Representatives of the Observer States to the EAEU, the CIS Secretary General and the heads of the Eurasian Development Bank and the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development are also invited to the event, the Kazakh MFA’s press service reports.
The agenda of the EIGC meeting, which is traditionally held in narrow and extended formats, covers a wide range of issues of trade and economic cooperation, technical regulation, the EAEU integrated information system and other relevant topics.
On February 3, Prime Ministers of EAEU countries will attend the plenary session of the annual Digital Almaty Forum. Traditionally, the forum is expected to be attended by prominent political and public figures, heads of large digital companies, IT business leaders and digital industry experts.
This year, also an international exhibition of thematic projects with the award ceremony "Digital Almaty Awards" will take place within the framework of this event.
For accreditation to cover abovementioned events the representatives of foreign media must submit an application by the following link before 05.00 pm Astana time on January 25, 2023: https://accr.sgork.kz:64778/user_login/?next=/application/ :
1) To obtain a login and password, it is necessary to send a list of representatives of foreign media according to the attached FORM to the email address mfa.pskz@gmail.com ;
2) After receiving the login and password, access to the above-mentioned application portal of the Accreditation Center will be provided. Instructions for filling in the data for accreditation are posted in the upper left corner of the portal.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
- Abylay Amandykov, tel.: +7 (7172) 72-00-11, mob.: +7 (701) 7776447 (WhatsApp, Telegram);
- Akzhan Orynbek, tel.: +7 (7172) 72-02-36, mob.: +7 (708) 7085844 (WhatsApp, Telegram).
At the abovementioned events following Press centers will operate: EIGC meeting - in the building of Royal Tulip hotel (Ospanov str 401/2), Digital Almaty Forum - Pavilion 10 (media center) Atakent Exhibition Center (Timiryazev str 42 к10).
Source: kazinform
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AD Ports Group partners with Kazakh National Oil Company, Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development
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In the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, AD Ports Group signed a strategic partnership agreement with Kazakh National Oil Company (KazMunayGas) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kazakhstan Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development for strategic cooperation in developing a marine fleet and coastal infrastructure in the Caspian and Black Seas.
The agreements build on the shareholder agreement signed in December with KMTF (Kazmortransflot), a subsidiary of KazMunayGas, to launch an exclusive joint venture to provide offshore services for energy companies in the Caspian Sea, WAM reports.
The new agreements signal a significant expansion for AD Ports Group in Central Asia and Kazakhstan, a major market for energy, transport and logistics that continues to gain in strategic importance as a key trade route between Europe and Asia.
Under the terms of the strategic partnership agreement with KazMunayGas, the two companies will review opportunities to collaborate on a broad range of projects in the area, including the development of a new fleet of shallow-water vessels to support offshore operations in the Caspian Sea and the development of a tanker fleet to support the export of Kazakh oil.
There is also potential for the joint venture to participate in bulk cargo transportation, reviewing opportunities to build or acquire bulk cargo vessels in support of that enterprise. AD Ports Group will also look to develop bespoke training and development programmes for Kazakh teams via Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy.
The MoU with the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development will see AD Ports Group look to collaborate on developing international trade and transport corridors through the Republic of Kazakhstan, potentially developing port and logistics facilities and enhancing the national maritime fleet.
AD Ports Group sees the launch of collaborative ventures in the Central Asian region as a key strategic priority, as a major source of growth and in support of key trading partners of the UAE. Furthermore, these agreements have significant potential to stimulate job creation and growth of the Kazakh economy.
Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, said, "We are honoured to have President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, witness this significant event. This wide-ranging and far-sighted partnership agreement, which is the first of its kind between a UAE company and KazMunayGas, aligns with the strategic priorities of the UAE and establishes a strong platform for growth in Kazakhstan and the wider region. We are also pleased to work with the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development on developing international trade and transport corridors."
Marat Karabayev, Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, stated, "We welcome these agreements, which represent an important step forward in the fraternal economic relationship between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the UAE. We see significant potential in developing port and logistics facilities in Kazakhstan to enhance our role as a trade corridor and increase export opportunities for our companies. We are pleased to work with AD Ports Group on these projects, building on their expertise to develop integrated ports, trade and logistics hubs in key strategic locations."
Mirzagaliyev Magzum, Chairman of KazMunayGas, commented, "We are delighted to strengthen our strategic partnership with AD Ports Group, which offers robust capabilities in logistics, maritime, ports and digital services, with a particular focus on the energy sector. Bringing together our two businesses provides an opportunity to address some of the long-term challenges and opportunities of managing growing volumes of exports on the Caspian and Black Seas and to develop port and fleet resources to serve oil and gas exploration and production. We see a bright future for this joint venture, which will significantly contribute to Kazakhstan's economic and infrastructure development."
Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, added, "AD Ports Group sees a major opportunity to contribute to the development of trade corridors across the Central Asia region, and this historic collaboration with KazMunayGas provides us with a solid foundation for growth in one of the most important markets. We thank the UAE’s leadership for their support in developing this collaboration and look forward to delivering comprehensive solutions in support of Kazakhstan’s energy and maritime sectors."
Source: kazinform
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Romania keen on intensifying coop with Kazakhstan
Ambassador of Kazakhstan Nurbakh Rustemov held a meeting with the Secretary of State for Strategic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania Iulian Fota during which the parties discussed the schedule of events for 2023, the press service of the Kazakh MFA reported.
During the talks, the Kazakh diplomat informed the romanian side about the Kazakh Government's plans to strengthen economic, trade and investment ties in the European direction in accordance with the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the European Union.
Along with this, the Ambassador Rustemov briefed his Romanian colleague in detail on the important reforms carried out by the leadership of our country to build a "Just and Fair Kazakhstan."
In turn, the Secretary of State noted the relevance of organizing high-level visits, as well as holding expanded negotiations on energy and logistics issues. In particular, the important role of Kazakhstan as a trading partner of Romania and the EU as a whole was noted.
The parties noted with satisfaction the increase in trade turnover over the past year, which exceeded 2 billion US dollars, and agreed to intensify efforts to further diversify the structure of trade turnover.
At the end of the conversation, the interlocutors exchanged views on plans for holding economic and cultural events for the current year.
Source: kazinform
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