Kiev summit aims to fund new Chernobyl radiation shield
International leaders from more than 50 countries are expected to meet in Kiev to raise 740 million euros at a conference on Tuesday to complete a steel sarcophagus to secure the ruins of Ukraine's exploded Chernobyl power station, Kazakhstan Today reports.
Almaty. April 19. Kazakhstan Today - International leaders from more than 50 countries are expected to meet in Kiev to raise 740 million euros at a conference on Tuesday to complete a steel sarcophagus to secure the ruins of Ukraine's exploded Chernobyl power station, Kazakhstan Today reports.
An international conference is being held in Ukraine to finance continuing safety measures at Chernobyl, following the nuclear explosion there in 1986, BBC News reported.
The European Union has pledged more than $150m of the $1bn (600m pounds) Ukraine wants to fund a new radiation shield.
Representatives from more than 40 countries and international organisations are also in attendance.
Chernobyl was the world's worst nuclear accident - sending a plume of radiation over large parts of Europe.
At least 30 people were killed in the immediated aftermath of the explosion at its Number Four reactor - though an unknown number died later from radiation-related sicknesses such as cancer.
There has been intense debate about the number of deaths attributable to Chernobyl - though some estimates put it in the thousands.
The conference, which is being held in the Ukrainian capital Kiev, and a summit on nuclear power being held afterwards, coincide with preparations for the 25th anniversary of the accident next week.
The Chernobyl conference has been planned for years, but has gained new impetus with the continuing emergency at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan.
Ukraine's government, along with the European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, is building a gigantic new shell to cover Chernobyl's exploded reactor and the existing steel sarcophagus.
The sarcophagus was hastily built around the reactor just after the accident in 1986 to contain the radiation and is now nearing the end of its life.
The new structure will be the largest of its kind in the world - an arch more than 100m high, 250m wide and 160m long.
It will be assembled away from the Chernobyl site and then slid into place over the damaged reactor, before the ends are blocked up. It is expected to give Ukraine 100 years to dispose of the nuclear waste.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said on Monday that the Commission would allocate an extra 110m euros ($156m) towards this and related Chernobyl projects.
"We hope our key partners will also step up their contributions in order to complete the works of the shelter by 2015," he said.
But a Commission official, speaking anonymously to Reuters news agency, said total pledges were unlikely to meet the $1bn goal.
He said Japan was normally one of the main donors to Chernobyl, but its priorities may have changed because of the Fukushima crisis.
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Young Kazakh Composer Captivates Geneva Audience
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Historical Conservatoire de Musique de Genève hosted a concert of renowned Kazakh composer and pianist Rakhat-Bi Abdyssagin, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
Presented as a highlight of the "Turkic Week in Geneva" organized under the chairmanship of Kazakhstan in the centre of international diplomacy, the concert attracted an audience comprising heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations, representatives of NGOs, academia, the Geneva community, and the Kazakh diaspora.
Opening the concert, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan Yerlan Alimbayev thanked Rakhat-Bi for his contributions to the world of music, highlighting the importance of cultural diplomacy and the role of music in fostering international cooperation and understanding.
Rakhat-Bi Abdyssagin’s performance was a fusion of classical masterpieces by J.S. Bach, W.A. Mozart, L. van Beethoven, F. Chopin, F. Liszt, and A. Scriabin, alongside his own original compositions. His introductions to each piece enriched the concert experience, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the music and creating a connection between the artist and the audience.
The concert by Rakhat-Bi Abdyssagin displayed the artistic brilliance of Kazakhstan, highlighting the country’s commitment to promoting cultural diplomacy, enhancing international cooperation, and sharing the universal language of music with audiences worldwide.
Rakhat-Bi Abdyssagin’s composed his first piece at the age of 9, and his portfolio includes over 150 compositions, including three operas. His diverse work reflects his passion, creativity, and dedication to the art of music. His most recent opera, "The Bruce" received critical acclaim and premiered in four cities of the United Kingdom earlier this year.
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Development of Inter-parliamentary Relations is an Important Item on the Kazakh-Romanian Agenda
Images | Kazakh MFA
The potential for developing inter-parliamentary partnership was the main topic of the talks between Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerlik Ali and the Chairman of the Foreign Policy Committee of the Senate of the Romanian Parliament, Titus Corlățean, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
During the discussions, the participants explored a range of potential areas for collaboration, both bilaterally and multilaterally. They expressed a mutual interest in deepening the existing ties between Astana and Bucharest.
The sides devoted particular attention to the discussion of political and socio-economic reforms, the implementation of which is being carried out on the initiative of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. In particular, the Romanian side was informed about the reforms aimed at strengthening the protection of human rights and freedoms, statehood, as well as improving the well-being of the people.
Along with this, the multilateral agenda of the negotiations included an exchange of views on a wide range of current issues on the international and regional agenda, as well as cooperation in the Kazakhstan-EU and Central Asia-EU format. At the same time, proposals for the participation of the Kazakh delegation in the 31st annual session of the OSCE PA, which will be held from June 29 to July 3, 2024 in Bucharest, were also considered.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the interlocutors agreed to regularly "synchronize watches" in order to find new niches in the investment, energy, transport, logistics and tourism sectors.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Priorities of Cooperation Between Kazakhstan and the European Union Presented in Athens
Images | Kazakh MFA
Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Greece Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev made a presentation on the priority areas of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU for the Ambassadors of European countries accredited in Greece, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
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The discussion highlighted the importance of transport connectivity and the improvement of infrastructure and logistics, energy security, new power and LNG projects, as well as environmental and agricultural policies.
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Signing of the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in Astana Opens a New Chapter in Kazakh-British Relations
Images | Kazakh MFA
Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu held talks with Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland David Cameron, who is in Astana with an official visit, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
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Minister Nurtleu welcomed dynamic intergovernmental and inter-parliamentary contacts that have facilitated deepening of partnership in various sectors over the recent years, and reconfirmed his readiness to broaden dialogue further between the foreign ministries of two countries.
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Foreign Secretary Cameron noted that the UK pays great attention to developing cooperation with Kazakhstan as the key partner in Central Asia. He also expressed support for the ongoing reforms in our country and the readiness of London to deepen its ties with Astana.
An important outcome of the talks at the Foreign Ministry was the signing of the historic Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the UK that is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations in key sectors, such as foreign policy and security, trade and investment, protection of intellectual property, energy and raw materials partnership, transportation, environment protection and climate change, banking and financial services, employment and social policy, science and education.
According to Minister Nurtleu, "this comprehensive agreement will be a significant step in taking political, trade and investment relations between Astana and London to new horizons… We believe our strong and mutually beneficial strategic partnership will continue to strengthen in all areas, from energy to rare metals, from ecology to education."
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For reference: trade between Kazakhstan and the UK in 2023 reached 1.2 million US dollars (exports - 703 million, imports - 478,7 million).
There are around 600 companies and joint ventures with British capital in Kazakhstan.
The UK is among the top 10 foreign investors in Kazakhstan. Last year, Kazakhstan’s economy attracted 795 million in FDI from the UK and over 17 billion in total since 2005.
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