On November 13-14, 2019, a regional meeting of experts was held in Almaty to promote measures to nationalize and localize the gender goals of sustainable development (SDGs).The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, together with UN Women, was aimed at uniting the efforts of governments, the UN system, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders in order to mobilize all available resources to fulfill the gender equality commitments under the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.In his speech, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev noted that a three-year project “Assistance in the Nationalization of Gender Goals of Sustainable Development in Central Asia” has been implemented to support national efforts to fulfill gender goals and indicators of the 2030 Agenda.The project has empowered national partners to formulate a holistic approach to nationalizing and localizing SDGs, with an emphasis on promoting gender equality and women's rights, strengthening regional dialogue and cooperation, and expanding the capacity of civil society in Central Asian countries to monitor the implementation of the SDGs for gender equality.The event was attended by representatives of state bodies, civil society, the non-governmental sector of Central Asian countries, as well as international experts.On the sidelines of the conference, Mr Ashikbayev met with the UN Women Deputy Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Blerta Cela, and discussed the pressing issues of cooperation with UN Women, in particular, the implementation of promising projects in the field of gender policy.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35693?lang=kk

On November 14-15, 2019, in Moscow, the latest round of consular consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation took place, with the participation of the relevant authorities of the two countries.During the meeting, the parties discussed pressing issues of cooperation in order to protect the rights and interests of the two states, as well as to implement bilateral and multilateral agreements and conventions in the consular and legal field.Following the consultations, the parties confirmed their intentions to continue bilateral relations on consular issues on a regular basis.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35690?lang=kk

NUR-SULTAN, November 14, 2019 – Kazakhstan and Italy are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the bilateral Agreement on Strategic Partnership signed on November 5, 2009 in Rome. The successful implementation of this important document for Kazakh-Italian relations document was discussed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Manlio Di Stefano, who is currently on a working visit to Nur-Sultan. Delegations examined the conditions and prospects of enhancing political cooperation, as well as reaffirming their common positions of interaction in the international arena.Cooperation in trade, economic activity and investment were particularly emphasized. Moreover, they separately highlighted the transport and logistics potential of Kazakhstan, as well as the importance of cooperation between Kazakhstan, Italy and China within the context of the implementation of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative.The ratification by the Senate of Italy of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Kazakhstan was noted in a particularly positive light. During the course of his visit, the Italian diplomat also met with Governor of the Astana International Financial Center Kairat Kelimbetov, and the leadership of the Ministries of Finance, Agriculture and Ecology.In addition, Mr Di Stefano spoke at the Kazakh-Italian business forum, organized in cooperation with the Sovereign Wealth Fund Samruk-Kazyna JSC.For reference: Italy takes the second place among the trading partners of Kazakhstan and the first place among partners from the EU countries. Between January and September of 2019, mutual trade amounted to $6.9 billion ($5.9 billion in exports and $1 billion in imports). At the same time, the volume of direct Italian investments to Kazakhstan’s economy has reached $5.8 billion since 2005. There are 164 enterprises with Italian participation registered.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35687?lang=kk

Nur-Sultan, 2019, November 13 - The First Kazakh-Italian business forum was held in Nur-Sultan. The event, organized as part of the working visit of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic Manlio Di Stefano to Kazakhstan, was attended by over 200 representatives of business circles, national companies, government bodies of the two countries.During the forum, prospects for the development of projects in the field of energy, renewable energy, the petrochemical, manufacturing and agricultural sectors were discussed. Italian businessmen operating in Kazakhstan shared their impressions of activities in our country and recommended that the representatives of the Italian business community study objectively the business opportunities in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as the conditions for investors were found to be comfortable.In his speech, Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Manlio Di Stefano noted that over the years of Independence and the transition to a market economy, Kazakhstan has managed to achieve significant successes, ensuring stable economic development and a favorable investment climate, and a high level of successful and effective relations between Kazakhstan and Italy has been achieved."I am sure that today's business forum will give impetus to the development of economies and business ties between the two countries. We have huge opportunities to expand trade, economic and investment cooperation, " said Mr. Manlio Di Stefano. In his turn, Ambassador-at-large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Yerlan Khairov underlined that Kazakhstan and Italy have great potential for increasing investment cooperation, urging businessmen of the two countries to actively establish business contacts and implement investment projects.“Between our countries there is considerable potential for expanding and deepening bilateral partnerships in the economic sphere, especially in the three priority sectors, such as alternative energy, agriculture and digitalization. In our country, the national company KAZAKH INVEST operates, which works on the principle of "one window" for current and potential foreign investors, providing support for investment projects from the idea to its implementation. In general, I express my readiness to provide comprehensive support to both foreign and national investors, ”said the speakerV khode foruma obsuzhdeny voprosy sotrudnichestva v realizatsii proyektov mashinostroyeniya i produktov pitaniya. Krome togo, kazakhstanskaya storona ne tol'ko prezentovala svoi vozmozhnosti na polyakh foruma, no i provela ryad rabochikh vstrech s ital'yanskimi partnerami v formate B2B.During the forum, issues of cooperation in the implementation of engineering projects and food products were discussed. In addition, the Kazakh side not only presented its capabilities on the sidelines of the forum, but also held a number of working meetings with Italian partners in B2B format.For example, representatives of Pavlodar Social-Entrepreneurship Corporation JSC held talks with the management of Naba Carni companies on the implementation of a joint project for the processing of horse meat in the territory of the Pavlodar region. Also, an agreement was reached between the delegation of the Pavlodar SEC and the Rota Guido company to consider an investment project in the development of the agro-industrial complex.During the forum, the parties noted that the agreements reached and the decisions given gave impetus to enhance bilateral economic cooperation, as well as outlined new opportunities and prospects for partnership between business circles of both states.The first Kazakh-Italian business forum was organized by the Embassy of the Italian Republic in the Republic of Kazakhstan, JSC " NC "KAZAKH INVEST", JSC " SWF "Samruk-Kazyna" and the company "ITA italian trade agency". It will be remembered that Italy is the largest trading partner of Kazakhstan among the countries of the European Union and one of the leading investors in the economy of our country.By today,   the volume of Italian investments in the Kazakh economy is 6.6 billion US dollars. The foreign trade turnover of Kazakhstan with Italy for 8 months of 2019 amounted to 6.7 billion US dollars. Totally, in Kazakhstan work about 270 companies with the participation of Italian capital. It should be noted that the forum was held in the spirit of mutual understanding and trust, the parties noted that the agreements reached and the decisions taken gave impetus to the activation of bilateral economic cooperation, as well as outlined new opportunities and prospects for partnership between the business circles of both States.  JSC "National company "KAZAKH INVEST" is a subordinate organization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. "KAZAKH INVEST", acting as a "single negotiator" on behalf of the Government of the country, provides a full range of services to support investment projects, including registration, obtaining various permits and approvals necessary for the implementation of investment activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan's exports are fuel and raw materials (crude oil and gas condensate, petroleum products derived from bituminous minerals, fuel oil, and wheat. The second most important group are metals and their products (zinc, gold, copper and ferroalloys).The main commodity groups imported from Italy are consumer goods, and machinery and equipment predominate.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35684?lang=kk

BRUSSELS, November 13, 2019 – The leadership of Kazakhstan is committed to further enhancing cooperation with the European Union, and with the start of the new European Commission and the full entry into force of a large-scale agreement between Kazakhstan and the EU, this cooperation will receive a new significant impetus. This was stated by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Roman Vassilenko, in Brussels, during a roundtable discussion held on November 13 at the Euractiv media agency on the topic “New Kazakh leadership: What impact for EU-Kazakhstan relations?” Additional speakers at the event included Andris Ameriks, Member of the European Parliament and Deputy Head of the European Parliament's delegation on relations with Central Asian countries, Samuel Vesterbye, Managing Director of the European Neighborhood Council, Philippe van Amersfoort, Deputy Head of the Central Asia Division at the European External Relations Service, as well as Jocelyn Guitton, Policy Coordinator for Kazakhstan of the DG Trade of the European Commission. The roundtable discussion was also attended by the European Commission, representatives of the diplomatic missions of the EU member states in Brussels, European expert community and the media.Roman Vassilenko introduced the audience to the first results of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s achievements, the main provisions of his first State of the Nation Address, as well as the priorities of his domestic and foreign policies. He pointed out that 2019 was an important year in the history of bilateral relations in light of the adoption of a new Strategy for Central Asia and the ratification of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Kazakhstan and the EU, signed on December 21, 2015. Confirming the commitment of the country's leadership to further enhancing the cooperation with the European Union, the Kazakh diplomat expressed his confidence that with the assumption of a new European Commission and the full entry into force of the EPCA, relations with Kazakhstan will receive a new significant impetus.Andris Ameriks pointed out that Kazakhstan is one of the key partners of the EU in Central Asia both in terms of political and economic cooperation, and in terms of regional security.In turn, Philippe van Amersfoort welcomed the reforms in Kazakhstan aimed at strengthening the rule of law and the work of the recently created dialogue platform between Kazakhstan and the EU on economic and business issues with the participation of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, which helps to build and diversify trade and economic cooperation.Jocelyn Guitton drew attention to the fact that Kazakhstan is the largest trading partner of the EU among the countries of Central Asia: 86% of trade between the EU and the Central Asian region is accounted for by our country. He added that the transit and transport potential of Kazakhstan as a country between Asia and Europe could be a powerful driver of the country's economic growth.Samuel Vesterbye, who had the opportunity to observe presidential elections in Kazakhstan in June 2019, noted the importance of wide-spread involvement of civil society in the processes of modernizing the country's social and political life.The participants of the event were unanimous in their opinion that the effective implementation of the EPCA will be key to expanding economic ties and increasing trade between Kazakhstan and the European Union, attracting European technologies and investments and creating new jobs.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35683?lang=kk

BRUSSELS, November 12, 2019 – The Berlaymont, the central headquarters of the European Commission, hosted an official ceremony of the European Union's joint educational program for training Afghan women in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.The event was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko, Ambassador of Afghanistan to the EU Nazifullah Salarzai, the leadership of the European External Action Service, the EU Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, as well as high representatives of UNDP and UN Women. In his statement, Deputy Minister Vassilenko reaffirmed that promoting stability in Afghanistan and establishing a regional peace zone in Central Asia was one of the most important priorities of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy. The trilateral educational program between the EU, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan should help to achieve this goal by supporting the empowerment of Afghan women. This initiative enables the training of 40 Afghan female students in higher educational institutions of Kazakhstan until 2025. The training will cover agriculture, applied statistics and mining. Ten more girls will study agriculture in Uzbekistan. Deputy Minister Vassilenko thanked the EU for supporting Kazakhstan's proposal to launch this program, in particular, for allocating 2 million euros to fund it. Moreover, he expressed gratitude to UNDP and UN Women for the practical implementation of the program.According to him, “the program is an excellent example of how Central Asian countries can, in  light of a new vision of cooperation and understanding, jointly propose and implement effective solutions for the benefit of the overall development of the region.” Moreover, this initiative demonstrates the willingness of Brussels and the Central Asian capitals to offer effective solutions for the practical implementation of the new EU Strategy for Central Asia.The Kazakh diplomat noted that in his statement at the 74th session of the UNGA in New York in September, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed to establish a Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Almaty, which would cover both Central Asia and Afghanistan. It is symbolic that the program for Afghan women covers, in one way or another, six of the seventeen goals – quality education (Goal 4), gender equality (Goal 5), decent work and economic growth (Goal 8), reduced inequality (Goal 10), peace, justice and strong institutions(Goal 16) and partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17).“Hopefully, in the near future this program proves its worth and success, which will allow us to work on its expansion, as previously planned. And we expect it to serve as a prototype for new mechanisms of cooperation in Eurasia, Central Asia, with the European Union, especially with regard to and in cooperation with Afghanistan,” the Deputy Minister said. Significantly, both Foreign Minister Kamilov and Deputy Minister Vassilenko in their statements unanimously called on the international community to see in Afghanistan the source of new opportunities rather than problems. At the ceremony, speakers of the European External Action Service, UNDP and other organizations, as well as the Ambassador of Afghanistan to the EU expressed their appreciation and gratitude to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for initiating and implementing this program. They highlighted Kazakhstan's contribution to the stabilization of Afghanistan within its membership in the UN Security Council in 2017-2018, primarily during its presidency of the Security Council in January 2018.At the ceremony, UNDP presented a short video featuring Afghan girls participating in the program, as well as inspiring interviews with them about great opportunities that education in Kazakhstan will offer them. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35681?lang=kk

WASHINGTON, November 12, 2019 - The official reception celebrating the establishment of the US.-Kazakhstan Congressional Caucus took place on the Capitol Hill today. The US.-Kazakhstan Congressional Caucus is a bipartisan group led by co-chair Congressmen Steve Chabot, Gregory Meeks and Robert Aderholt. The establishment of the Caucus is an important step towards the further strengthening of the enhanced strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States as well as development of the inter-parliamentary ties between the two countries following the official visit of the First President of Kazakhstan – Leader of the Nation Nursultan Nazarbayev to Washington, DC in January 2018 and visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to New York in September 2019. The tradition of caucuses stems from 18th century when supporters would unite to achieve one common political goal. Today the caucuses are widespread in the legislative branch. There are democratic and republican caucuses.  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35676?lang=kk

LINZ, November 11, 2019 - In order to further develop and strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Austria, the Ninth Meeting of the Kazakh-Austrian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Agricultural, Environmental, Technical, Industrial and Technological Cooperation (IGC) was conducted in Linz.The Kazakh side was represented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko, while the Austrian side was represented by Florian Frauscher, Director General of Economic Affairs, Innovation and Internationalization Department of the Federal Ministry of Digital and Economic Affairs of Austria. The meeting was also attended by representatives of sectoral ministries and departments of the two countries.The regional context is gaining increasing importance in the relations between Kazakhstan and Austria, which allows establishing direct ties between certain regions of the two countries. In this regard, the regular meeting of the IGC was not carried out in the capital of Austria - Vienna, but in the territory of the federal state of Upper Austria - Linz.“It is very symbolic that the meetings of the Kazakh-Austrian IGC have a historical context as always. For example, the last meeting in Vienna in October 2016 was held on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Austria. Today's meeting is also significant, as it is for the first time not held in the capital, but in the region, which reflects the growing importance of the regional aspect of bilateral cooperation. In addition, this year marks 10th anniversary of the IGC meetings,” R. Vassilenko said in his speech.In accordance with the IGC agenda, an exchange of views took place on the current economic situation in Kazakhstan and Austria, and on measures taken by the governments of the two countries to develop economies. Confirming their interest in deepening mutually beneficial economic partnership, the parties discussed the prospects for further collaboration in the field of energy, transport, agriculture, healthcare, digitalization, utilities, and regional cooperation.Representatives of Kazakhstan’s sectoral agencies briefed Austrian colleagues on the current situation in the field of energy, environmental protection, waste management, transport and communications. Noting the mutual interest in building cooperation in a number of areas, the IGC participants updated the list of priority joint business projects and agreed to strengthen bilateral collaboration in specific sectors of the economy.Of particular interest to the Austrian side was the fact that Kazakhstan has introduced the “open sky” regime.“Since November 1, 2019, on behalf of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the open sky regime has been introduced at 11 airports in our country. Foreign companies are granted the fifth freedom of the air. This regime will operate for 3 years with the possibility of extension,” the Kazakh diplomat said, confirming the country's interest in opening direct flights between Nur-Sultan and Vienna.In turn, the Austrian side noted the existing high level of trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Austria. A number of major Austrian companies successfully operate in the Kazakhstani market in the field of information and communication technologies, light industry, and the agricultural sector. However, it was noted that the potential of bilateral interaction is still not fully realized and the parties should actively continue to increase the pace and volume of bilateral cooperation.“Kazakhstan is a very important partner for Austria. We pay great attention to the development of trade and economic relations. It is gratifying that representatives of Kazakhstan are participating in the Upper Austria Export Day, which is taking place here today in Linz. I also want to note with satisfaction that about 50 Austrian companies are successfully operating in Kazakhstan. All of this demonstrates that the IGC has a positive applied effect,” F. Frauscher, the IGC Co-Chair from Austria, stated.At the end of the IGC meeting, the parties signed the Final Protocol and agreed to hold the next 10th meeting in Kazakhstan.During the visit to Linz, the Deputy Foreign Minister, R. Vassilenko, also held talks with the Ministers of the Upper Austria Government on Economics and Infrastructure Markus Achleitner and Gunther Steinkellner. In the course of the meetings, the parties discussed the prospects for further promotion of bilateral cooperation between the regions of Kazakhstan and Austria. In this context, the parties elaborated on the substantive content of the Memorandum on Economic Cooperation between the Pavlodar region and Upper Austria, as well as between the cities of Wels and Uralsk. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35636?lang=kk

NUR-SULTAN, November 11, 2019 – Kazakhstan’s effective participation in European development programs within the new EU Strategy for Central Asia is likely to become an important tool for ensuring sustainable development of our country and the region. This was the keynote idea of the talks between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi and European Union's Special Representative for Central Asia Peter Burian, who arrived in Nur-Sultan to attend the 5th anniversary meeting of the Astana Club.The sides exchanged views on a broad range of relevant issues of the international and regional agenda, including strengthening partnerships between Kazakhstan and the European Union in such promising areas as environmental issues, digitalization, humanitarian exchanges and sustainable connectivity.The foreign minister stressed that 2019 became an important year in the history of bilateral relations in the context of the adoption of the new Strategy for Central Asia and the finalization of the ratification of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Kazakhstan and the EU, signed in 2015 in Nur Sultan.“We have high hopes for these strategic instruments, which mark the beginning of a fundamentally new stage of Kazakh-European relations. I am convinced that their successful implementation, first of all, will lead to the growth of mutually beneficial trade, economic and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union,” he said. The European diplomat emphasized that the European Union considered Kazakhstan as a crucial partner in the context of the Strategy for Central Asia. Mr Burian commended our country’s contribution to strengthening political, trade and economic cooperation, international security in Central Asia and Afghanistan. In this context, the European side informed about the launch of three new programs for the region with a total budget of 55.6 million euros. These projects are aimed at supporting investment, competitiveness and trade in Central Asia.The meeting also paid special attention to joint participation in the prospective calendar of events for 2020 through the Kazakhstan-EU and Kazakhstan-Central Asia cooperation, which includes high-level visits, participation in the Cooperation Council, conferences and round-tables. Following the talks, the parties agreed to maintain regular working contacts in order to realize the potential of constructive cooperation of the European Union with Kazakhstan and the region. In January-September 2019, Kazakhstan's foreign trade turnover with the EU countries amounted to $23.8 billion (export - $18.8 billion, import - $5 billion). In 2018, the trade amounted to $37.7 billion (exports - $31 billion, imports - $6.7 billion).According to the results of the first half of 2019, about $5.4 billion of direct investments were attracted from the EU countries. The gross inflow of FDI from the EU in 2018 amounted to $11.6 billion, which is 18.4% higher than in 2017 ($9.8 billion).Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35635?lang=kk

On 25 October 2019 the Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi hosted presentation of the book “Onegely Omir” dedicated to the ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, the first Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the UN, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Doctor of Historical Sciences Akmaral Khaidarovna Arystanbekova.“Onegely Omir” is a series of books published by KazNU named after Al-Farabi and devoted to outstanding personalities, statesmen and public figures, scientists, teachers, organizers of science and education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who graduated this university.The book marks different periods of life and activity of A.Arystanbekova, comprises her scientific publications, autobiographical and archival materials, articles of colleagues about collaborative work. Wide photo archives, as well as official documents on Kazakhstan’s accession to the UN and initial period of its activity in the international organization attract attention.The first vice-rector of KazNU named after Al-Farabi M.Burkitbayev, Head of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty E.Iskakov, Director of the UNESCO Cluster Bureau in the Republic of Kazakhstan K.Pikkat, representative of the UN Global Communications Department in the Republic of Kazakhstan V.Samek, scientists M.Abuseitova and K.Bayzakova, as well as students of KazNU delivered speech at the official presentation ceremony.The book is designed for the young generation of the country, diplomats, scientists and experts in the field of international relations as well as representatives of public.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/34112?lang=kk

NUR-SULTAN, October 28, 2019 - The autumn issue of the “Diplomatic Herald” journal traditionally presents quality content to its readers. Just like autumn painted in different colors and motives, current issue of the journal contains exciting exclusive interviews and articles on various topics of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. Special attention is paid to the issue of nuclear disarmament, in particular, to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and Kazakhstan's initiatives in this area. The journal gives an insightful and comprehensive disclosure and analysis of bilateral and multilateral relations of Kazakhstan with Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Brazil presented by the leadership of foreign affairs agencies of the mentioned countries. The first state visit of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to China was one of the most outstanding events of this quarter. In this context, Zhang Xiao, ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Kazakhstan, shares his thoughts about the scope and depth of Kazakh-Chinese relations. The autumn issue includes other interesting articles: green technology development in Kazakhstan based on the EXPO 2017 legacy; reviews of the monograph of Akmaral Arystanbekova, ex-minister of foreign affairs of Kazakhstan, the first permanent representative of Kazakhstan to the UN, “Diplomacy in the modern world”; as well as of the book “Who Salim Kurmanguzhin was for me” written by Kazakh diplomat Ilyas Kozybaev. Interestingly, the running quarter saw a whirlwind of new personnel changes in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: starting with the senior management of the ministry, ending with the appointment of more than twenty new heads of foreign missions of Kazakhstan. This information is available in the section “New appointments in the ministry”.The Diplomatic Herald of Kazakhstan is published in Kazakh («Дипломатия жаршысы»), Russian («Вестник дипломатии») and English.The electronic version of the journal is available in PDF and HTML on the following website - http://mfa.gov.kz/en/content/JournalSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/34111?lang=kk

LONDON, 24 October 2019 – Kazakhstan delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko continued its visit to London with high-level events targeting enhanced multifaceted cooperation between the two states.The Sixth meeting of the Kazakh-British Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation (IGC) chaired by Mr. Vassilenko and the UK Minister of State for International Trade Conor Burns MP took place as part of the visit. The meeting participants, including over 50 British business executives, discussed the IGC’s progress and developments over the past year and outlined the core areas for future multifaceted cooperation. Prospects for cooperation in oil and gas, finance, education, technologies and mining sectors were also discussed.“The UK is Kazakhstan’s strategic and one of the core trade and economic partners. Our bilateral trade turnover shows positive dynamics from year to year. Kazakhstan’s commitment to opening up to the British and other Western markets can be seen in our government’s continued effort to make investment and trade easier for foreign businesses. As a result, according to the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report which was published today, Kazakhstan now ranks 25th out of 190 countries, climbing 3 spots compared to last year,” Mr. Vassilenko said.The Kazakh diplomat called on the need for the two countries to further develop the dialogue based on “commodities-for-technologies-and-investment” exchange that is then to be followed by setting up joint ventures providing value-added services.  Minister Burns noted the growing UK-Kazakhstan cooperation in the areas of mutual interest – education, oil and gas, mining industry, finance, chemical industry, engineering, metallurgy and civil aviation.“Kazakhstan is precisely the kind of rapidly transforming and diversifying economy that our companies in the UK are aiming. This government stands ready to offer you the support you need to invest in this flourishing market to partner with Kazakh firms and grasp the ripe opportunities that lie ahead”, he added.The IGC session enabled its five working groups to proceed with more detailed debate on cooperation in oil and gas, mining industry, healthcare, education and financial services. Corporate management development at the Astana International Financial Centre, new Model Civil Aviation Regulations introduction, public-private partnerships projects in healthcare, technical and vocational schools establishment and other topics have been tabled for the working groups discussion.Given the importance the two countries attach, a specific reference was made to water management in rural areas, animal farming and waste management.The Sixth IGC meeting was crowned with Protocol signing that secured the shared intention to join forces to push forward strategic partnership in all areas of cooperation.The meeting also saw the signing of a number of bilateral documents:- Memorandum on financing investment projects in Kazakhstan with the participation of British businesses between Baiterek Holding and UK Export Finance;- Joint Venture Agreement between Artex Construction LLP and Independent Power Corporation PLC (IPC) to create a Clean Energy power development company focusing on a 250 MW gas fired CCGT project in Aktau;- Memorandum of Understanding between Artex Construction LLP and IPC to create a Digital Joint Venture to develop a greenfield data centre in Aktau where clean, uninterruptible gas fired and renewable energy is required to meet the needs of Western Kazakhstan;- Agreement between Astra Mining and Kazgeology on the exploration of three deposits in Kazakhstan;- Agreement between Aurora Mining and RPA Inc on the provision of consulting services in subsoil use. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/34109?lang=kk

BERN, October 24, 2019 – The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Swiss Confederation Alibek Bakayev presented his credentials to the Federal President Ueli Maurer.During the ceremonial meeting Sides noted the high level of development of friendly ties between the two countries and discussed the upcoming events agenda including the highest level visits as well as the next session of Kazakh-Swiss Intergovernmental committee for trade-economic cooperation to be held in Bern on October 28, 2019.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/34108?lang=kk

LONDON, 24 October 2019 – Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom aim to further strengthen the strategic partnership in the context of the important social and political processes taking place in the two states, including Kazakhstan’s large-scale reform programme and implementation of the long-term development strategy, as well as the UK leaving the European Union. These were discussed at the meeting between the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko and the UK Minister of State for Europe and the Americas Christopher Pincher MP.The diplomats focused on current and new topics on bilateral and multilateral agenda and touched upon the outcomes of the recent Kazakhstan Global Investment Forum 2019, the Kazakh-British Business Council and the 6th meeting of Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation.Mr. Vassilenko briefed his colleague on the current situation and the political changes taking place in Kazakhstan. “Kazakhstan’s modern political system is transparent, reliable and stable, and ensures constitutional continuity of power in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. We pledge to remain on the strategic course in Kazakhstan’s foreign and domestic policy,” he emphasised.The Minister of State Pincher praised the dynamics of the process of Kazakhstan’s political modernisation and reiterated the UK’s commitment to the further development of strategic partnership with Kazakhstan. He noted that the opening of the Astana International Financial Centre which operates based on the principles and norms of English common law is one of the significant achievements of bilateral cooperation.The sides also discussed the new draft Agreement on strategic partnership and cooperation between the two states, the signing of which is planned after the UK leaves the European Union.When discussing the new areas of cooperation within the Global Britain concept, the sides noted the prospects of the “British technologies and experience, Kazakh resources and transit-transport potential, Chinese investment and markets” formula.Speaking about the situation in the region, the sides noted the measures undertaken by Kazakhstan to help restore peace in Afghanistan, including the educational project for Afghan women recently launched in Kazakhstan and funded by the European Union.The meeting also discussed cooperation in defence and security, cultural cooperation, education and science.The sides reached mutual understanding on a wide range of topics and reiterated a shared commitment to further endorse the long-term partnerships across the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/34107?lang=kk

Samruk-Kazyna and Da Vinci Capital to create a $100 million joint private equity fund---TURKISTAN Special Economic Zone wins in three nominations of the Global Free Zones of the Year 2019 prize awarded by the fDi Magazine  LONDON, 23 October 2019 – Kazakhstan’s investment opportunities and the further development of Kazakh-British business relations were the key topics discussed during the visit of the Kazakh delegation representing the public and private sectors led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko.The 3rd meeting of the Kazakh-British Business Council and the Kazakhstan Global Investment Forum 2019 were held in London as part of the visit. The forum was organised by Financial Times, an influential international newspaper, the fDi Magazine, Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund, Kazakh Invest National Company, and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the UK.Over 200 business executives from the manufacturing, agricultural, chemical, mining and financial sectors, as well as metallurgy, alternative energy, logistics and digital technologies spheres attended the forum.The event was dedicated to the vast business and investment opportunities Kazakhstan has to offer, as well as the latest political and economic transformations in the country. As a rapidly growing economy strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan has the potential to become an important commercial partner for the UK after Brexit.“Kazakhstan is the largest economy in Central Asia, accounting for more than half of the region’s GDP. We are also widely considered to have the best investment climate in the region, having attracted over $300 billion in foreign direct investment since independence,” Mr. Vassilenko stated in his opening address.He stressed that besides the business climate, foreign investors have been attracted by Kazakhstan’s political stability demonstrated, among other developments, by the smooth transition of power and the election of the new President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, earlier this year; well-educated workforce; and the access the country provides to a fast-growing regional market of 500 million consumers.Mr. Vassilenko noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, which since the beginning of this year was entrusted with attracting investment into the key sectors of the economy, is making every effort to achieve its objectives.The key forum speakers included the Chair of the Board of the Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund Akhmetzhan Yessimov, Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Kairat Kelimbetov, UK Minister for Investment of the Department for International Trade Graham Stuart MP, UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Kazakhstan Baroness Emma Nicholson, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Belt and Road Initiative Faisal Rashid MP, and the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Sir Suma Chakrabarti.Speaking at the plenary session, Mr. Stuart noted that “The UK is now one of the biggest foreign direct investors in Kazakhstan, showing the confidence our firms have in your dynamic economy. Hundreds of British companies have their licenses to operate in Kazakhstan with total trade between our nations worth £2.7 billion last year. Now, as the UK prepares to leave the European Union and become truly a global champion of free trade, we want British firms to play an even more central role in helping Kazakhstan grow and develop over the coming decades”.Kazakhstan’s improvement in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2019 ranking serves as a demonstration of efficient efforts on improving the country’s investment climate. Kazakhstan joined the top 30 countries with the most favourable conditions for doing business, reaching 28th spot among 190 countries.“At the heart of Eurasia Kazakhstan’s GDP has expanded four percent in the past two ears and it provides a wonderful stable platform for which we are deeply grateful for British companies to access their neighbours in the Eurasian Economic Union, China and Uzbekistan. And Kazakhstan has attracted the lion’s share of inward investment into the heart of Eurasia. And today, the Astana International Financial Centre and many other institutions will show us  the potential investment opportunities and perhaps give us more current possibilities of the privatisation programme of state-owned companies,” Baroness Nicholson said.The role of Samruk-Kazyna, which manages Kazakhstan’s largest state assets in various industries, was a special topic on the agenda.“Taking into account the global economic trends, the [Samruk-Kazyna] Fund approved a new strategy aimed at diversifying income by investing in such promising sectors as petrochemical industry, renewables, high tech, Industry 4.0, as well as creating joint private equity funds with sovereign funds and major investment companies,” Mr. Yessimov said.He also noted that over the next five years, the Fund plans to invest more than $38 billion in the above areas, where $32 billion will be foreign investments of which British companies are expected to be a part of.The forum participants stressed the importance of the AIFC that operates on the principles of English common law. The Centre is an important platform for attracting investment, has the appropriate financial instruments and provides international level services. Investors operate in favourable conditions, which include an independent regulatory mechanism, a court and an international arbitration centre that meet international standards.Kazakhstan’s participation in the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative gained particular attention. The forum discussed the prospects of developing a tripartite partnership between the United Kingdom, Kazakhstan and China based on the principles of maximising efficiency through the use of the British project management system, Kazakhstan’s resources and Chinese investments.The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United Kingdom Erlan Idrissov and the British Ambassador to Kazakhstan Michael Gifford stressed in their closing addresses that such major economy-focused events indicate the firm intention of the two states to deepen and expand investment and economic cooperation.On the sidelines of the forum, Mr. Vassilenko met with top British business executives and the leadership of international organisations, including the EBRD, GlaxoSmithKline, Gap Insaat, Investcorp, Independent Power Corporation, United Green, Worley Parsons, and International Development Ireland Ltd.The 3rd meeting of the Kazakh-British Business Council, co-chaired by Baroness Nicholson and Mr. Yessimov, discussed further plans for developing cooperation. The sides also noted the state and prospects of the privatisation programme of Samruk-Kazyna’s portfolio companies, marking Kazatomprom’s successful listing on the London Stock Exchange last year.Following the Kazakh-British Business Council meeting, Samruk-Kazyna signed an agreement with Da Vinci Capital investment company on the creation of a $100 million joint private equity fund. Under the agreement, the fund is to invest at least $40 million in Kazakh enterprises in the IT and digitisation sectors to facilitate their development and subsequent IPO.Samruk-Kazyna also signed a co-investment agreement with EDP Renovaveis, the world’s fourth largest solar and wind power company. The document regulates the principles of the joint implementation of renewable energy projects in Kazakhstan. EDP Renovaveis plans to implement a project to build a 250 MWatt solar power plant in Kazakhstan.The event also saw the signing of two memoranda of cooperation:- between the QazIndustry Kazakhstan Industry and Export Centre and the International Development Ireland Ltd on the assistance in attracting Irish investment projects worth at least 50 billion tenge to the territory of Kazakhstan’s special economic and industrial zones, and- between the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan and the Gap Insaat company on the construction of a 350-bed hospital in Aktau using the financing provided by UK Export Finance.The forum also included the award ceremony of the Global Free Zones of the Year 2019 prize, annually awarded by the fDi Magazine to one of the 5,000 free economic zones of the world. The TURKISTAN Special Economic Zone won in three nominations: in the Asia-Pacific region for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, the Ones To Watch editor’s choice award, and Best Marketing Slogan, which reads “Honoring the past, creating the future”. The victory is expected to raise recognition and improve the attractiveness of the TURKISTAN SEZ for foreign investors.The Kazakhstan delegation’s visit will continue on 24 October, with the sixth meeting of the Kazakh-British Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33823?lang=kk

NUR-SULTAN, October 17, 2019 – The 9th meeting of the Kazakh-Vietnamese Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation (IGC) was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The Kazakh delegation was headed by Yermek Kosherbayev, chairman of the Kazakh part of the Commission, deputy minister of foreign affairs of Kazakhstan, while the Vietnamese delegation was headed by Hoang Quoc Vuong, deputy minister of industry and trade of Vietnam.The sides agreed that there is great potential in agriculture, including through interaction between research centers of the two countries to grow new varieties of rice. They noted a systematic implementation of the agreements of the previous Commission meeting, including the entry into force of agreements on extradition, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, as well as intensified inter-parliamentary cooperation.The Commission has identified such priority areas as holding the 1st meeting of the Subcommittee on Agriculture in 2020, developing AIFC cooperation, concluding agreements on cooperation in veterinary medicine, container transportation, transfer of sentenced persons and mutual legal assistance and cooperation in customs matters, as well as on cooperation between agricultural universities of the two countries.Kazakhstan and Vietnam, being parties to the Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement, agreed to intensify joint work to provide preferences for business communities of both countries to ensure greater export and import of goods between the two countries, as well as to create joint ventures in the light, food and processing industries, in particular, make efforts to set up modern manufacturing of clothing and shoes.IGC co-chairs welcomed the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference to be held on June 8-11, 2020 in Nur Sultan and the fact that Kazakhstan joined the list of countries whose citizens are granted an electronic visa by Vietnam. The sides mentioned opportunities for the development of tourism cooperation, the most important prerequisites for which would be further liberalization of visa scheme for citizens of the two countries, direct flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the development of relations and twinning of Nur Sultan and Hanoi, Almaty and Ho Chi Minh City.The Vietnamese side was grateful for the assistance in the successful implementation of the investment project of the Vietnamese company Mareven in the Almaty region for food production ($50 million of investment, creation of 500 jobs).Overall, the meeting agenda covered a broad range of issues aimed at further developing and expanding cooperation in the political, trade, economic and financial areas, education and science, agriculture, transport, culture, tourism and sports. The success of the Commission meeting, which is a key mechanism for bilateral cooperation, has given a significant impetus to the further strengthening of trade, economic and investment relations between the two countries.The next meeting of the Commission will take place in Viet Nam.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33815?lang=kk

The first high-level meeting on economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United States took place on October 18, 2019. Co-chair of the commission from the Kazakh side, Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan B.Sultanov, from the American side - US Secretary of Commerce W.Ross.The meeting of the commission was carried out in accordance with the commitments reached between the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Elbasy N. Nazarbayev and the President of the United States D. Trump during his official visit to Washington in January 2018, as well as business meetings of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan K. Tokayev in New York in September 2019. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the expanded strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States, noting with satisfaction the growth in mutual trade and investment. In addition, the Head of the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Kazakhstan noted the presence of significant potential for increasing Kazakhstani exports. So, at present 50 items of goods worth about $ 1 billion can be additionally delivered to the American market. According to the parties, the high dynamics of bilateral contacts at the highest level contributes to economic growth and the creation of new jobs in both countries. The ministers discussed the implementation of large joint investment and commercial projects, as well as identified promising areas of bilateral cooperation, including in the field of agriculture, energy, industry, high technology, tourism and the commercialization of space.   The agenda of the meeting included issues of interaction in the framework of multilateral mechanisms, including the WTO and OECD. The co-chairs of the high-level group also noted the need for mutually beneficial use of the capabilities of the US Corporation for International Development Financing and the Astana International Financial Center.Following the meeting, B. Sultanov and U. Ross agreed to consider the possibility of holding the second meeting of the high-level group on economic cooperation in Nur-Sultan next year.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33813?lang=kk

NUR-SULTAN, October 17, 2019 – Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, received the Ambassadors of Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and the United Kingdom.In   light of the upcoming official visit of President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to Berlin, he discussed future bilateral cooperation with the Ambassador of Germany Tilo Klinner.At a meeting with UAE Ambassador Mohammed Al Jaber, the Arab diplomat presented to President Tokayev “the carpet of the world”, a symbol of tolerance, on behalf of the UAE’s leadership.During the talks with the Ambassador of Pakistan Imtiaz Ahmad Kazi, the sides agreed to continue to develop mutually beneficial cooperation, mentioning in this regard the importance of an early holding of the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission between the two states in Islamabad.Ambassador of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Michael Gifford informed the Minister about the preparations for the upcoming events in London on October 23-24, 2019, including the annual Kazakhstan Global Investment Forum-2019, the Business Council and the 6th meeting of the Kazakh-British Intergovernmental Commission. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33812?lang=kk

On October 14-18, 2019, Almaty hosted a regular meeting of the government delegations of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Joint Kazakh-Uzbek Border Demarcation Commission.The sides developed draft outcome documents on the demarcation of the state border at the section between the Mangystau region of Kazakhstan and Karakalpakstan of Uzbekistan.During the meeting, the sides prepared and signed draft protocols of border markers consisting of 160 pillars, as well as a list of coordinates and heights of these border markers.An agreement was reached to carry out field demarcation work in separate sections of the Kazakh-Uzbek state border in November 2019.The talks were held in a traditional friendly and constructive atmosphere.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33803?lang=kk

PRETORIA, 15 October 2019 - Kanat Tumysh, new Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Republic of South Africa, presented his letters of credence to Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa during a solemn ceremony held in the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse.During the course of this event, Ambassador Tumysh conveyed to the Head of State sincere greetings and warm wishes from Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan, especially for the RSA’s outstanding UN Security Council Presidency, commending the high level of Kazakh-South African political, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations aimed at strengthening interstate cooperation across the entire spectrum of ties. The Ambassador confirmed the adherence of Kazakhstan’s leadership to further building-up efforts to improve mechanisms of mutually beneficial cooperation and updated about the key areas, outlined by President Tokayev in his this year’s most important speeches, in particular, the Inaugural statement and the State of the Nation Address. Yet, he mentioned Kazakhstan’s measures to diversify its economy, promote transit and transport potential and attract investment, and updated on the modernization of his country’s development in the political, social and economic spheres. This go in tune with the new initiatives of President Ramaphosa, elected in May 2019.Tumysh also focused on the need to deepen cooperation in the international organizations, where both sides have repeatedly proved their reputation as promoters of the principles of multilateralism and supporters of anti-war and anti-nuclear policies. In particular, on the UN Security Council seat, with the tenure of Kazakhstan in 2017-2018, and South Africa in 2019-2020. He also voiced important initiatives of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the First President and Leader of Nation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in particular, to create a new geopolitical reality based on three dialogues, as well as to free our planet from the scourges of terrorism and WMD.He pointed to the ideas of tolerance, as well as inter-ethnic and inter-confessional peace and harmony, promoted by his country. Kazakh diplomat also added, “Our countries have much in common. Both South Africa and Kazakhstan boast a diverse population with different ethnicities, religions, and traditions – a diversity that strengthens and enriches us”. As President Ramaphosa highlighted: “It is friends like you with whom we seek to work to protect and strengthen the rules-based multilateral system of global governance… as well as to address poverty, inequality, war, terrorism and climate change. These challenges are inter-related and mutually reinforcing. We should work together to discourage unilateralism in matters of international trade and security. We must work together to defend the integrity of our multilateral institutions by ensuring that they are effective, inclusive and truly democratic”.Touching on economic issues, the head of the host country called for the development of mutual tourism and investment: “To this effect, we will be hosting the second South Africa Investment Conference next month, from the 5th to the 7th of November. We welcome investors from your country to attend this Investment Conference and to see for themselves the potential for opportunities that exist in South Africa.”The President also emphasized the commitment of the government and the people of South Africato deepening economic partnership, political dialogue and cooperation with Kazakhstan on matters of mutual interest, conveying warm greetings to the leadership of this friendly country. He wished to Ambassador K. Tumysh enjoyable and meaningful stay in South Africa.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33433?lang=kk