Astana, February 1, 2018 – Kazakhstan has completed its presidency of the United Nations Security Council.Since January 1 over the course of a month, Kazakhstan steered the work of one of the main UN bodies, guided by President Nursultan Nazarbayev's policy address to the UN Security Council called Kazakhstan's Concept Vision on Sustaining Global Partnership for Secure, Just and Prosperous World, as well as its pragmatic national interests.The Kazakh presidency of the UN Security Council ensured smooth day-to-day work of the Security Council with the assistance of the UN Secretariat and performed the functions under its mandate.The Kazakh presidency held about 30 consultations, briefings and debates, which resulted in resolutions and press statements of the Council President.The flagship event of Kazakhstan's presidency of the UN Security Council was a high-level thematic briefing Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction: Confidence-Building Measures held on January 18 and chaired by President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev. The meeting demonstrated that confidence-building measures, as well as the strengthening of preventive diplomacy tools, can serve as a starting point for making progress on many critical issues that may notbe resolved in a timely manner due to the political situation in the relations of world powers.The Statement by the President of the UN Security Council (S/PRST/2018/1) adopted at the end of the meeting is devoted to acomprehensive conflict prevention strategy. In addition to early warning, preventive deployment, mediation, peacekeeping, post-conflict peacebuilding, and, accountability measures, this document included for the first time the problems of the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. This is what makes the adopted document unique.Kazakhstan, being the first Central Asian state elected to the UN Security Council, during its presidency continued actively promoting the interests of all states of our region.The central event was the ministerial debates of the UN Security Council held on January 19 focusing on Building Regional Partnership in Afghanistan and Central Asia as a Model to Link Security and Development chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Kairat Abdrakhmanov. The meeting was attended by Foreign Ministers of Kuwait, Russia, Poland, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, deputy foreign ministers of Great Britain, the Netherlands, the United States, Equatorial Guinea and Afghanistan, as well as delegations of the UN Security Council member states and the European Union. UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a keynote address.The meeting resulted in the adoption of Presidential Statement S/PRST/2018/2. The document stresses the importance of advancing regional, interregional and international cooperation to achieve long-term peace, stability and sustainable development in Afghanistan and Central Asia and supports the joint efforts of countries of the region towards the enhancement of a zone of peace, cooperation and prosperity.An important event of Kazakhstan's presidency was the visit of the UN Security Council delegation to Kabul on January 12-15. During the visit, meetings were held with the country's top leadership, representatives of political parties and civil society. In the course of the visit, the efforts of the Government of Afghanistan to address a wide range of interrelated problems were considered and it was determined how the Security Council could further promote efforts on the ground.The field mission to Kabul was the Security Council's first visit to Afghanistan since 2010, gave insight into the situation and an objective understanding of the real interests and priorities of the country and its civilian population.On January 18, Kazakhstan held a special high-level event at the UN headquarters to launch the draft Code of Conduct for the Achievement of a Terrorism-Free World. The main goal of the document is to achieve a terrorism-free world by 2045 and create a broad international coalition of partner countries. The UN leadership and counterterrorism-related committees of the Security Council, heads and representatives of more than a hundred delegations of Member States supported the relevance and significance of the Code.The Kazakh presidency held planned activities (briefings and consultations) on the situation in the Middle East and Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Colombia, Darfur (Sudan), West Africa and the Sahel, Libya, Mali, Somalia and Southern Sudan, on the efforts of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, as well as arranged the trip of the UN Security Council members to Washington to meet with the leadership of the United States.One of the initiatives of Kazakhstan's presidency was the official ceremony to mark the start of a new term for six newly-elected UN Security Council members: Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Peru and Poland on January 2, who solemnly placed their flags in front of the UN Security Council Chamber.Overall, Kazakhstan has impartially, openly and transparently presided over the UN Security Council, focusing on practical results and striving to make a constructive contribution to the Council on all issues on the agenda.Taking into account involvement in many global and regional processes, itsproactive stand in mediation and confidence building, Kazakhstan will continue to act as an honest broker, known for its effective balanced approach and neutrality to all international actors, states and organizations as part of multilateral diplomacy.The success of the events initiated by the Kazakh delegation during its presidency and the adoption of outcome documentsdemonstrated negotiation skills and relevance of the peacekeeping potential of our country, constructive approaches to the biggest challenges of today's world, and was due to the credibility of Kazakhstan and its President.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27886?lang=kk

On February 2, 2018 we celebrate the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Union, an anchoring point for our close and mutually beneficial cooperation.In the last 25 years Kazakhstan and the European Union have built up a solid framework of relations, with the signature on 21 December 2015 of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Union (EPCA).The Agreement, which entered into provisional application on 1st of May 2016, marks a qualitatively new phase of bilateral relations and significantly expands the legal framework of cooperation in numerous areas for the benefit of our citizens. Kazakhstan is the first Central Asian country signing such an Agreement with the EU.The Agreement is meant to be a driving force in the intensification of relations between Kazakhstan and Europe for the long run. It provides for a new level in the quality of our trade, economic and investment cooperation, as well as a broadening of our political and human rights dialogues.The EU and Kazakhstan jointly support the implementation of the EU-Central Asia Strategy, in which a special emphasis has been given to the human capital development, education, environment protection, rational use of water resources, efficient transport and logistics infrastructures in the region, and combating challenges and threats.Kazakhstan and the European Union are confident of the enormous potential for further joint work, based on shared values, and express their readiness to continue to consistently improve all forms of partnership and cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27805?lang=kk

Astana, 5 February 2018. Co-Chairs of the Kazakh-Greek Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Technological Cooperation, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko and Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic Georgios Katrougkalos, who arrived in Astana for a working visit, discussed relevant aspects of bilateral political and trade and economic cooperation today. The Greek delegation also included representatives of the business community.The talks have confirmed there is an understanding between Astana and Athens in all spheres of bilateral cooperation. The sides identified promising areas for further joint work and considered projects for deepening economic and investment cooperation.Special attention was paid to facilitating the European Union visa regime for the citizens of Kazakhstan. The sides unanimously agreed that simplifying visa procedures corresponds to their mutual interests of enhancing business, educational, cultural and tourist exchanges between the EU and Kazakhstan.The sides also engaged in a detailed exchange of views on topical international issues: Kazakhstan's role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the Astana Process of talks on Syria, prospects of cooperation between the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union, and other matters.During the visit, Vice Minister for Investments and Development of Kazakhstan Arystan Kabikenov and Georgios Katrougkalos took part in a Kazakh-Greek Business Forum that brought together some 100 entrepreneurs from the two countries. During the event, the Chamber of Commerce of Kazakhstan and the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises “SEV" signed a Cooperation Agreement.In addition, Georgios Katrougkalos held meetings with Vice Minister of Agriculture Gulmira Isayeva and Governor of the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC) Kairat Kelimbetov.During his stay in Astana, Georgios Katrougkalos visited the administrative center of Kazakhstan's Metropolitan District and the Assumption Cathedral. The distinguished guest from Greece was briefed on the history of its construction, which was supported by President Nursultan Nazarbayev. The Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece praised Kazakhstan's achievements in building interethnic peace and interfaith harmony.For reference: 1) In 2017, the volume of trade between Kazakhstan and Greece increased by 10.6%, compared to 2016 ($980.6 million: exports from Kazakhstan to Greece – $964 million, imports from Greece to Kazakhstan – $16.6 million). In 2016, that amount was $886 million (exports – $872.8 million, imports – $13.2 million).Kazakhstan's exports to Greece include hydrocarbons, grain, salt, soil, stones, gypsum, cement, copper, copper products, etc.Products from the chemical and metallurgical industries, plastics, fur and knitwear, footwear, machinery and equipment, electronic materials, bicycles, etc. are imported from Greece to Kazakhstan.2) Last year was also marked by an increase in mutual contacts:On 24-27 May 2017, Prosecutor General of the Supreme Court of Greece Xeni Dimitriou, visited Astana. As part of the visit, the Prosecutor General's Offices of Kazakhstan and Greece signed a Memorandum of Understanding;On 21 July 2017, Minister of Economy and Development of Greece Dimitriou Papadimitriou took part in celebrations to mark the National Day of Greece within the framework of EXPO-2017;On 27-30 August 2017, Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports of Greece George Vassiliadis, visited Astana to sign a Declaration of Cooperation in sport and a modern Olympic Truce Declaration;On 9-10 October 2017, in Athens, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko took part in the business conference “EU-Eurasia-China";On 19-20 October 2017, Abai Tasbulatov, Co-chairman of the “Kazakh-Greek" interparliamentary friendship group, and Aikyn Konurov, a member of the friendship group, visited Greece.3) Presently, about 10,000 ethnic Greeks live in Kazakhstan. At the same time, Greece is home for about 60,000 ethnic Greeks, former citizens of Kazakhstan, with whom close friendly ties are also maintained.There is also an Association of Greek communities of Kazakhstan “Philia" (meaning “Friendship" in Greek).Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27803?lang=kk

February 16, 2018, Astana – The results of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union, as well as plans for the current year, were considered at the working meeting of Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov with the heads of diplomatic missions of the EU member states accredited in Kazakhstan.The agenda of the meeting of the minister with the EU ambassadors covered a wide range of both bilateral and multilateral issues interaction.In his remarks, the minister dwelled in detail on the results of EXPO2017, one of the main events last year, in which the EU countries took an active participation. He noted the main task for the upcoming period is to preserve and consolidate the legacy of the expo. In this context, the minister informed the European diplomats about the upcoming activities of the Astana International Financial Center, the “Future Energy" International Center and the International Park of IT Startups.Considering the potential for cooperation with foreign official and business circles, Minister Abdrakhmanov called on the European partners to cooperate with these new platforms.The participants of the meeting discussed the results of Kazakhstan's presidency in the UN Security Counciland its main events– a high-level thematic briefing chaired by President Nursultan Nazarbayev on the development of confidence-building measures in the field of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, as well as ministerial debates on Afghanistan and Central Asia. The diplomats were of the opinion that the adoption of important documents – the statements by the President of the UN Security Council on the results of the abovementioned events contributed to the successful fulfillment by Kazakhstan of its mission in this authoritative structure.Among other foreign policy achievements of the country during the past period were the ongoing negotiations on the settlement of the Syrian crisis within the Astana Process and the opening of the IAEA Bank of Low Enriched Uranium in August 2017.In general, according to European diplomats, the events held in Kazakhstan and abroad were organized at a high level, and their results pose even more ambitious goals for the country.As priorities for foreign policy in 2018, the Minister outlined the completion of the country's membership in the UN Security Council, the organization of high-level meetings in Kazakhstan in various multilateral formats, including the summit of the Caspian littoral states, ensuring the participation of foreign partners in celebrating the 20th anniversary of Astana, and holding the 6th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.The meeting focused on the dynamic development of cooperation with the European Union. It was noted that the European Union remains the largest trade, economic and investment partner of Kazakhstan (the EU retains leadership among trade partners of Kazakhstan with a share of 49.8% in total; in 2017 trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the EU grew by $6 billion, exceeding $30 billion). Kazakhstan's interest in diversifying trade with the EU and the need to find possible ways to expand non-oil exports from Kazakhstan to European countries was underscored.One of the significant results of fruitful cooperation is the conclusion of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Kazakhstan and the EUin 2015, the beginning of its partial application since May 2016, as well as the good pace of its ratification by the EU member states (21 of the 28 the EU member states) and consent by the European Parliament. Ratification of the Agreement by all EU countries is necessary for the full entry into forceof the EPCA, covering 29 spheres of cooperation.In the light of the state-of-the-nation address by the President of Kazakhstan titled “New Opportunities for Development under the Fourth Industrial Revolution," the minister called on representatives of European countries to make more active use of existing opportunities in the most promising sectors such as modernization, digitalization, innovation technologies and business climate.Another priority task in the development of cooperation with the European Union is the facilitation of the visa regime, which is actively discussed between Kazakhstan and the European Union, showing significant progress in resolving this issue.During the discussion, European diplomats received answers to questions related to the implementation of an institutional reform in Kazakhstan aimed atensuring the rule of law and the improvement of legislation in various spheres of public life. The Foreign Minister drew the ambassadors' attention to the openness demonstrated by the Kazakh authorities to cooperation with international experts and non-governmental organizations specializing in legal issues. Particular importance is attached to constructive interaction and explanatory work on any cases of concern. This position of Kazakhstan finds understanding and support among the majority of foreign partners.The participants welcomed the process of updating the EU Strategy for Central Asia, which is to be completed in 2019. Minister Abdrakhmanov stressed Kazakhstan's readiness to actively join the process of updating the strategy in order to ensure its effectiveness, proceeding from the interests of all countries of the region. Among the priority areas, the Kazakh side noted the development of small and medium-sized businesses, transport and logistics infrastructure, energy efficiency, environmental protection, education and others.On February 2, 2018, Kazakhstan and the European Union celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27798?lang=kk

ALMATY, February 16, 2018 – Cooperation with the UN remains priority direction of Kazakhstan's foreign policy from the first days of independence. This was stated by the Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov, speaking at the high-level meeting “Kazakhstan-UN: Experience, Achievements and Prospects for Cooperation" held in Almaty. The event was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the opening of the first United Nations office in Kazakhstan.K.Abdrakhmanov in his speech noted that the key international initiatives of the President Nursultan Nazarbayev had been introduced from the UN rostrum. The global organization is the main platform for promoting large-scale anti-nuclear and anti-war initiatives of the Head of State.“UN organizations and programmes have made, and are still making an outstanding contribution to Kazakhstan's socio-economic development. At the same time, the UN provided technical and financial assistance to our country within the framework of such important projects as rehabilitation of the former Semipalatinsk test site, revival of the Aral Sea," – K.Abdrakhmanov said in his speech.The Foreign Minister stressed that Kazakhstan and the United Nations are actively working together in promoting gender equality, protecting children's rights, healthcare, ecology, migration, combating drug trafficking and other fields.K.Abdrakhmanov paid special attention to the recent presidency of Kazakhstan in the most authoritative body of the organization – the UN Security Council, which focused on peacekeeping initiatives of the President Nazarbayev and measures to create a zone of peace, security and development in Central Asia.During the meeting, the UN supported the idea of Kazakhstan to establish the UN Hub in Almaty, designed to promote the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in Central Asia until 2030.The exchange of views on UN activities in country and regional dimensions enabled the participants to systematize the Organization's multifaceted work and outline the prospects for interaction within the framework of the Kazakhstan-UN joint action plan approved by the meeting for 2018-2020.The Akim of Almaty Baurzhan Baibek, heads of UN agencies in Kazakhstan, representatives of the diplomatic corps, veterans of the diplomatic service, and representatives of the academic and expert communities also took part in the anniversary event. The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Akim of Almaty opened a memorial plaque in the hotel "Kazakhstan", where 25 years ago the UN Office in our country began its work.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27797?lang=kk

Astana, 22 February 2018 – The goals outlined in the Address of President Nursultan Nazarbayev to the People of Kazakhstan, entitled “New Opportunities Under the Fourth Industrial Revolution", and the ongoing three-pronged modernization of the country's political, economic and social life open up new frontiers of cooperation with the European Union in spheres such as economic digitalization, energy efficiency, and improved education, among many others. This was the main message of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Kairat Abdrakhmanov, speaking today in Astana at the opening of the international conference “25 Years of European Union - Central Asia Relations: From the Past to the Future".Mr. Peter Burian, the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia, together with a delegation from the European External Action Service, public sector representatives, non-governmental organizations, the diplomatic corps, and experts from renowned research centers and universities from Kazakhstan, Central Asia and Europe are among the conference attendees, which was organized as part of the process to update the EU Strategy for Central Asia first adopted in 2007.In his address to the conference the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Mr. Kairat Abdrakhmanov, noted that “Kazakhstan supports the decision of the European Union to update the EU Strategy for Central Asia and is ready to make concrete proposals on its actualization".It is expected that this program document will be published by the middle of 2019. It will define the main priorities for further cooperation.Kazakhstan is paying special attention to its partnership with the European Union as it works to complete tasks that had been set by President Nursultan Nazarbayev in his annual Address to the People of Kazakhstan.Kazakhstan proposes to focus on increasing the practical impact of the new EU Strategy for Central Asia by hinging the program document's development on prioritizing the needs of the regional countries. In this regard, the development of private entrepreneurship, small and medium business, and transport and logistics infrastructure were identified as priority areas for cooperation.“We suggest for the EU to develop new mechanisms that will help attract private European capital to various projects in Central Asia. This will open up new opportunities for European companies to enter the regional market and strengthen the position of the EU in the region," the Foreign Minister said.Other promising fields of cooperation are energy efficiency, educational cooperation, environmental protection, rational use of water resources and climate change. Taking into account the latest global developments, digitalization was also named as a special priority for cooperation.Speaking about the development of the region's transit and transport potential, the Foreign Minister noted that Central Asia should not remain simply as a transit hub. In this respect, he called for using the experience and assistance of the European Union to achieve effective economic diversification in Central Asian countries and the creation of highly-demanded high-tech industries.Kazakhstan believes that strengthening security and stability should remain an important priority for cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union. In this context, the country's top diplomat drew attention to Kazakhstan's priorities as a member of the UN Security Council for the 2017-2018 period and, in particular, its Presidency of the UNSC this past January.The Foreign Minister appealed to the European Union to be more ambitious and expand its presence in Central Asia in order to increase the practical impact of interregional cooperation.Kairat Abdrakhmanov drew attention to the potential role that the European Union can play in implementing Astana's plans to further support Afghanistan by continuing a large-scale educational program for the latter's citizens.The conference participants had an opportunity to exchange views on a wide range of issues covering EU activities in country and regional contexts, as well as to conduct a practical review of achievements and tasks for the continued development of cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the European Union.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27789?lang=kk

The delegation of Kazakhstan to the UN addressed on the humanitarian situation in Syria at the emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. None of the agreements reached in Astana should remain a dead letter, they must be strictly implemented, the representative of Kazakhstan said. The meeting of the UN Security Council was convened on February 22 at the initiative of the Russian delegation.The delegation of Kazakhstan urged all parties of the conflict to agree to cease military operations in East Ghouta and assist in strengthening the ceasefire in the zones of de-escalation. It was stated that it is necessary for the involved and interested parties to join forces to end military actions throughout Syria to allow the provision of humanitarian aid and the medical evacuation of the wounded personnel in accordance with international law.Kazakhstan spoke in favor of the importance of reaching a consensus and the early adoption of a UN Security Council Syria Cessation of Hostilities resolution, which is currently being considered by the members of the Council.During the videoconference from Geneva, a briefing was given by Mark Lowcock, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs.The members of the Security Council expressed concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria, including the situation in East Ghouta, Idlib and North Hama provinces, Rukban and Raqqa. At the present day, humanitarian aid, including medical care, is required by more than 13.1 million people in Syria, of which 6.1 million are internally displaced persons, 2.5 million people live in hard-to-reach areas, and hundreds of thousands of people are still in besieged areas.Kazakhstan supported the "five requests" identified by the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator M. Lowcock on January 11, 2018, following his visit to Syria, and called on all parties to facilitate their implementation, as well as other measures envisaged in Security Council resolutions in order to ensure sustainable improvement of the humanitarian aid delivery to Syria in 2018.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27787?lang=kk

Kazakhstan's delegation headed by the First Deputy Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi took part in the UN Security Council meeting dedicated to the Iraq issue on February 20, 2018. Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Iraq Ján Kubiš delivered a report on the situation in Iraq after the victory of the people of that country over the ISIS / DAESH terrorist organization.Speaking at the meeting, Tileuberdi noted the effectiveness of the Iraqi security forces and international coalition in combating the ISIS/DAESH terrorist organization. He commended the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq and other UN specialized agencies in Iraq (UNAMI) led by Special Representative Ján Kubiš. Kazakhstan's delegation also stressed the importance of the UNAMI's work in achieving interreligious and interethnic harmony among various political parties and movements.Iraq's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mohammad Hussein Ali Bahr Aluloom praised the international coalition headed by the USA, Russia and other states for effectively fighting the ISIS/DAESH terrorist organization. The Iraqi representative briefed the Security Council members on Iraq's Socio-economic Development Plan for 2018-2022 being developed by the Iraqi Government. He informed the Security Council members that the International Donors' Conference held in Kuwait on February 12-14 this year made it possible to secure the allocation of US $30 billion for Iraq's restoration. He also thanked Kazakhstan for its efforts as the UNSC President in January 2018 to ensure international peace and security.The UN Security Council members urged the Iraqi authorities to stick to the principle of inclusion and take into account the interests of national and religious minorities in the process of building a new peaceful Iraq. The Council stressed the importance of transferring the entire arsenal of weapons possessed by various small tribes and other armed groups operating in the country to the control of a special committee headed by the Prime Minister of Iraq.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27748?lang=kk

Political, trade, economic, investment, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the State of Qatar was discussed within the first round of political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two states.Kazakh delegation was headed by the Deputy Foreign Minister Akylbek Kamaldinov, and Qatari delegation was headed by the Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi.The parties outlined ways for cooperation development and expansion in bilateral and multilateral formats, discussed interaction within international and regional organizations to coordinate positions and address current issues, as well as mutual support for each other's foreign policy initiatives. In this context, Kazakhstan and Qatar delegations noted the importance of joint efforts within the United Nations in light of Kazakhstan's non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council.The meeting also noted the importance of cooperation within the Joint High-Level Commission and implementation of joint projects aimed at attracting investment to Kazakhstan's economy.The parties agreed on setting a closer cooperation for implementing joint projects in the fields of culture, education and science.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27738?lang=kk

Kazakhstan proposes a road map for implementing the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Union (EPCA). This was the announcement made in Brussels today by Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov during the 16th meeting of the Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Council.The Agreement, signed in 2015, has so far been ratified by majority of the EU Member States and received consent from the European Parliament. The EPCA is a next-generation document that covers 29 fields of cooperation. Already, new collaborative structures have been created – the cooperation committee in the “trade configuration", a subcommittee on customs issues, and a subcommittee on energy, transport, environment and climate change.“The implementation of the EPCA's full potential corresponds to Kazakhstan's interests as the document will facilitate the effective implementation of the comprehensive modernization strategy pursued by President Nursultan Nazarbayev", the Minister said. The Kazakh diplomat briefed his European colleagues on the policy priorities of the Head of State, as outlined in the yearly State-of-the-Nation “New Opportunities for Development Under the Fourth Industrial Revolution". Kazakhstan offers EU Member States the chance to actively participate in the digitalization of its industry, development of transportation and logistics, and modernization of its agricultural sector.The European delegation, which included high-ranking representatives of the European Commission and the European External Action Service, was headed by the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria Ekaterina Zaharieva, whose country now holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council. During the meeting, the delegations reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation issues between Kazakhstan and the EU, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations on February 2.The European Union is Kazakhstan's largest trade and investment partner, accounting for about half of the country's foreign trade and direct investments. The volume of trade between Kazakhstan and the EU increased by 25% in 2017 over the previous year, amounting to about $30 billion.As stated by the Kazakh side, the implementation of the new Agreement will let increase trade volume significantly firstly by high-tech products, and generate new opportunities for economic growth and job creation.“In turn, the strengthening of trade and economic ties is inextricably linked with the free movement of citizens. In this regard, starting negotiations on facilitating the visa regime as soon as possible has become an objective necessity," Minister Abdrakhmanov said. He expressed the hope that negotiations on visa facilitation will start this year.The Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Council is the highest body for interaction established under the EPCA. The Council meets once a year at the level of foreign ministers of Kazakhstan and the Member State holding the EU presidency in order to carry out a regular review of the Agreement's implementation, and also to discuss bilateral and international issues.Also today in Brussels, the European media platform “Euractiv" organized a forum on the topic “What's next for EU-Kazakhstan relations", with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko, EU Special Representative for Central Asia Peter Burian, members of European Parliament, high-ranking officials from the European External Action Service, European experts and the media in attendance. The forum participants noted the high level of comprehensive interaction between Kazakhstan and the EU and the existence of considerable prospects for the continued growth of this cooperation. The forum also highly evaluated Kazakhstan's presidency of the UN Security Council in January 2018.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27736?lang=kk

Kazakh Minister of Foreign Affairs Kairat Abdrakhmanov has held a series of bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Kazakhstan-European Union Cooperation Council meeting taking place in Brussels. At the meeting with Federica Mogherini, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the two sides exchanged views on a wide range of topical international and regional issues, including the situation in Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, as well as the DPRK nuclear programme.Talks with Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, were devoted to the process of updating the EU Strategy for Central Asia. Minister Abdrakhmanov underscored Kazakhstan's readiness to actively participate in the development of a new document with a view to contributing to its effectiveness and taking into consideration the interests of all states in our region. Particular attention was also devoted to cooperation and assistance for Afghanistan, including in education field.The Kazakh Minister also had a noteworthy meeting with Iveta Grigule, the Chair of the European Parliament delegation for Central Asia, during which parties sides discussed the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation, including in the legislative field. The next meeting of the Kazakhstan-EU Parliamentary Cooperation Committee is planned for the fall of 2018.At the meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of Belgium, Didier Reynders, Kazakh Foreign Minister discussed the prospects for developing bilateral trade, economic cooperation, and attracting Belgian investment and technologies to Kazakhstan. In the light of Belgium's bid for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council in 2019-2020, Minister Abdrakhmanov provided a detailed briefing about Kazakhstan's activities on the UNSC and President Nursultan Nazarbayev's peace-building initiatives.During his trip to Brussels Minister Abdrakhmanov also met with Foreign Ministers Carmelo Abela of Malta and Simon Coveney of Ireland.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27735?lang=kk

According to the information provided by the Guarantor States of the Astana Process on Syria, foreign ministers of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Turkey intend to meet in the capital of Kazakhstan on March 16, 2018.During the talks, the participants are planning to analyze the results achieved during the first year of cooperation on the settlement of the situation in Syria, as well as outline further joint actions.On the eve of the meeting, March 15, 2018, a meeting of senior officials, as well as meetings of the Joint Working Group and the Working Group on the release of detainees/hostages, the transfer of bodies of the deceased and the search for missing persons are expected.The ministerial meeting in Astana will be held without the participation of observers or parties to the Syrian conflict. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura will be invited to the meeting.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27429?lang=kk

New York, March 8, 2018. The Kazakhstan delegation headed by Special Envoy for Afghanistan Ambassador at Large Stanislav Vassilenko took part in a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.Within the event, the Security Council members unanimously approved resolution 2405, containing an assessment of the situation in that country, as well as the extended mandate of the UN Assistance Mission to Afghanistan for another year. This event is held quarterly to implement the provisions of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and to discuss political developments in the country. The meeting was particularly focused on women's involvement in the peace process.The Security Council highly appreciated the visit of the UNSC members to Afghanistan under the chairmanship of Kazakhstan in January 2018, which helped to better understand the situation in the country. Additionally, the emphasis was laid on the weight and effectiveness of the UNSC debates on Afghanistan chaired by Kazakhstan on January 19, 2018, themed “Building a regional partnership in Afghanistan and Central Asia as a model to link security and development."Vassilenko stated that political and economic challenges, as well as security threats faced by Afghanistan, require ongoing support from the regional countries, the international community, and, notably, the Security Council. It was highlighted that women and youth occupy a central position in the conflict prevention pattern.Therefore, Kazakhstan is planning to carry out an international conference “Women empowerment in Afghanistan" in autumn 2018 in Astana. Vassilenko also stated: “Our country has suggested to continue the education program for Afghan citizens with co-financing from the European Union and other partners. Within the framework of our $ 50 million educational program, about 1,000 Afghan citizens will study in Kazakh universities between 2010 and 2021." Currently, the European Union has been allocating funds for the first stage of the joint project, which will be implemented together with UN Women and is aimed at training Afghan girls in the universities of our country.Vassilenko pointed out that during the UN Security Council's mission to Afghanistan meetings were held with all the key representatives of the Afghan government and socio-political communities of the country, including women's organizations led by First Lady Rula Ghani.The Kazakh delegation underlined the significance of the so-called three-pronged strategy for tackling conflicts. It includes, firstly, the link between security and development, where sustainable development programs are also required for a lasting peace and security in the country; secondly, a regional approach for close cooperation among the regional countries is needed to overcome transboundary challenges and threats, because today it is impossible to deal with various threats and challenges exclusively within the borders of one state; thirdly, the One United Nations principle, the essence of which is to strengthen coordination and efficiency of the UN at the central and local levels.Given the importance of women in conflict resolution, the Kazakh representative concluded his speech with the Kazakh proverb “Woman rocks the cradle with one hand and rules the world with the other."Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27399?lang=kk

Kairat Abdrakhmanov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, received Ambassador Traian Hristea, the Head of the EU Delegation in Astana, to discuss prospects for developing relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union within the context of agreements reached at the 16th session of the Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Council held on 26 February 2018 in Brussels.The two diplomats agreed on the need to begin developing a Roadmap that would reflect joint steps to implement the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), signed in Astana on 21 December 2015. (At the moment, the EPCA is in a status of provisional application pending its ratification by all 28 EU Member States; so far, 23 EU states and the European Parliament have already given their consent for its approval)Moreover, Minister Abdrakhmanov and Ambassador Hristea examined promising areas of cooperation in the field of connectivity, the development of transport and logistics links on the Eurasian continent, and positive developments in cooperation between Central Asian states. The Head of the EU Delegation spoke about the EU Connectivity Strategy for Asia, which is being developed by the European Union and is set to be adopted before the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit to be held in October 2018. In addition, the EU, together with active participation from Central Asian states including Kazakhstan, is engaged in developing a new EU Strategy for Central Asia. It is planned that the new EU Strategy will be adopted in the second half of 2019.Particular attention was paid to cooperation on advancing the sustainable development of Afghanistan. The EU Ambassador reported that the European Commission had begun preparing the first phase of a project to finance the education of Afghan women in Kazakhstan's higher education institutions, which will be implemented as an extension of the Kazakh education program for Afghanistan in place since 2010.During the meeting, the European diplomat was briefed about the status of institutional reforms being implemented in Kazakhstan to ensure the rule of law and improve legislation in various spheres of public life.Minister Abdrakhmanov gave a detailed explanation of the Five Social Initiatives of President Nursultan Nazarbayev aimed at creating new incentives for economic development, strengthening the middle class, and developing the country's human potential.In this context, the two sides discussed prospects for Kazakh-EU collaboration on implementing the initiatives, in view of their compatibility with the main fields of cooperation between Kazakhstan, the European Union, its Member States, and financial institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27273?lang=kk

ASTANA, March 16, 2018 – Astana hosted a ministerial meeting of the guarantor states of the Astana Process on Syria attended by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.  In his opening remarks, Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov noted that the talks on Syrian settlement launched in Astana in January 2017 with the full support of President Nursultan Nazarbayev provided great opportunities for peace restoration and contributed to a significant reduction of violence and the scale of armed clashes in the country.  “Despite difficulties, the Astana Process has proven to be effective as a platform where all sides to the conflict can express their views and, most importantly, agree on concrete steps. The four de-escalation zones and a mechanism to monitor the ceasefire in Syria helped reduce the level of violence and enabled more civilians to receive humanitarian aid,” Abdrakhmanov said. The Kazakh Foreign Minister highlighted that the agreements reached within the Astana Process must not remain on paper and called on all actors to observe the UNSC Resolution 2401 and fully comply with the ceasefire regime to stop the unnecessary bloodshed, that is unfortunately happening, for example, in Eastern Ghouta, for instance “No lasting settlement of the Syrian crisis can be achieved without a direct and inclusive dialogue between the parties,” the Minister concluded.  In his opening address at the plenary session, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the Astana format, which was set up by Russia, Iran and Turkey a year ago, proved its significance. “With the start of the Astana Process, the city has become a crucial platform for decision-making on a Syrian settlement, one of the most acute international problems. To speak in a lofty style, when the name of the capital of Kazakhstan is heard in the media, millions of Syrians look to Astana with hope,” Minister Lavrov said.  During the meeting, the Foreign Ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey exchanged views on the outcomes achieved during the year since the launch of the Astana Process and outlined further steps to resolve the situation in Syria. Following the meeting, the Ministers adopted a joint statement. A day earlier Astana hosted the first meeting of the Working Group on the Exchange of Detainees and Handover of the Bodies as well as the Identification of Missing Persons established following the eighth round of talks. On the margins of the meeting, Minister Abdrakhmanov held bilateral meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Iran and Turkey to discuss the current issues of Kazakh-Iranian and Kazakh-Turkish relations.  The Foreign Ministries of Iran, Russia and Turkey were also received by President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27264?lang=kk

Tashkent, March 27, 2018. Kazakhstan supports international efforts to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan and calls on the parties concerned to launch peace talks as soon as possible. This was stated by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov at the Tashkent High-Level Conference on Afghanistan “Peace Process, Security Cooperation and Regional Connectivity", initiated by the leadership of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. The event was opened by Presidents of these states Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Mohammad Ashraf Ghani.The main purpose of the Conference was to coordinate the basic principles of a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan, develop a mechanism for launching negotiations between the government of Afghanistan and the armed opposition, the Taliban movement in particular, as well as to coordinate joint efforts of the world community to support this process.In his address, the Kazakh Foreign Minister underlined that building a model of a regional zone of peace, security, cooperation and development in Central Asia, including the provision of multilateral assistance to Afghanistan in economic and social development, countering threats to peace and security, and strengthening its potential is one of the main priorities of Kazakhstan in the UN Security Council.Global initiatives of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev widely supported by the international community are aimed at achieving these and other sustainable development goals.The Kazakh delegation to the UN Security Council held a ministerial debate “Building Regional Partnership in Afghanistan and Central Asia as a Model to Link Security and Development" on January 19, which resulted in a consensus statement by the UNSC President aimed at improving the efficiency and coordination of the UN funds, agencies and programs in our region.It is noteworthy that in his welcoming address to the participants of the Tashkent conference President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his sincere gratitude to President Nursultan Nazarbayev for initiating that meeting in the UN Security Council.“We believe that reforms aimed at improving social and economic indicators in the country and enhancing the level of education and other human standards should serve as the foundation for stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan," the Minister said.It is known that Kazakhstan had taken the initiative to continue an education program for Afghan citizens provided it would be co-financed by the European Union and other partners. Since 2010, the $50 million education program for Afghan citizens is being implemented in the Kazakh educational institutions. About 1,000 Afghan citizens will receive training in Kazakh universities from 2010 to 2021 as part of the program.“Kazakhstan plans to organize an Empowering Women in Afghanistan International Conference in the autumn of 2018 in Astana. Among its main goals is to discuss the role and contribution of women in the peaceful development of Afghanistan; empowering Afghan women in social, economic and political spheres of the country by enhancing their involvement in the public and private sectors as well as the development of specific recommendations aimed at empowering women in this country," Minister Abdrakhmanov said.It was noted that Kazakhstan would continue rendering technical and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, both as part of bilateral arrangements and multilaterally, annually providing thousands of tons of humanitarian supplies, including food, essential goods, petroleum products and various equipment.New opportunities for providing collective assistance to the social and economic development of Afghanistan are opened by the successful outcome of the working (consultative) meeting of the Heads of States of Central Asia, chaired by the President of Kazakhstan in Astana on March 15.The Conference in the capital of Uzbekistan was attended by Foreign Ministers and High Representatives of China, France, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Turkey, United Kingdom, UN, European Union, CSTO, SCO, NATO, and others.The Conference adopted a Tashkent Declaration, which sets out further steps to promote a political settlement in Afghanistan, outlines the central and coordinating role of Afghanistan in the political settlement.On the margins of the international conference, Minister Abdrakhmanov held bilateral meetings with the heads of the US and Iranian delegations.At the meeting with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon, the two sides discussed how to further strengthen the enhanced strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the agreements reached during the official visit of President Nursultan Nazarbayev to the United States in January 2018.The diplomats confirmed the readiness of the sides to support international efforts in stabilization and economic recovery of Afghanistan. The US highly appreciated Kazakhstan's contribution to the peaceful development of Afghanistan. The sides also exchanged views on strengthening regional cooperation between Central Asian countries and the United States.At the meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the ministers discussed Kazakh-Iranian cooperation, including trade, transport and logistics. The main theme of the conversation was interaction within international and regional organizations, including the CICA, SCO, and in the context of the Astana process for the settlement of the conflict in Syria.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27198?lang=kk

KUALA-LUMPUR, April 5, 2018 – On April 5 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Akylbek Kamaldinov paid a visit to Malaysia in the frame of the working trip to the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.During the visit A. Kamaldinov held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato' Sri Anifah Aman, where the parties discussed the state and perspectives of bilateral partnership. Kazakhstan's diplomat underlined that Astana attaches a great importance to the development of relations with Kuala Lumpur at the level of comprehensive partnership declared by the leaders of the two states.The Head of Malaysian Foreign office noted that the Kazakhstan-Malaysian relations are characterized by sustainable political partnership, mutually beneficial trade, economic and investment cooperation.The parties expressed the satisfaction by the progressive development of relations, noted the intensification of the mechanisms of economic cooperation such as the Joint Trade and Economic Committee and the Kazakh-Malaysian Business Council, as well as the dynamics of mutual trade and investment growth.Diplomats underlined that the 14th World Islamic Economic Forum expected to be held during the presentation of the International Financial Center «Astana» on July 4, 2018, should give a new impetus to the further collaboration.A. Aman also has mentioned that the Malaysian side pays particular importance to this significant event of Islam world, as the Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak being the Patron of the WIEF traditionally participates at the meetings of the Forum, and considering the possibility of organising the visit of N. Razak to Astana to attend the «Muslim Davos».Diplomats also have discussed relevant issues of the world agenda, exchanged of their views on perspectives of collaboration in the frame of regional organisations, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) was established by the initiative of the Government of Malaysia in 2006. WIEF is the main yearly economic summit of the Muslim world.The agreement to hold the 14th World Islamic Economic Forum in Astana was signed during the visit of the WIEF Foundation's Secretariat Chairman to Kazakhstan on March 13, 2018.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27049?lang=kk

Jakarta, April 6, 2018 – On April 5-6 Mr. Akylbek Kamaldinov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan visited Indonesia in the framework of his working trip to the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.During the visit Mr. Kamaldinov held a meeting with Ms. Retno Marsudi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia. The sides discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres, as well as interaction within the framework of international organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.Both sides expressed satisfaction with the intensification of bilateral cooperation, as it is evidenced by the the participation of Vice President of Indonesia Mr. Jusuf Kalla in the First OIC Summit on Science &Technology held in Astana on September 8-12, 2017, as well as the visit of the Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Jakarta in March 2018.The Kazakh diplomat noted that Astana attaches great importance to the development of comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation with Jakarta, which is one of Kazakhstan's key partners in South-East Asia.A. Kamaldinov stressed that Kazakhstan pays special attention to participation of Indonesia, which is a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, in the VI Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in October this year in Astana.Indonesian Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for the invitation of the President of Indonesia to take part in the VI Congress. R. Marsudi for her own part expressed a request for Kazakhstan's support of the candidacy of the Republic of Indonesia for the post of non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2019-2020.In conclusion of the meeting Mr. A. Kamaldinov expressed his gratitude to Ms. R. Marsudi for having substantive and trusting negotiations, as well as expressed his hope for the expansion and strengthening of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27005?lang=kk

ASTANA, 11 April, 2018 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has resumed the publication of The Diplomatic Herald of Kazakhstan after approving its new format and concept.The Herald pays special attention to analysis of the most important international events and issues, primarily involving the President of Kazakhstan.“Founded in 1996, the journal remains committed to its fundamental purpose – to provide relevant and competent journalistic information on the foreign policy of Kazakhstan. The periodical of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry will include not only the publication of the official opinion of Astana, but also articles by politicians, diplomats and experts of our country and from abroad. We hope that the journal will become an important platform for the development of foreign policy thinking in Kazakhstan," noted Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov in the introductory article.The first issue of 2018 pays considerable attention to the results of the official visit of President Nursultan Nazarbayev to the United States and the outcomes of Kazakhstan's Presidency in the UN Security Council in January. Separate articles are dedicated to the relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union, the country's presidency of the CSTO, the issues of disarmament and the outcomes of the eight rounds of the Astana Meeting on Syria.In addition, a number of authors have shared their thoughts on implementation of the Rukhani Zhangyru program, prospects for digital diplomacy, the Institute of Diplomacy of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Kazakhstan and activities of the Association of Kazakh Diplomats. The section called “Chapters of History" is dedicated to the Kazakh statesman and diplomat Nazir Torekulov.The Diplomatic Herald is published in the Kazakh (“Дипломатия жаршысы"), Russian (“Вестник дипломатии") and English languages.The electronic version of the publication is available on the website – http://mfa.gov.kz/en/content-view/diplomatia-zarsysy-no1-2018Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/26979?lang=kk

DUSHANBE, 17 April, 2018 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Akylbek Kamaldinov, attended the 23rd meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Dushanbe.During the meeting, at which the ECO Chairmanship moved from Pakistan to Tajikistan, the participants considered the reports of the ECO Secretary General and the implementation progress of ECO VISION 2025. The heads of delegations paid special attention to the issues of developing a new scale of assessments and ECO reforms, including its specialized agencies and regional institutions. The Council of Foreign Ministers appointed the representative of Iran, Hadi Soleimanpour, currently holding the post of Deputy Secretary General of the Organization, for the post of a new ECO Secretary General.In his speech, the head of the Kazakh delegation focused on the ECO cooperation areas which are of high priority for Kazakhstan, including in the field of transport, regional trade and investment, as well as on the need for further ECO reforming in order to increase its effectiveness. The Deputy Minister also invited the participants to make use of the potential of the Astana International Financial Center.As a result of the meeting, the ECO adopted the Dushanbe Communiqué.On the sidelines of the Ministerial Council, Mr. Kamaldinov also met with the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad Javad Zarif. The sides discussed preparations for the Fifth Caspian Summit. At the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, Sirojiddin Aslov, the Kazakh diplomat congratulated Tajikistan on the Chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) for 2018-2020.Kazakhstan joined the ECO in 1992. Currently, the members of the Organization include Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/26614?lang=kk