Delegation of Kazakhstan is Taking Part in the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Uganda
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The delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan headed by Barlybay Sadykov, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Ethiopia and Kenya, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the African Union, as well as to the UN Office in Nairobi, takes part in the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
Within the framework of the theme of the 19th summit: "Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence", 120 NAM member states (53 countries in Africa, 39 countries in Asia and Pacific, 26 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, 2 countries on the European continent) discuss pressing global issues during the week within the framework of political and socio-economic committees. As a result of the work carried out, the Final Document of the summit, the Kampala Declaration, as well as the Statement on Palestine were approved at the level of foreign ministers and are scheduled to be adopted at the level of Heads of State and Government on January 20, 2024.
The summit documents reflect the collective position of NAM member states in relation to contemporary challenges and threats, including: armed conflicts, food insecurity, migration, unemployment, pandemics, health problems, climate change, terrorism, problems of financing sustainable development, the debt burden of states, and reform of the global economy. The chairmanship in this world's largest after the UN international organization has passed from Azerbaijan to Uganda for the next three years.
Speaking at the summit, the Ambassador stressed that Kazakhstan fully shares the goals and principles of the Non-Aligned Movement and the call of the member countries to observe and respect the UN Charter, universal principles and norms of international law. "UN international law remains an indispensable tool in the preservation and maintenance of international peace and security. Kazakhstan is firmly committed to the principles of respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and inviolability of interstate borders, enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations", - he said.
According to him, in current time of geopolitical turbulence, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Middle Powers countries can play an important role together with the UN in overcoming such crises as regional conflicts, terrorism, violent extremism, cybersecurity, climate change, and etc.
One of the main issues on the agenda of the NAM is the issue of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Barlybay Sadykov reminded the summit participants about the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, the abandonment of the nuclear arsenal by Kazakhstan, the creation of a nuclear-weapon-free Zone in Central Asia in 2009, the ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and announced Kazakhstan's intention to seek the creation of The International Trust Fund for Assistance and rehabilitation of people and territories affected by nuclear tests. Considering the importance of the IAEA's work to assist all countries in obtaining benefits from the peaceful, safe use of nuclear energy and the transfer of nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes, the Ambassador called for support for Kazakhstan's proposal to restore the sovereign equality of member States in this organization.
Special attention was paid to the problems of international security. In this regard, Barlybay Sadykov noted our country's solidarity with the NAM’s demands to exclude the possibility of any use of bacteriological weapons, and the need for effective measures to implement the Biological Weapons Convention. Therefore, he called on the NAM member states to create the International Agency for Biological Safety (IABS), previously proposed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to strengthen global coordination of efforts to address a range of biosafety issues.
In the context of the NAM member countries' call for the peaceful settlement of regional conflicts, the Ambassador reported on Kazakhstan's commitment to strengthening confidence-building measures in Asia and working on reforming the CICA into a full-fledged international organization. As the current chair-country of the SCO, he called for support for the new paradigm of security, a fair economic environment and a clean planet proposed by Kazakhstan. In addition, the Ambassador called for support for the proposal of the Republic of Kazakhstan to reform the UN Center in Almaty into a Regional UN Hub for Central Asia and Afghanistan, and also outlined Astana's position on topical issues such as climate change, sustainable development, food and water security, and also reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
In order to discuss the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan to create the IABS, a thematic Side event was organized with the participation of NAM member states, as well as bilateral meetings with Dr. M. Mudawadi, the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of Kenya, Gen. K. James, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, S. Aleinik, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, B. Aloev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, S. Vershinin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, V. Franco Viceminister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, with heads and representatives of delegations of Azerbaijan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Indonesia, Pakistan, Morocco, Seychelles, South Africa, Colombia, Chile, Thailand, Tunisia, Togo, and Indonesia.
Issues of bilateral cooperation were discussed during the meetings of the Ambassador of Kazakhstan with the heads of delegations of Kenya and Rwanda on the sidelines of the summit. Practical measures to expand cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres were discussed, including the possibility of organizing visits by Kenyan President U. Ruto and President of Rwanda P. Kagame to Kazakhstan.
The Kazakh delegation continues its participation in the 19th NAM Summit in Uganda, which will end on January 20, 2024.
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Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Makes First Official Visit to Croatia
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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, arrived on an official visit to the Republic of Croatia at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia, Gordan Grlić-Radman, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
This visit marks the first-ever official visit by a Kazakh Foreign Minister to Zagreb, setting a new milestone in the history of bilateral relations and will give a new impetus to the development of Kazakh-Croatian cooperation.
During the visit, the two sides discussed a broad range of bilateral issues, including political dialogue, strengthening trade, economic and investment collaboration, and enhancing cultural and humanitarian ties. It was emphasized that Kazakhstan and Croatia have substantial potential to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as energy, transport (including civil aviation), agriculture, digitalization and innovation, education, and tourism.
The Kazakh Foreign Minister highlighted Croatia's role as a long-standing and close partner of Kazakhstan in the Balkans and the European Union. "We highly value our meaningful political dialogue at all levels, founded on friendship and mutual trust. Economic cooperation is one of the key areas of Kazakh-Croatian relations," said Nurtleu.
Croatia is Kazakhstan's third-largest trading partner in Southeast Europe. By the end of 2023, mutual trade turnover reached 432 million USD. In this regard, the two sides agreed to enhance the work of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, with its second meeting scheduled for 2025 in Astana.
The Croatian Foreign Minister expressed Zagreb's interest in fostering progressive relations with Astana and reaffirmed Croatia’s readiness to promote mutually beneficial partnerships across all areas of shared interest.
The two sides also exchanged views on topical issues on the international agenda and discussed cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the UN, OSCE, and others. Particular attention was paid to aspects of partnership in Central Asia and the Balkans, as well as to matters of ensuring global and regional stability.
Following the meeting, two key documents were signed: Cooperation Program between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia for 2025-2027, and a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Institute of Diplomacy, Academy of Public Administration of Kazakhstan and the Croatian Diplomatic Academy.
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Kazakh Foreign Ministry Bids Warm Farewell to North Macedonian Ambassador
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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko received Ambassador of North Macedonia Sali Limani on the occasion of completion of his diplomatic mission in Kazakhstan, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
The Kazakh diplomat presented Sali Limani with the Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu, emphasizing North Macedonian Ambassador’s productive efforts in promoting bilateral political, trade and economic ties during his mission in Kazakhstan. He also underlined participation of the delegation of North Macedonia in the World Nomad Games in Astana and successful entry of the well-established pharmaceutical Alkaloid company, backed by 88 years of work, into the Kazakh market.
The parties noted that the recent meeting between the heads of state Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova within the framework of the COP29 in Baku and the invitation to the North Macedonian leader to visit Kazakhstan next year provided a significant momentum to bilateral cooperation. The diplomats expressed confidence that the opening of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in North Macedonia this year will further deepen relations.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Deputy Minister Vassilenko extended his best wishes for Ambassador Limani’s future endeavours.
In his turn, having completed four years of productive work in Astana, the Ambassador of North Macedonia conveyed gratitude to the Kazakh side for the warm reception and expressed hope for the continued fruitful partnership between the two countries.
For reference: during January-September 2024, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and North Macedonia reached 5.7 million US dollars (exports - $204,000, imports - $5.5 million). The main imported goods are medical products, packaged for retail sale.
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Kazakh-Finnish Cooperation Priorities Outlined at Foreign Ministry
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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko met with newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to the Republic of Kazakhstan Janne Heiskanen, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
The parties noted the significant impulse to bilateral relations provided by the recent meeting between the heads of two states Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Alexander Stubb in Baku and the invitation to the Finnish leader to visit Kazakhstan next year.
Welcoming productive work of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, the parties expressed their shared interest in further strengthening Kazakh-Finnish partnership.
The Deputy Foreign Minister stressed the importance of increasing business ties and broadening the legal framework of bilateral relations, as well as close cooperation with Finland within the multilateral framework, including the UN, EU and the OSCE.
The Kazakh side wished Finland success in an important task chairing the OSCE in 2025. It was noted that despite serious crisis faced by the Organization, it remains a unique and indispensable platform for dialogue and cooperation. The Deputy Minister underlined the continued importance of provisions of the Helsinki Final Act, marking its 50th anniversary next year, as well as other fundamental OSCE documents, including the 2010 Astana Summit Final Declaration.
In conclusion of the meeting the Deputy Foreign Minister wished Finland’s Ambassador successful and productive work in Kazakhstan.
For reference: In 2023, the Kazakh-Finnish mutual trade reached 208.2 million US dollars (exports - 3.1 million, imports - 205.1 million); during January-September, 2024 - around 142 million US dollars (exports - 8 million, imports - 134 million). The gross inflow of investment from Finland to Kazakhstan since 2005 has amounted to 432.8 million dollars. There are 71 enterprises with the participation of Finnish capital registered in Kazakhstan.
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Kazakhstan is Committed to Preserving the Country’s Cultural and Natural Heritage
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in collaboration with the National Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan for UNESCO and ICESCO and the International Institute of Central Asian Studies, conducted annual training courses, aimed at enhancing the capacity-building of Kazakh diplomats in the field of cultural and natural heritage preservation, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
Since its launch in 2022, the program has provided both theoretical and practical knowledge on the application of international tools for the preservation of world heritage, in order to improve diplomats’ professional training and promote cultural and natural values on the global stage.
These courses were organized within the territory of Kazakhstan for the first time. Together with leading regional and international experts, the course participants visited key UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, as well as potential monuments of the transnational nomination "Great Silk Road," including the ancient settlements of Turkestan, Otrar, Sauran and Kultobe.
This program demonstrates Kazakhstan’s commitment to preserve its unique heritage in accordance with high international standards.
In total, seventeen sites from Kazakhstan have been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List under the framework of six nominations to ensure their safety being in line with the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Currently, Kazakhstan, as a member of the World Heritage Committee, participates in decision-making on the inclusion of new sites to this prestigious UNESCO list and provides recommendations on their protection.
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Deepening Dialogue and New Partnership Areas on the Agenda of Kazakh-German Political Consultations
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Deepening dialogue and new areas of Kazakh-German partnership were discussed during the latest political consultations held between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko and Director for Central Asia, Eastern Europe and the Caucasus of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Konrad H. Arz von Straussenburg, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
The parties reviewed bilateral political, trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as interaction in multilateral structures.
During the consultations, representatives of Kazakhstan and German summed up the results of the joint work carried out over the year, focusing primarily on implementing the agreements reached during the visits of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Berlin in September 2023 and Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz to Astana in September this year.
The talks highlighted dynamic Kazakh-German partnership as demonstrated by the growing political contacts and economic indicators, as well as mutual support for foreign policy initiatives and similarity of views on key issues on the global agenda. "Today, relations between our two countries have become a model of a high degree of trust, respect and mutually beneficial partnership," - emphasized Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister.
Deputy Minister Vassilenko underlined the effectiveness of such bilateral cooperation mechanisms as the Governmental Working Group on Strategic Economic Partnership with Germany, the Kazakh-German Business Council, the Intergovernmental Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation, the Berlin Eurasian Club, the Intergovernmental Commission on the Affairs of Ethnic Germans living in Kazakhstan and others.
Director of the German Foreign Ministry Arz von Straussenburg note the importance of cooperation with Kazakhstan and the interest of Germany in promoting inter-parliamentary dialogue, broadening the legal framework of the relations, supporting active engagement in energy sector, including the development of green hydrogen, and in other spheres of economic partnership.
Strengthening collaboration across the entire spectrum of bilateral engagement was discussed during the consultations, including in areas exhibiting great potential for deepened cooperation, including water sector and environment, health care and dual education.
The diplomats welcomed the results of the second meeting of the Heads of States of Central Asia and the Federal Chancellor of Germany that was held in Astana during the visit of Chancellor Scholz. The participants of political consultations exchanged views on implementation of the German Green Central Asia initiative and the further promotion of the Strategic Regional Partnership between Central Asia and Germany.
The parties discussed issues of interaction with the European Union, stressing the importance of implementing Kazakhstan-EU Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, as well as initiatives within the United Nations and the importance of interaction in all OSCE dimensions. They also exchanged views on the topical issues on the international agenda.
In conclusion, the parties agreed to continue working together to further deepen the mutually beneficial dialogue between Astana and Berlin.
For reference: The Kazakh-German mutual trade reached $3.9 billion (exports - $742.3 million, imports - $3.2 billion); during 9 months of 2024 - $3 billion (exports - $882.1 million, imports - $2.1 billion) in 2023. The gross inflow of investment from Germany to Kazakhstan since 2005 has amounted to $6.9 billion. There are 752 enterprises with the participation of German capital working in Kazakhstan.
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Ambassador of Kazakhstan Presented his Credentials to the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
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The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Netherlands and Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Kairat Abdrakhmanov, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the OPCW, Fernando Arias, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
Following the formal ceremony at the Organization’s headquarters, a meeting was held with the head of this esteemed international body. During the meeting, an in-depth exchange of views took place on the state and prospects of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the OPCW. Ambassador Abdrakhmanov emphasized Kazakhstan’s unwavering commitment to strengthening international security, fostering intergovernmental cooperation, and enhancing the role of international organizations in addressing global challenges and conflicts.
Kazakhstan remains a consistent supporter of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and holds a firm and steadfast position against the use of any type of weapons of mass destruction in the context of global efforts to combat the use of chemical weapons. Within the OPCW, Kazakhstan maintains a constructive role and is ready to collaborate on various programs, including the establishment of a Chemistry and Technology Centre.
The Director-General was also briefed on the implementation of significant reforms initiated by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Special attention was given to the key provisions of the President’s September State of the Nation Address and its practical implementation aimed at creating favorable external conditions for the peaceful and sustainable development of the country. In this context, Ambassador Abdrakhmanov highlighted the importance of President Tokayev’s initiative to establish an International Agency for Biological Safety (IABS) under the auspices of the United Nations and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC). He noted that the OPCW could serve as a "role model" for the formation of this new agency.
In furthering the dissemination of expertise and knowledge in the field of chemical disarmament, Kazakhstan expressed its interest in enhancing the qualifications of its specialists through OPCW programs, particularly at the Chemistry and Technology Centre. It also highlighted the potential for hosting training programs in Kazakhstan. The possibility of an official visit by Director-General Fernando Arias to Kazakhstan was also discussed.
The OPCW was established in 1997 with its headquarters in The Hague to oversee the implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling, and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction. The Convention has 193 member states. Kazakhstan ratified the document on 23 March 2000.
The establishment of the International Agency for Biological Safety (IABS) is an initiative proposed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the 75th Anniversary Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2020.
In November 2024, the First Committee of the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution titled "Strengthening and Institutionalizing the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction".
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