AstanaCalling#277

Deputy Prime Minister in France

Developing business tiesand promoting EXPO-17

UNFPA Executive Director Visits Kazakhstan

Focus on further cooperation toimprove public health

EU-Kazakhstan Parliamentary

Cooperation CommitteeChairman visits Kazakhstan

OSCE Freedom of the Media Representative visits Kazakhstan

A WEEKLY ONLINE PUBLICATION OF THE

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

ISSUE NO 277 FRIDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 2012

WWW.MFA.KZ

Thingsto Watch

Also inthe News

Registration of Religious

Organizations Completed

3,088 organizations representing

17 religious affi liations registered

President Nazarbayev marks Eid al-Adha Religious Holiday

Visits Khazret Sultan Mosque

CALLINGASTANA

President Nazarbayev marks Eid al-AdhaReligious Holiday On October 26 President Nazarbayev visited the Khazret Sultan Mosque in Astana and congratulated Muslim believers in Kazakhstan on the occasion of the religious festival Eid al-Adha.

Describing Eid al-Adha as a festival of mercy, compassion, peace and unity the President said:

“This is a genuinely great celebration for all Muslims which unites people and nations… On this day all Muslims around the world turn their sincere thoughts to the Almighty. Islam is a peaceful religion that calls people to do good. It advocates unity, not disunity. The Koran says that a Muslim must not hurt anyone, either by word or deed”.

“Islam has been our nation’s main religion over several centuries. Over 2,300 mosques have been built since Kazakhstan became a sovereign state. Today we are aiming to make Kazakhstan prosperous and well-known around the world. I wish that all Kazakhstanis’ noble hopes and wishes come true, and for prosperity and unity in our country.”

Eid al-Adha, also called the Feast of Sacrifi ce or Greater Eid marks the end of Hajj - holy pilgrimage - one of the so-called fi ve pillars of Islam. Muslims all over the world celebrate it, not just those undertaking the Hajj, which for most is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. The festival honors prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifi ce his fi rst-born son Ismail as an act of submission to God’s command, and his son’s acceptance of the sacrifi ce, before God intervened to provide Ibrahim with a ram to sacrifi ce instead.

The celebrations of this three-day festival usually start with Muslims going to the Mosque for prayers and thanking Allah for the blessings that they have received. Those who can aff ord it will sacrifi ce a lamb or other sacrifi cial animal and share the meat with their family, friends and the poor. The sacrifi ce symbolizes obedience to Allah and its distribution to others is an expression of generosity –another of the fi ve pillars of Islam.

Khazret Sultan – the largest mosque in Central Asia - was opened in June 2012 by President Nazarbayev to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the capital’s switch to Astana. The name, which means “Most Holy Sultan”, was chosen by the President himself in honor of the great Eastern thinker, poet and philosopher – Khadzhi Akhmed Yassaui. The mosque can hold up to 10,000 worshippers and covers an area of 17,000 square meters.

Back to Contents2ASTANA CALLING / ISSUE 277 /

President Nazarbayev at the Khazret Sultan Mosque in Astana


Deputy Prime Minister in FranceOn October 25, Deputy Prime Minister Kairat Kelimbetov, paid an offi cial visit to France and held bilateral talks with French representatives. He also addressed a French-Kazakh business forum and promoted Astana’s bid to host EXPO-2017 with delegates to the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE), which will select the host country in December.

Mr Kelimbetov was received at the Élysée Palace by the Deputy Secretary General for Economic Aff airs, Emmanuel Macron. Mr Macron emphasized that President Hollande considers it crucial to continue strengthening the strategic partnership between France and Kazakhstan. Mr Macron also reiterated the support of France for Kazakhstan’s imminent accession to full WTO membership.

At the business forum organized by the French-Kazakh business council and Movement of French Enterprises (MEDEF), Mr Kelimbetov addressed representatives of over 40 French companies investing in Kazakhstan, including major enterprises such as Total, Alstom, Areva, EADS Eurocopter, Vika, Thales, Lactalis, Bouygues and Vinci, as well as the banking sector.

The Deputy Prime Minister outlined the economic progress and future priorities of Kazakhstan and urged the French business community to participate actively in the ongoing industrialization of Kazakhstan, with particular focus on the development of local content and technology transfer. Over USD 70 billion is being invested under the state program for industrial innovation, of which USD 15 billion is set aside for the development of 400 new enterprises.

He also encouraged more involvement in Kazakhstan by the French small and medium business sector, which was well represented at the forum. Among the major companies interested in Kazakhstan for potential investment was the telecommunications giant Orange.

An active Q&A session after the Deputy Prime Minister’s speech demonstrated that the audience was both well informed on the large development programs currently underway in Kazakhstan and monitoring the current investment climate.

Later, Mr Kelimbetov addressed an offi cial reception celebrating Kazakhstan’s Republic Day, where he outlined the successful strategy for developing the capacity and prospects for using alternative sources of energy in Kazakhstan.

He went on to highlight Astana’s bid to host EXPO-2017 on the proposed theme of “Future Energy”, which is relevant to people around the world and refl ects Kazakhstan’s many initiatives aimed at resolving global issues in security, the environment and the search for new energy sources.

The Deputy Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, Richard Jones, spoke of the importance of Kazakhstan’s work in developing alternative sources of energy and urged the audience to support Astana’s EXPO-2017 bid.

UN Under Secretary General Philippe Douste-Blazy endorsed the relevance of the “Future Energy” theme and the Deputy CEO of the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Hervé Bernard, outlined Kazakh-French cooperation on the development of solar energy and on behalf of the French Government, called for support for Astana’s bid to host EXPO-2017.

Deputy Prime Minister Kairat Kelimbetov


UNFPA Executive Director Visits KazakhstanOn October 29 Dr Babatunde Osotimehin, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), visited Kazakhstan to develop cooperation between UNFPA and Kazakhstan in the area of healthcare and population.

Dr Osotimehin met with Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov and Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov in Astana. He highlighted the signifi cant progress made by Kazakhstan in reducing maternal mortality and the spread of HIV/AIDS and described Kazakhstan as the center of UNFPA’s work in the Central Asian region. Dr Osotimehin also said the UNFPA fully endorses Kazakhstan’s investment in the young population as the means to achieving further signifi cant advances in the health of the nation.

UNFPA is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. UNFPA supports countries in using population data for policies and programs to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect.

Dr Osotimehin is a physician and public health expert who, before his UN appointment, served as Nigeria’s Minister for Health. Prior to that, he was Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of Aids, which coordinates measures to combat HIV and AIDS in a country of more than 160 million people.

The main focus of UNFPA work in Kazakhstan - which began in 1992 - is achieving the UN’s Millennium Development Goal 5: improving mothers’ health through ensuring a decrease in maternal mortality and attaining universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare. The UNFPA Kazakhstan program for 2010-2015 supports the implementation of a series of national priority programs, including the Strategic Development Plan to 2020, the healthcare development plan for 2011-2015 “Salamatty Kazakhstan” and the Strategy on Gender Equality 2006-2016.

Adolescents, young people, women of reproductive age and senior citizens are the particular focus of the UNFPA program, especially those people within the socially vulnerable population (for example women with many children, residents of rural areas, migrants, people with disabilities and people with HIV or at high risk of acquiring HIV).

Kazakhstan has achieved substantial improvement in key healthcare indicators in recent years. In 2007, the maternal mortality ratio was 45 per 100,000 live births: while still high relative to developed countries, this is a decrease from 140 per 100,000 births for the period 2003-2008.

“Today, we see Kazakhstan as a dynamically developing country, a regional hub and the center of our work in the Central Asian region”

UNFPA Executive Director Dr Babatunde Osotimehin

Erlan Idrissov meets with Babatunde Osotimehin

EU-Kazakhstan Parliamentary Cooperation CommitteeOn October 29 a delegation of members of the European Parliament (MEPs) arrived in Astana for the 11th meeting of the EU-Kazakhstan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (PCC). The EU delegation was led by Italian MEP Paolo Bartolozzi, Chairman of the EU-Kazakhstan PCC, while the Kazakh delegation of parliamentarians was headed by Mr Sergey Diachenko, Deputy Chairman of the Majilis.

During their visit to Kazakhstan, the MEPs were received by Deputy Prime Minister Yerbol Orynbayev, Minister of Foreign Aff airs Erlan Idrissov and Minister for Environment Protection Nurlan Kapparov. The delegation also met with the Speaker of the Majilis Nurlan Nigmatulin and Speaker of the Kazakh Senate Kairat Mami.

The PCC is a regular forum for EU and Kazakhstani parliamentarians to discuss cooperation in the diff erent areas covered by the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between the EU and Kazakhstan. The PCA, which became eff ective in July 1999, is the principal framework for the relationship between the EU and Kazakhstan.

A key role of the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee is to review the ongoing implementation of the PCA. The Committee has the right to request information from the Cooperation Council which supervises the Agreement and also has the power to make recommendations to the Council.

The EU and Kazakhstan are currently negotiating a new, enhanced partnership agreement that is expected to replace the current PCA. As part of this process, the European Parliament is working on a resolution containing recommendations to the EU’s External Action Service, Commission and Council. The resolution is scheduled for a vote on November 22.

At this week’s meeting, current and future cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU was the overall theme of the discussion, which included how to expand the legal basis for cooperation, enhance interparliamentary contacts, simplify visa regulations and develop regional cooperation.

On the subject of expanding the legal basis for cooperation, Mr Idrissov called for the fi nalizing of the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the EU, which will facilitate a deeper level of dialogue and strengthen long-term prospects for the relationship, he said.

Mr Idrissov stressed that regional cooperation between the EU and Kazakhstan is of the utmost importance in tackling terrorism, extremism and drug traffi cking, as well as ensuring effi cient use of energy and water resources and neutralizing the negative impact of the situation in Afghanistan on Central Asian states.

On simplifying visa regulations, Mr Idrissov said that freedom of movement is an element of Kazakhstan’s enhanced partnership with EU countries.

Mr Idrissov highlighted that the European Union is the largest trade and investment partner for Kazakhstan, accounting for half (49.7 %) of all foreign trade and a third of Kazakhstan’s foreign capital.

In 2011 the volume of trade between Kazakhstan and the EU increased to over USD 50 billion, from USD 38 billion in 2010. Growth has continued into 2012, with the trade fi gure for the fi rst half of the year reaching USD 27.3 billion. Since 1993 a total of over USD 70 billion of investments have come to Kazakhstan from EU countries; the leading sources of investment are France, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK.

Mr Bartolozzi and Mr Idrissov also discussed preparations for the forthcoming visit to Kazakhstan of EU High Representative for Foreign Aff airs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton.

“It is time to draw up and conclude the new enhanced Agreement between Kazakhstan and the

EU, which will allow for a qualitatively new level of dialogue and long-term prospects”

Erlan Idrissov, Minister of Foreign Aff airs


Erlan Idrissov and Paolo Bartolozzi

OSCE Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, was in Kazakhstan on an offi cial visit from October 29 – November 1.

Ms Mijatovic met with the Minister of Foreign Aff airs, Erlan Idrissov, to discuss a wide range of media-related issues, as well as the promotion of freedom of speech, the role of NGOs and other civil society organizations, and security issues within the OSCE.

Mr Idrissov highlighted Kazakhstan’s steadfast commitment to the principles of freedom of speech, human rights and fundamental democratic structures. The Minister emphasized that the Government of Kazakhstan is working with the Kazakh media and NGOs to develop cooperation with international organizations and that it stands ready to hold a constructive dialogue with the OSCE on a wide range of topics of mutual interest.

The Minister outlined the breakdown of the media sector in Kazakhstan, which comprises 2,500 outlets, of which 84% are privately owned. He also said that Kazakhstan is working to ensure that all types of media, especially modern media such as the Internet, play a positive, benefi cial role in the lives of Kazakhstanis.

Ms Mijatovic said that the Journalists’ Code of Ethics recently adopted in Kazakhstan corresponds to current world practice on media self-regulation. In recognition of the role Kazakhstan plays in the OSCE, she praised the success of the OSCE Summit held in Astana in December 2010, in particular the adoption of the “Astana Commemorative Declaration: towards a Security Community”.

In a separate meeting with the Commissioner on Human Rights in Kazakhstan, Askar Shakirov, Ms Mijatovic discussed issues relating to the regulation of media activity, as well as the protection of journalists. Mr Shakirov set out the main media-related goals of the National Human Rights Offi ce on Citizens’ Rights. He also updated Ms Mijatovic on preparations for a new law on access to information. Ms Mijatovic was positive about Kazakhstan’s “open door” policy and noted Kazakhstan’s leading role in this regard in the Central Asian region.

From Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dunja Mijatovic is an expert on media law and regulation and was appointed OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media on 11 March 2010. In 1998, as one of the founders of the Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, she helped to create a legal, regulatory and policy framework for the media in a complex post-war society. She has also chaired both the European Platform of Regulatory Agencies and the Council of Europe’s Group of Specialists on freedom of expression and information in times of crisis.


Erlan Idrissov receives Dunja Mijatovic

Registration of Religious Organizations CompletedOctober 25 marked the deadline for the completion of the registration of religious organizations under The Law on Religious Activities and Religious Associations that came into effect on October 25, 2011.

A total of 3,088 religious organizations representing 17 religious affiliations have successfully registered.

The purpose of the law is to protect society from the abuse of religious freedoms and attempts by extremists to radicalize society and create division. In Central Asia, such activities are unfortunately a serious danger and Kazakhstan is all too aware of the tragic consequences of efforts by some forces, both in Kazakhstan and neighbouring countries, to promote extremism under the guise of religion.

In an interview published in Kazakhstanskaya Pravda on October 25, the Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Religious Affairs Agency, Kairat Lama Sharif, said: “The processes underway in the religious sphere are today assuming strategic significance from the point of view of public security and, in general, national security. The state could not stand aside from these processes.”

While drafting the new law, the Kazakhstan authorities consulted widely, including with relevant bodies of the United Nations and the OSCE. In doing so, Kazakhstan was able to learn from the experience of the many countries around the world which have faced similar challenges.

The registration process ran smoothly and will be extended for a further 12 months for those organizations that failed on purely technical grounds (for example, fewer than the minimum required number of 50 adherents: in several cases, smaller groups have merged with others in order to register). Organizations refused registration for non-technical reasons have the right of appeal.

Located at a crossroads of cultures, religions and civilizations, Kazakhstan has historically accommodated a diverse range of traditions and beliefs. Today, Kazakhstan is home to over 130 ethnic groups and is an example of a country where Islam and Christianity meet and co-exist peacefully. Islam is the most commonly practiced religion and about 70% of the population is Sunni Muslim. The second largest religious affiliation is to Christianity, professed by 25% of the population, of whom the majority belong to the Russian Orthodox Church, while Roman Catholics comprise 2% of the population.

Since independence from the former Soviet Union was declared in 1991, diversity and tolerance have been at the heart of Kazakhstan’s national identity. The State is firmly committed to upholding these fundamental values and the new law on registration of religious organizations lies at the heart of these efforts. The introductory text of the Law, the Constitution of Kazakhstan and the country’s commitment to many international treaties all guarantee the right to freedom of conscience and religious belief.


“... re-registration has allowed us to update and receive transparent data on the real religious situation that exists,

which, like a mosaic, is formed from the activity of every religious association. The classification of confessions in Kazakhstan

has also been improved allowing us to establish a more accurate figure for them: 17, not 46.”

Kairat Lama Sharif, Chairman, Religious Affairs Agency of Kazakhstan


Also in The News…• Kazakhstan has been ranked 46th out of 144 countries in the Legatum Institute’s 2012 Prosperity Index. Based on 2011 data,

Kazakhstan was the highest ranked country from the CIS. In the 2011 Index Kazakhstan came 50th. In this year’s Index, Russia was ranked 66th, Ukraine 71st, Belarus’ 54th Uzbekistan 64th and Kyrgyzstan 88th. Norway, Denmark and Sweden came first, second and third respectively. (Interfax-Kazakhstan)

• Kazakhstan’s IT market will grow 12% in 2012 according to Andrey Beklemishev, head of IDC’s office in Kazakhstan. He predicted that the IT market would continue to grow annually by 10% up to 2016. (KazTAG)

• On October 22, Rapil Zhosybayev, Executive Secretary of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Coordinator of “Astana EXPO-2017” held talks in the capital of Antigua and Barbuda during which he presented Astana’s bid to host EXPO-2017. He also discussed co-operation in the area of tourism, agriculture, oil refining and trade issues. During his meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mamba Liverpool, a protocol was signed on support for Astana’s bid. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Service)

• The promotion video “EXPO 2017 The Great Expectation” of Kazakhstan” is a powerful PR project for the country, according to its producers. On October 18 the video won the second place “Silver Dolphin” award at Cannes in the “corporate film” category at the annual festival “Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards”. (BNews.kz)

• Kazakhstan’s mission promoting EXPO-2017 in Astana has arrived in St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. Head of the Motor Bike Expedition Dmitry Petrukhin said that the islands were supportive of Astana’s bid. (Interfax-Kazakhstan)

• President Nazarbayev visited Astana’s Opera and Ballet Theater currently under construction on October 31. He noted the need to train and employ on the project highly-qualified Kazakhstani specialists with the experience and knowledge of installing and operating the latest technical equipment. The unique technical characteristics of the theater will provide for further development of Astana’s cultural life. The main auditorium will have 1250 seats. There will also be a small auditorium for chamber music with 250 seats. (KazTAG)

• On November 1, a UNESCO/ICOM training program for specialists from leading CIS will begin together with an experts meeting on “Museum management: management policy and practical implementation. The training program will cover issues related to improving the legal and financial provision for the work of museums in CIS countries. The training program is part of a joint project between UNESCO and the Intergovernmental Foundation for Educational, Scientific and Cultural Cooperation (IFESCCO). (KazTAG)

• Dmitry Gruzdev, Kazakhstan’s road cycling racer who rides for Team Astana, has won the Tour of Hainan International Cycling Race. This is Kazakhstan’s third cycling success in a row in China. Prior to Gruzdev’s victory Team Astana’s captain, Valentin Iglinskiy won the nine-day race two years in a row. (KazTAG)

• On October 26 celebrations were held in Astana’s Central Concert Hall for the best education patrons in Kazakhstan. Chairman of the Board of NAC Kazatomprom, Vladimir Shkolnik, was named one of the best education patrons in the “Investments in the Future” nominations. Kazatomprom has earmarked 30 billion tenge for education in the last three years, building a new Palace for Pupils, three schools, five nurseries, five sports’ complexes and stadiums, two libraries, and providing money for student scholarships in Kazakhstan. (Kazinform)


Things to Watch…• Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, will visit Kazakhstan for the first time November 2-5. He will meet with President

Nazarbayev. During his stay, the exhibition “Epoch of Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly” will be formally opened at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. The exhibition is dedicated to Princess Grace, mother of Albert II. An honorary consulate of the Principality of Monaco will also be opened. Diplomatic relations were established between Kazakhstan and the Principality of Monaco in 2009.

• Prime Minister of Belarus’ Mikhail Myasnikovich will make an official visit to Kazakhstan 9-10 November.

• On 9-10 November, Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov will be in Tokyo to attend the fourth session of the Council of Foreign Ministers that is part of the dialogue “Central Asia + Japan”.

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• Kazakhstan’s first Cheerleading Championships are taking place in Astana. Dance groups, cheerleading clubs, and dancers from secondary schools and universities in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan as well as world champions from Japan, will take part in the event. There will be 500 participants in total. (KazTAG)

• Leaders of the Akmola Region have decided to build a Vocal and Dombra Academy in Kokshetau. The project, supported by President Nazarbayev will be the first of its kind in the country. The academy will be a creative laboratory for beginners, experienced musicians and composers from all over Kazakhstan as well as from abroad. The Akmola Region has a rich cultural heritage; it was the birthplace of the famous 19th century Kazakh musicians, Birzhan-sal, Akan-sere, Ukili Ybraya and Baluan Sholak. (Interfax-Kazakhstan)

• Olympic cycling champion Alexander Vinokurov has suggested a ride on solar-powered bicycles from Paris to Astana to support Kazakhstan’s bid to host EXPO 2017. His suggestion was made during an official reception on the occasion of the Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Paris. (Kazinform)

• Kazakhstan’s national airline Air Astana has received its first Embraer 190 airliner. The airline’s press service said the aircraft landed on 1st of November in Almaty. It was named after the first Kazakhstani woman pilot, Kiouaz Dospanova. (Interfax)

• The National Bank of Kazakhstan has issued commemorative coins in a “Cities of Kazakhstan” series with a nominal value of 50 tenge. The “Pavlodar”, “Atyrau” and “Aktau” coins have identical images on their front, while the back sides show the emblems of the respective cities. (KazTAG)

• Minister of Foreign Affairs Erlan Idrissov expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims taken by Hurricane Sandy in the United States.

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