+30 / +15°C Wednesday, june 24, 2015 No 12 (78) www.astanatimes.com Fifth Congress of Religious Leaders Calls Finalises to End Distrust, Strengthen Dialogue Terms for Accession to WTO

By Dmitry Lee

ASTANA – After nearly 20 years of negotiations, Kazakhstan finalised on June 10 terms for the country to accede to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). “I congratulate WTO members and the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the historic step taken today to conclude the acces- sion negotiations of Kazakhstan and finalise its WTO accession package. I look forward to welcoming Ka- zakhstan to the WTO,” said WTO Director General Roberto Azevêdo following the meeting with the Working Party on Kazakhstan’s President (C) with participants in the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana. accession, during which the terms were reached, according to infor- By Michelle Witte law,” and for “media owners and Sauli Niinistö and King Abdullah In opening the congress, Presi- event opened. “We have shown the mation released by the organisation. publishers to cease using their me- II of Jordan, who addressed the dent Nazarbayev called inclusive world that the fatal inevitability of President Nursultan Nazarbayev ASTANA – The fifth Congress dia outlets, including web-based opening and the closing plenary dialogue crucial to progress. “[Di- conflict of religions and cultures spoke to the people of Kazakhstan of Leaders of World and Tradi- ones, as a tool to incite religious sessions of the congress. alogue] should be based on the does not exist in our society,” the in a televised address in connec- tional Religions in Astana com- and sectarian divisions, reminding The theme of the congress was principles of equality, mutual re- President said. “Therefore, they tion with the completion of acces- sion negotiations on June 22, telling pleted its work on June 11 with them of their moral responsibil- “Dialogue of Religious Leaders spect and recognition of each oth- can be avoided at any level of in- them the Working Party had met in the adoption of a final political and ity and to advise that they spread and Politicians for Peace and er’s interests, cooperation, toler- ternational politics. We have dem- earlier that day and Kazakh- religious declaration based on pro- a culture of peace, accord and re- Development,” and it included ance and mutual understanding,” onstrated that tolerant attitudes stan’s bid had been formally and fi- posals made by Kazakh President spect among religions, peoples sessions on subjects such as “Re- he said. “In the 21st century, an al- within society are the question nally approved. He called the event Nursultan Nazarbayev during his ligious and Political Leaders: ternative to dialogue in all fields – and nations,” among other exhor- of conscious responsibility of the “historic” and said Kazakhstan was opening address to the gathering. tations for conflicts to be ceased, Responsibility to Humanity,” political, economic, cultural, and state and religious organisations, to become the 162nd member of the The final declaration includes for dialogue to be continued, for “The Influence of Religion on spiritual – does not exist. Today, and ordinary citizens.” global trade organisation. calls for “political leaders of world joint efforts against extremism and Youth: Education, Science, Cul- humanity has great material, sci- Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, “WTO membership opens up powers to stop the growing abyss other declarations. ture and the Media,” “Religion entific, technical and intellectual president of the Pontifical Coun- new horizons for our economy. of distrust in the world today, to The event drew religious leaders and Politics: New Trends and capabilities. No progress will [be cil for Interreligious Dialogue This ensures that our companies end mutual sanctions and to use from Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Prospects,” “Dialogue Based achieved] if people do not learn to in the Roman Curia, echoed the have access to foreign markets and the mechanisms of the United Na- Muslim, Jewish and Zoroastrian on Mutual Respect and Under- live in peace and spiritual harmo- sentiment when he called Kazakh- gives customers access to a large tions and other international organ- traditions from more than 40 coun- standing between the Leaders of ny with each other,” the President stan an example of a society that selection of goods and services. isations to overcome the divisions tries, as well as political leaders World and Traditional Religions said. remains secular yet respects reli- Today 90 percent of our bilateral and restore peace and security such as UN Secretary General Ban for the Sake of Peace, Security Kazakhstan itself was offered gious differences. trade is with WTO member-states. in accordance with international Ki-moon, President of Finland and Harmony.” as an example of harmony as the Continued on Page A2 Continued on Page A4 IAEA Board Day of Kazakhstan’s Pavilion at Approves Agreement EXPO 2015 to be Held in Milan By Malika Orazgaliyeva ple visit it daily. While waiting in ion and a business forum that is mare’s milk, and given an op- on Housing LEU line to enter the pavilion, visitors being held on the initiative of Ka- portunity to take a selfie with the MILAN – The world exposi- have a chance to observe Kazakh zakhstan’s Ministry of Investment pavilion’s equipment. A restaurant tion EXPO Milano 2015 opened in art through performances by Ka- and Development. has been opened at the pavilion for Italy in early May and will last for zakh artist. The outside of Kazakhstan’s pa- people to try Kazakh food. Bank in Kazakhstan six months. The National Day of Kazakhstan vilion evokes wheat, which is one “The next expo event will take By Michelle Witte LEU in case they cannot access it EXPO Milano 2015 examines is expected to be held on June 27 of the country’s main agricultural place in Astana in 2017. Kazakh- on the commercial market oth- human history through the lens of in front of the Expo Centre, with crops. Inside the pavilion are six stan’s pavilion serves as one of the two aspects of food production: zones dedicated to agriculture, main attractions of Expo 2015, as ASTANA – The Board of Gov- erwise. It is intended to provide an official ceremony to be attended traditional cultural values and the by Nur- livestock, aquaculture, environ- well as demonstrates the country’s ernors of the -based Inter- IAEA member states with confi- use of new technologies, its organ- sultan Nazarbayev. ment, arable farming and surpris- readiness to host such a large event national Atomic Energy Agency dence in a steady and predictable (IAEA) approved a host-state isers say. They expect up to 20 mil- The Kazakh delegation will be ing facts about Kazakhstan. To in 2017,” General Commissioner supply of fuel even if other sup- welcomed with a flag-raising cere- engage visitors, interactive and of the National Pavilion of Ka- agreement on June 12 between lion visitors during the half-year ply mechanisms are disrupted, the the event will be open. mony and, as usual, by the national multimedia technologies are wide- zakhstan Anuarbek Mussin said. the agency and the government IAEA announcement explained. Kazakhstan’s pavilion is one anthems of Kazakhstan and Italy. ly used in the expositions. of Kazakhstan on hosting an in- However, a key principle of the of the most popular among expo After the ceremony, the President All the guests are offered kumys, See more stories on EXPO ternational low-enriched uranium bank is that it must not distort the guests, and more than 4,500 peo- is set to visit Kazakhstan’s pavil- a national drink of fermented 2017 on Page B8. (LEU) fuel bank in the country, commercial market, and it does not an offer Kazakhstan first made affect the rights of IAEA member in 2010, according to an IAEA states to develop their own nuclear announcement on the same day. fuel cycle facilities, the IAEA said. The board also approved a transit Member states wishing to pur- agreement with Russia on mov- chase LEU from the IAEA LEU Astana Arlans Win Second WSB Title ing nuclear materials through its bank will need to have a Compre- territory. hensive Safeguards Agreement in The bank is intended to assure force with the agency, among other countries with peaceful nuclear criteria. programmes of a ready supply of Continued on Page A8 Ban Ki-moon Visits Kazakhstan, Promotes Stronger Cooperation gions and other ways of coop- By Malika Orazgaliyeva eration. Nazarbayev noted that the par- ASTANA – President of Ka- ticipation of the UN secretary- zakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev general in the Congress, which met Secretary has been taking place in the pur- General Ban Ki-moon in Asta- pose-built Palace of Peace and na’s Palace of Peace and Har- Harmony since 2006, seriously mony on June 10 to discuss the increases the significance of the work of the Congress of Leaders event. of World and Traditional Reli- Continued on Page A3 Read the story on Page B7.

Inside NATION Economy & Business editorial & opinion opinions Nation & Capital Kazakh President Awards Diplomas to First Qatari Foreign Minister Visits Astana, Olympic Bid Remains Strong Going into Abdrakhmanov: Building Civil Service Kazakh Granny Discovers Whole New World Graduates of Nazarbayev University A2 Nazarbayev’s Fall Visit Discussed A3 Final Weeks A6 Excellence in Post-2015 Development at 80 B1 Agenda A7 Anti-Doping Conference Highlights Almaty’s OSCE High Commissioner on National Skopje, Astana Poised to Move Relations to NGOs, Government Discuss Civil Society Olympics Hosting Bid B1 Minorities Praises Kazakh Social New Level A6 Chase: Two Recurring Questions A7 Involvement B5 Development Efforts A3

US$ 1 = 186.05 KZT 1 Euro = 210.98 KZT 1 Rouble = 3.48 KZT A2 NATION

Wednesday, june 24, 2015

NATIONAL Kazakh President Awards Diplomas to First news in brief The United Arab Emirates postal service and KazPost have issued stamps dedicated to the heads of the Graduates of Nazarbayev University two friendly states: President of Ka- By Aiman Turebekova research capacity, innovation in zakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and technology and industry and the President of the UAE Sheikh Khalifa ASTANA – Very few people transition to a system of educa- bin Zayed Al Nahyan. A presentation have the pleasure of awarding tion that meets the demands of a ceremony for the new stamps was diplomas to the graduates of the changing and globally-integrated held on June 9 in Dubai. university named in their honour. economy. Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- The academic process is based Kazakhstan has confirmed that, arbayev had that opportunity June on international educational stan- so far, 27 countries and four inter- 15 as he participated in the pre- dards, which contributes to the national organisations will partici- sentation of sheepskins to the first advancement of the Kazakh edu- pate in EXPO 2017 in Astana, Expo 446 students to complete their cation system and takes it to the National Commissioner and First bachelor studies at Nazarbayev international level. It is the first Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs University. university in Kazakhstan commit- of Kazakhstan Rapil Zhoshybayev The ceremony began with ted to working in accordance with announced in Paris on June 10, Ka- words of gratitude from the Presi- those standards and guided by the zinform reports. Zhoshybayev was dent to the university staff and principles of autonomy and aca- taking part in the 157th session of the parents of the soon-to-be alumni. demic freedom. General Assembly of the Internation- “The first graduates of the flag- In the last five years, the total al Exhibitions Bureau (BIE), where ship of higher education, first number of students has increased reports on preparations for expos in scientific and educational centre to 2,800 in seven schools. Grants Astana in 2017 and Dubai in 2020, at the international level in our are awarded annually to 500 stu- as well as a horticultural exhibition history, are about to become part dent applicants who receive the in Antalya 2016, were presented. of the working society of Kazakh- highest scores on an exam admin- stan. Our country gets a new gen- istered by the university. The stu- An international crew of astronauts eration of young, fully-trained, dents’ living costs for the duration comprising a Russian, an American skilled professionals. This is es- of their study are covered by the and an Italian woman astronaut who pecially important now when we state educational grant. set a record for flight time in space are about to start the deep trans- The greatest numbers of stu- by a woman landed safely in Ka- zakhstan on June 11 after being de- formation based on the Plan of dents are trained at the School of layed because of the April failure of the Nation of the modernisation Humanities and Social Sciences, a Russian Soyuz rocket, after which of the country,” he said. as well as the School of Science launches and returns were postponed The university will provide and Technology, the School of for an investigation. The Expedition knowledge, scientific discoveries Engineering, the Graduate School President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev gives a diploma to a Nazarbayev University graduate on June 15. 43 trio, Commander Terry Virts of and innovations to Kazakhstan’s of Education, the Graduate School NASA and Flight Engineers Anton economy and life, Nazarbayev of Public Policy and the Graduate than countries such as France, President of the university Shi- pletely new climate of teaching Shkaplerov of the Russian Federal added. The President believes the School of Business. Among the Sweden and Turkey. geo Katsu and Kazakh Minister and research,” said Katsu, who Space Agency and Samantha Cristo- graduates will expand awareness popular specialties are computer “Everything we do today, we do of Education and Science Aslan has served at the university since foretti of the European Space Agen- about the nation through their science, mechanical engineering, for you and your future. Today, Sarinzhipov also congratulated its formation. cy were delayed in returning by near- professionalism, patriotism and robotics and mechatronics, edu- ly a month, leading to Cristoforetti’s leadership. doors to the whole world are open the alumni on the historic occa- Established in 2010 at the initia- cation management, biological for you. You live in an interest- sion. tive of the President, Nazarbayev record. The three landed near the re- At the end of his speech, Naz- sciences, electrical and electronic mote town of Dzhezkazgan. arbayev noted thousands of stu- ing period of time and grow along “We are proud of you! You are University aims to become the engineering and construction en- with the country. This is a result of our first ever graduates. You are first world-class university and dents were also getting their gineering. Kazakhstan will stop offering free peace and stability in our society. the representatives of the new research centre in Kazakhstan. diplomas from other schools Commencement was attended lunches at secondary schools in the throughout the country. He noted Therefore, your main mission is to era of higher education in Ka- Its activities are associated with by students, their parents and new school year, instead switching that UNICEF ranks Kazakhstan strengthen the unity and harmony zakhstan. You are not only in- the implementation of the main teaching staff, managers of large to more targeted assistance pro- 27th in the Global Youth Devel- in the country. I wish you all peace telligent but brave, because you priorities of the country, includ- national companies and other grammes, Radio Free Europe re- opment Index, a higher position and farewell,” said Nazarbayev. have begun to learn in a com- ing the development of advanced guests. ports. The Almaty city administra- tion said the money will instead be used to pay for lunches for orphans and children from low-income families. President of Kazakhstan Fifth Congress of Religious Nursultan Nazarbayev spoke about needing to cancel free lunch pro- grammes in February, when dis- cussing measures to be taken to Leaders Calls to End avoid an economic crisis with his cabinet. Distrust, Strengthen Dialogue Talgat Yermegiayev has been re- lieved of his position as chairman Continued from Page A1 to hold communities together of the Board of Astana EXPO 2017 and provide common ground for National Company, Tengrinews “The fact that we are here rep- peace-making and problem solv- reported on June 12. Today.kz re- resents a feature which is in Ka- ing.” ported the following day that Ye- zakhstan, and I think people who They also have an obligation to rmegiayev had been placed under come from all over the world try speak out when so-called adher- house arrest on suspicion of embez- to copy the model of Kazakh- ents of their faith commit crimes zling more than $1 million of state stan’s friendship and harmony. in its name, he said. funds set aside for the event. Yer- … I think more and more coun- While participants expressed megiayev has chaired the company, tries will follow the example of appreciation for the opportunity which is managing preparations for Kazakhstan, to learn from it,” for discussion, there were also the exposition, since 2013. Presi- said Yeshaya Cohen, chief rabbi acknowledgements that the dia- dent of Kazakhstan Nursultan Naz- of Kazakhstan and chair of the logue needs to be brought from arbayev appointed Akim (Mayor) of Council of Rabbis of Europe and the world of religion to the world Astana as the Asia, in his opening remarks, Ka- of politics. At a press briefing on new chairman of the board of Asta- zakh TV reported. June 10, head of the World Forum na EXPO 2017 National Company. In his speech to the plenary ses- of Islamic Schools of Thought sion, Nazarbayev commented on Ayatolla Mohsen Araki of Iran A two-day regional workshop on the congress’s fundamental role: said the conference was useful combating cybercrime was held in to be a force for peace, particular- for suggesting solutions to solve Almaty on June 11-12. The event ly in violent times. “A distinctive problems between religions. was co-organised by the Strategic feature of this forum is to discuss However, he noted, “the real Police Matters Unit of the Organisa- the relationship of religions and problem is politics, it is not re- tion for Security and Cooperation in cultures in the interests of peace ligious. … Politicians have to Europe (OSCE) and the OSCE pro- and stability on the planet,” he do something to solve the prob- gramme office in Astana, in coordi- said. “The relevance of such a lems in Syria, in , in Yemen. nation with the UN Office on Drugs discussion is enhanced by the … The most important thing is and Crime (UNODC). Some 45 disturbing development of the that politicians, especially the law-enforcement officers special- global situation. Today, the world politicians in superpowers, don’t ising in cybercrime investigations is literally hanging in a dangerous have a very strong will to solve from Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and state of uncertainty.” the problem. They benefit from took part in the event. The UN secretary-general, ad- this problem in our region. They Experts from Belarus, Russia, Tur- dressing the congress, comment- benefit from the clash … between key, the United States and the UN- ed on the role of religion in “a different religions,” he said. ODC shared their experience with world in transition.” With urbani- The congress was strong on participants, including in the use of sation and migration rising and a prevention, with many condem- special units and cross-border ex- need for equitable development, nations of violence. Chairman of changes of information. Participants the global security landscape is in the Spiritual Administration of the discussed challenges in combating a state of flux, he said. Muslims of Russia Mufti Ravil cybercrime and reviewed training “We face enormous opportuni- Gaynutdin said young people opportunities and training modules, ties. We are the first generation should be prevented from being recruitment policies, data collec- that can end global poverty and seduced by terrorism. “[Young tion, budget allocation and logistics. the last generation that can ad- people] should be educated in a They explored ways to enhance co- dress global warming before it is spirit of tolerance and respect ordination among law-enforcement too late. But we also face enor- among religions and peoples. … agencies, governmental structures, mous risks,” Ban said. “Civil Religious leaders must not take the private sector, academia and conflicts, terrorism, organised weapons and go to the mountains nongovernmental organisations. crime, drug trafficking and health to fight terrorism. Our weapon is They also examined specific cyber- crises threaten millions of people. the holy book,” he said. crime cases and techniques used by These dangers transcend national When asked about rehabilita- investigative and forensic units. The borders. … Religious leaders – tion of terrorists, however, he workshop is part of the OSCE’s ac- traditional and non-traditional said that it was national, secular tivities in combating transnational – have a pivotal role to play. In agencies that bore the responsi- threats, money laundering, the fi- times of turmoil, religious leaders bility for rehabilitating terrorist nancing of terrorism and the abuse can provide a values-based glue recruits. of the Internet for criminal purposes. A3 eurasia&world

Wednesday, june 24, 2015

external news in brief Qatari Foreign Minister Visits Astana, President Nursultan Nazarbayev has signed the law “On Ratification of the Agreement between Kazakh- stan and the Kyrgyz Republic on Nazarbayev’s Fall Visit Discussed confidence building measures in the Idrissov following their talks. border area,” which will increase co- By Malika Orazgaliyeva “We are focusing on mutual coop- operation on military, customs and eration whether it is agriculture, law enforcement issues, as well as ASTANA – Trade, economic, energy or aviation.” in other spheres. The countries will investment, transit and transport The foreign minister noted he now agree on the geographic scope, cooperation were discussed be- has appreciated each of his visits timing and composition of military tween Kazakh President Nursul- to the nation. and special exercises; notify each tan Nazarbayev and Qatari “Every time I come to Kazakh- other of large-scale military activi- Foreign Minister Khalid Bin Mo- stan I learn something new in ties and troop movements; establish hammed Al Attiyah on June 17 your country. It is very dynamic close contacts between military bor- during the latter’s official visit to and changing, which is good to der agencies, special services staff Kazakhstan. see,” Al Attiyah said. and customs and law enforcement Nazarbayev commended the During the meeting, they ex- agencies along the border; and im- high level of relations between changed views on topical in- plement confidence building meas- the two nations. ternational issues including the ures, according to the Committee on “I am confident your visit will situation in the Middle East, Iraq, Foreign Affairs, Defence and Secu- bring our cooperation to a higher Libya, Syria and Yemen, as well rity of the Mazhilis of Kazakhstan. level. Qatar has greatly contrib- as the Ukrainian crisis, as report- The neighbours will also cooperate uted to the construction of our ed by the Kazakh Foreign Minis- on border stability, fighting illegal capital, Astana, especially [by fi- try. The counterparts underlined activities and notifying each other of nancing the construction of the] that only the collective efforts of natural disasters. Nur Astana mosque,” he said. all interested sides can help solve Foreign Minister of Qatar Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Attiyah (L) and President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev The head of state also thanked meet in Astana on June 17. the problems. King Abdullah II of Jordan met the Qatari side for its assistance “Kazakhstan and Qatar are not Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Mas- regarding the planned construc- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Special attention was paid to tion of Emir Al Thani to fund the only peace loving, but also peace- simov in Astana on June 11 to dis- tion of a rehabilitation centre for Khalifa Al Thani to the President implementing the agreements building of a school in Astana. making countries,” said Al Atti- cuss the latest developments in the victims of Soviet nuclear tests and expressed hope for the further reached during Emir Tamim’s The Akimat of Astana and the yah. region. Both parties stressed the in Semey. The project is being strengthening of the nations’ bi- visit in 2014, including creat- Qatar Development Fund have The two ministers also positive- need to promote bilateral ties and to implemented within the frame- lateral partnership. ing a Kazakhstan and Qatar joint already started work on it,” said ly assessed mutual cooperation build on existing agreements, Jor- work of cooperation between the Al Attiyah met the same day investment fund and opening a Idrissov. within international and regional dan’s Petra News Agency reported. Nazarbayev Foundation for Cul- with Kazakh Foreign Minister direct air route between the two “Qatar and Kazakhstan enjoy organisations such as the United They also discussed counter-terror- ture, Education and Social Pro- , where they dis- states. In addition, one of the main good, friendly relations. Qatar Nations (UN), Conference on In- ism efforts and more general work grammes and the Qatar Develop- cussed the prospects of deepening aims of Al Attiyah’s trip to Astana sees great potential in terms of teraction and Confidence-Build- to support peace and security in the ment Fund. political dialogue and increasing was preparation for Nazarbayev’s developing investment coopera- ing Measures in Asia (CICA) and Middle East. Massimov noted that In turn, Al Attiyah conveyed trade, economic and cultural and upcoming visit to Qatar this fall. tion with Kazakhstan,” Al Attiyah Organisation of Islamic Coopera- Kazakhstan is very interested in in- the greetings of Emir of Qatar humanitarian cooperation. “We are grateful for the inten- said at a joint press briefing with tion (OIC). vestment from Jordan.

Members of the Belarusian Na- tional Assembly met with the Astana EXPO 2017 Company and con- OSCE High Commissioner firmed their interest in participating Ban Ki-moon Visits in infrastructure projects that are part of preparations for the event as well on National Minorities as part of larger regional develop- ment programmes, the Belarusian Kazakhstan, Promotes Praises Kazakh Social News reports, citing the press ser- vice of Belarus’s House of Repre- sentatives. The meeting came dur- Development Efforts ing the June 15-18 official visit of Stronger Cooperation tant as ever for the OSCE. She also a Belarusian parliamentary delega- By Malika Orazgaliyeva tion to Kazakhstan. Chairman of the noted the importance of the fifth House of Representatives of Belarus Congress of Leaders of World and ASTANA – Organisation for Vladimir Andreichenko met Chair- Traditional Religions on June 10-11 Security and Cooperation in Eu- man of the Senate of Kazakhstan in strengthening the atmosphere of rope (OSCE) High Commissioner Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the dialogue at the international level. on National Minorities (HCNM) visit to discuss trade, economic and The two sides noted the impor- Astrid Thors travelled to Astana humanitarian cooperation, as well tance of keeping the policy of in- to participate in a conference dedi- as strengthening inter-regional coop- terethnic consent in Kazakhstan, as cated to the 20th anniversary of the eration and the interaction between well as an exchange of experience Belarusian and Kazakh MPs in inter- Assembly of the People of Kazakh- with OSCE in this sensitive area. national parliamentary organisations. stan (APK). The same day, Thors met in the An agreement on cooperation signed During her visit, she held a meet- Kazakh National Library with between the House of Representa- ing on June 15 with Kazakh Foreign Deputy Chairman and Head of the tives of Belarus and the Mazhilis Minister Erlan Idrissov where they APK Secretariat Yeraly Tugzhanov. (lower chamber of Parliament) of discussed the state and prospects of He reported on the implementa- Kazakhstan is expected to open new cooperation between her office and tion of the national action plan on avenues of cooperation. the nation. organisation and holding the Year Idrissov underlined that the trip of the APK. They also exchanged Kazakhstan and the United States provided Thors with an opportunity views on further development of should strengthen bilateral military to receive up-to-date information the state’s ethnic policy. cooperation, says U.S. Army Central about the country’s achievements According to the official OSCE Command Sergeant Major Ronnie in building a tolerant and multicul- website, the HCNM becomes in- Kelley, Tengrinews reports. Kelley tural society and identify new op- volved in a situation if, in her made the remarks at a press confer- portunities to enhance the activities judgement, there are tensions in- ence in Astana on June 11, following Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov (L) and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon open the new UN building in Astana. of the OSCE programme office in volving national minorities which a conference with non-commissioned Kazakhstan. He noted the country could develop into a conflict. Much Continued from Page A1 very much privileged to open this religious leaders have a critical role has managed to successfully con- of the day-to-day work is in identi- officers of Kazakhstan’s Armed new, very excellent United Nations to play. This was also the subject Forces. The sergeant major said that front the financial crisis, join the 50 fying and addressing causes of eth- “In spite of your busyness, espe- House. This should be our common of a United Nations General As- most competitive economies in the nic tensions and conflicts. The high military matters offered “a great op- working place, and I would like to sembly high-level meeting which I cially in light of the difficult period in world and build its own model of commissioner addresses the short- portunity for cooperation” between the economy, politics, inter-confes- sincerely thank the government convened in late April for the same socio-economic development. term triggers of interethnic tension the two countries, and “the more we sional issues, as well as preparation and people of Kazakhstan for their purpose,” he added. work as a team, the more we coop- for the 70th anniversary of the UN, strong support for the United Na- During the event, President of Al “The results of these efforts or conflict and long-term structural erate, the stronger we will be.” Kel- you came to our country. In addition, tions,” Ban said. Farabi Kazakh National University helped to launch the Kazakhstan concerns. If a participating state is ley also praised the level of training you supported our initiative on the Kazakhstan intends to continue Galimkair Mutanov presented to Ban 2050 development strategy and the not meeting its political commit- of Kazakhstan’s soldiers and said closure of the nuclear test site, which supporting the United Nations, Id- an honorary doctorate degree from Nurly Zhol economic programme, ments or international norms, she that the country was moving in the is celebrated on Aug. 29 as the Inter- rissov said, noting the decision to al- the university for his contribution to the main aim of which is to get to will assist by providing analysis and right direction. Kelley also noted that national Day against Nuclear Tests. locate another building in Almaty for peace and mutual understanding in the 30 developed countries in the recommendations. Based on expe- Command Sergeant Major Temirbek We believe that through forums like the needs of UN international agen- the international arena. world,” he said. rience, the HCNM publishes the- Khalykov of Kazakhstan’s armed this one, Kazakhstan contributes cies. Like the building in Astana, lo- Ban noted that he perceives it as The foreign minister noted the at- matic recommendations and guide- forces, who was the first Kazakh to the establishment of peace in the cated on the bank of the Yessil River, a sign of respect to the whole sys- mosphere of tolerance and harmony lines that give advice on common to graduate from the United States world,” he said. the building in Almaty is situated in tem of the UN and its staff around in Kazakhstan has become the hall- challenges and best practices. The Army Sergeants Major Academy, In turn, Ban thanked Nazarbayev one of the most picturesque areas of the world, who are working tire- mark of the country. The progress high commissioner also provides had recently been added to the Hall for the invitation to take part in the the city and has a total area of 20,000 lessly, day and night, for world in socio-economic development structural support through small of Fame of the United States Army event, which brought together lead- square metres. At the moment, con- peace and democracy and human was achieved thanks to interethnic collaborative projects that aim to Sergeants Major Academy as one of ers of world religions. struction and repair works are un- rights, even under very difficult peace and religious harmony, the achieve sustainability through in- its best graduates. “I would like to pay tribute to your derway. When they are finished, the and dangerous circumstances. top priorities of President Nursultan creasing local ownership. vision and initiative to assemble this building will be transferred to the “You are one of the oldest uni- Nazarbayev’s policy. A native of Finland, Thors began President of the Mitzvah Associa- congress, which is really important UN. Kazakhstan hopes the move versities in and I will Idrissov added that the key fea- her mandate on August 20, 2013. tion of Jewish National Organisations in current times. You came up with will advance the issue of creating a do my best to preserve that kind of ture of Kazakhstan’s policy is the She was a member of Finnish Par- of Kazakhstan and member of the this initiative 12 years ago, when the UN regional diplomacy hub in Al- honour and legacy of your univer- understanding of the term “toler- liament from 2004–2013, served Assembly of the People of Kazakh- situation was radically different from maty, much like the ones in Istanbul sity. I know that you are celebrating ance” not only as “tolerance toward as Minister of Migration and Euro- stan (APK) Alexander Baron visited the present. Today, when the whole and Bangkok. 80 years [since you were founded]; others,” but as “tolerance plus,” pean Affairs (2007–2011) and was Washington on June 10, meeting U.S. world is suffering from religious ex- “Kazakhstan is known for its for the United Nations, this is the including respect for others and a member of the European Parlia- tremism and terrorism, it is necessary championing role as a leading coun- State Department Special Envoy to 70th [anniversary] – you are 10 ensuring mutual enrichment from ment (1996–2004). that the voices of religious leaders try in this region and also a global years older than the United Nations! Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism peaceful co-existence and develop- The HCNM’s mandate states that that are calling to confront the hatred leader. The country has been pro- We are similar in age and share a the high commissioner should be Ira Forman and members of the U.S. have been heard,” he said, as quoted moting, as one of the leaders, nucle- similar mission to build bridges of ment on this basis. Congress and briefing them on the by the presidential press service. ar nonproliferation, as well as peace- understanding and cooperation and In turn, Thors said she appreci- an eminent international personal- APK, Jewish life in Kazakhstan and Following the meeting with the building in a variety of conflicts, global citizenry,” he said. ated the steps the Kazakh govern- ity with long-standing relevant ex- other religious issues. Baron also par- President, Ban and Kazakh Foreign including in , Syria and Af- “Many centuries ago, your name- ment is taking to further ensure eco- perience from whom an impartial ticipated in a round-table discussion Minister Erlan Idrissov attended ghanistan and many other places,” sake Al Farabi wrote that it is impos- nomic and social development, as performance of the function may which included the presentation of the opening ceremony of a new UN the UN secretary-general said. sible to achieve one’s goals in isola- well as measures to modernise the be expected. The mandate draws the book, “The History of People’s building in Astana. “Kazakhstan has helped advance tion. It can only be done by joining country, including the implementa- heavily on the judgement, experi- Memory,” dedicated to the 20th an- The building was renovated by the a global conversation between re- with others and now I am joining tion of the five institutional reforms ence and political and diplomatic niversary of the APK and the 70th an- government of Kazakhstan. ligious and political leaders about with your university, I am joining and 100 concrete steps of the Plan sense of the appointed person. As niversary of victory in World War II, “It is a great honour and privilege promoting tolerance and the uni- with the people of Kazakhstan, and of the Nation. She stressed that to- such, the acquired reputation and which discusses the history of Jewish for me to carry out two important versal right to freedom of religion that is the spirit in which I accept this day the stability of international re- personal traits of the high commis- communities in Central Asia. events today – first of all, I was and beliefs. I strongly believe that honour,” Ban concluded. lations and friendship are as impor- sioner are vitally important. A4 economy

Wednesday, june 24, 2015

economy National Bank Chief Notes Inflation Decrease news in brief By Shynar Ospanova ble and the volume of money supply Kazakhstan’s giant Kashagan can be characterised as relative to oil field is aiming for an output of 370,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) The head of the National Bank the observed economic growth. in its first phase of production, of Kazakhstan “Concerning exchange rates as which it hopes to launch by the reported during a recent plenary of June 1, the official exchange session of the Senate of the Parlia- end of 2017 after repeated delays, rate of the bank amounted to 185 Rigzone reported on June 9. The ment of Kazakhstan that inflation tenge for $1. Currently, the bank field, the biggest oil find in decades, in the country has decreased. continues to hold the exchange first began production in Septem- “Annual inflation in 2014 was rate policy aimed at preventing ber 2013 but halted after only a 7.4 percent. The inflation rate in sharp jumps and short-term vola- few weeks when it was found that May 2015 was at the level of 0.3 tility of exchange rates,” explained pipes were leaking in the North percent, while at the beginning of Kelimbetov. Caspian operation. The North Cas- the year it was 1.5 percent. As the In addition, the head of the bank pian Operating Company (NCOC) consequence of the reduction of in- spoke about the country’s interna- developing the oilfield started re- flation, the price of non-food items tional reserves. At the end of May, placing the pipelines this year and has been reduced, mainly due to gross international reserves of the output is expected to resume in the imported goods from neighbour- National Bank amounted to $28.7 second half of 2016, according to ing countries,” said Kelimbetov. billion. International reserves, in- NCOC representatives. Output of In general, according to the head cluding National Fund assets in 90,000 bpd is expected for the first of the bank, the prices on the do- foreign currency, amounted to few months before rising to 90,000 mestic consumer market remain sta- $97.8 billion. bpd, then 180,000 bpd and finally 370,000 bpd. Kazakhstan is second only to Russia for oil production in the former . Crude oil production fell to 80.8 million tonnes last year from a peak of 81.7 India, Kazakhstan Explore Mining, Energy million tonnes in 2013. Output is not expected to exceed 80.5 million tonnes this year. Projects in Advance of Indian PM’s Visit Kazakhstan has seen a slight It is expected that at least two or laborate with governments and “While we have a 25 percent could be brought first to Iran via the drop in the price of real estate, Ka- By Michelle Witte three agreements on coal and pot- industries abroad to foster mutual stake in the block, we will be Caspian Sea and transported across zakhTV reported on June 13. The ash, among other agreements, will growth and industrial develop- funding the entire exploration ac- the country through a pipeline. press service of the Committee on ASTANA – India and Kazakh- be signed, the report said. India ment, and we look forward to fur- tivities. The company has already “With the opening of the rail link Statistics of the Kazakh Ministry stan are looking at a variety of currently imports about 5 million ther economic partnership with invested $150 million in the block. between Iran-Turkmenistan and of National Economy reported a mining, mineral and oil and gas tonnes of potash a year, the report Kazakhstan,” Tomar said, accord- We have also committed to invest Kazakhstan, we will explore the 1.4 percent decrease in real estate projects, paving the way for bilat- said. ing to a report by Kitco News on up to $400 million over there,” possibility of this route being de- prices in May, compared to the pre- eral agreements to be signed dur- India’s government-owned Na- June 15. Verma said, according to the re- veloped as a linked corridor to the vious month. Rent prices increased ing Prime Minister of India Nar- tional Mineral Development Cor- Two further announcements port. It will also pay $80 million International North-South Trans- by 0.3 percent. Prices in the hous- endra Modi’s visit to the country poration (NMDC) Limited is ex- were made following the commis- to KazMunayGas as a one-time as- port Corridor (INSTC),” Pradhan ing market are monitored in Astana, early in July. pected to lead India’s side of the sion meeting, on investment in ex- signment fee. Exploratory drilling said after the commission meeting. Almaty and regional centres. An inter-ministerial working joint ventures, according to Min- ploration and transit. is expected to begin next month. A Joint Working Group is to be group has been established among ing Weekly. On June 17, Udaipur Kiran re- OVL paid $13 million as a sign- established to find transport and The government of Kazakhstan the Coal, Steel and Mines Min- A Kazakh delegation led by ported that ONGC Videsh Lim- ing amount for a 25 percent stake logistics linkages. has signed a five-year, $88 mil- istries of India and coordinating Minister of Investment and De- ited, a branch of the state-run Oil in Satpayev in 2011. ‘We also reviewed develop- lion loan agreementwith the World with the External Affairs Ministry velopment of Kazakhstan Asset and Natural Gas Corporation of The countries are also looking ments in trade and investment. It Bank to foster productive innova- and the prime minister’s office, Issekeshev met with Union Min- India (ONGC) would invest $400 at possibilities for transporting was decided that we would work tion in Kazakhstan, The Financial Mining Weekly reported on June ister of Steel and Mines Narendra million in exploration activities raw materials. Also on June 17, together within the framework of reported on June 9. The project will 18. The joint projects taking shape Singh Tomar on June 15, ahead of in Kazakhstan. The money will Oil Minister of India Dharmen- the Joint Study group to consider be implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science and is in- may include iron ore, coal and pot- the June 17 meeting of the India- be used to support exploration dra Pradhan announced that the the feasibility of a comprehensive tended to promote high-quality, na- ash exploration, as well as joint Kazakhstan Inter-governmental in India’s Satpayev block in Ka- country would conduct a feasibil- economic partnership agreement tionally relevant research and tech- ventures with government support Commission on Trade, Economic, zakhstan’s oil-rich North Caspian ity study on importing crude oil between India and the Eurasian nology commercialisation. It aims to either expand existing coop- Scientific, Technical, Industrial region, ONGC Videsh Managing and gas from Kazakhstan either Economic Union, of which Ka- to improve Kazakhstan’s capacity and Cultural Cooperation. “This Director Narendra Kumar Verma through a pipeline or as liquid zakhstan is a member,” Pradhan erative endeavours or set up new for innovation and quality of scien- government is proactive to col- said. natural gas in ships. Hydrocarbons projects at known mineral assets. said. tific research institutes, and increase company spending on research and development and university-indus- try collaboration in research and development. The loan will finance Kazakhstan Finalises Terms competitive grants to groups devel- oping commercially viable research and ideas and help domestic re- for Accession to WTO search institutes and other relevant entities upgrade their facilities. The Continued from Page A1 the organisation, the competition total project cost is $110 million, [for our country] will also intensify. with $22 million coming from the Therefore, this decision is very All producers have to catch up [and government of Kazakhstan. It will important for us.” grow] to the world level.” be launched once it is ratified by “Kazakhstan is becoming more The Working Party consists of 43 Kazakhstan’s Parliament. attractive for both foreign and do- members of the WTO, 30 of which mestic investors. We get the op- have initiated bilateral market ac- Kazakhstan has bumped its met- portunity to create new industries cess negotiations with Kazakhstan. allurgical production by 15.6 per- and jobs,” Nazarbayev said. So far, Kazakhstan has signed pro- cent in the first five months of 2015 “During the 19 years of the nego- tocols on completion of bilateral as compared to last year, Azer News tiation process, our government and negotiations with 26 countries. reports, citing First Deputy Prime experts have worked hard, defend- The draft accession package will Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev ing favourable conditions for us. now be presented for approval to speaking at the International Astana We have agreed on positions on the members of the Working Party Mining & Metallurgy Congress on most sensitive issues for our econ- WTO member. The draft Schedule June 17. The results are due to the omy, which include, among others, of Concessions and Commitments first five-year plan of industrialisa- support for our the agriculture sector on Goods, the draft Schedule of tion in the mining and metallurgy … the negotiation process was chal- Specific Commitments on Trade in industries, he said, saying the coun- lenging for us due to subsidy-reduc- Services and Kazakhstan’s Acces- try had invested $2.5 billion in the ing requirements, but we defended sion Package will be forwarded to programme, put 60 new factories our positions, as well as the markets the WTO General Council for for- into operation and created more of financial services and telecom- mal adoption by all 161 WTO mem- than 16,000 permanent jobs. An- munications. In addition, we have bers, the WTO website reported. other six projects are planned for managed to combine the require- Chair of the Working Party this year, Sagintayev said. He also ments of the WTO and the EAEU, meeting, Finnish Ambassador said the country plans to increase based on our national interests.” Vesa Himanen, has called the talks titanium and coal production and to The President emphasised the “one of the most challenging ne- begin producing methane by 2017. advantages of being a WTO mem- gotiations in the 20-year history of ber-state. “Accession to the WTO the organisation.” The challenge The Korea Asset Management is a victory for the whole country, was Kazakhstan’s membership Corporation (KAMCO) held a poli- and recognition of Kazakhstan as in the cy advisory meeting at Kazakhstan’s an integral part of the global eco- (EAEU) and its tariff adjustment. National Bank on June 16-17 as nomic system. Symbolically, the The Kazakh delegation at the talks part of the Knowledge Sharing Pro- doors have swung open in front was led by Minister for Economic gramme led by Korea’s Ministry of of our country at a time when we Integration . Strategy & Finance, Business Korea started to implement the five insti- Kazakhstan started its process of reports. The conference was intend- tutional reforms. The standards of accession to the WTO in 1996. ed to help Kazakh banks improve the the WTO coincide with the spirit The Kazakh Ministry of Economic quality of their assets and strengthen of the reforms: transparency, effi- Development and Trade has been the country’s financial market in gen- ciency, competitiveness.” the government’s coordinating eral by disposing of nonperforming He also explained that “After body for its WTO session negotia- loans, a major problem in Kazakh- joining the WTO, we will not give tions. Over the last several years, stan. KAMCO had been conducting up supporting domestic enterprises. Kazakhstan made significant pro- research in the country through an Now, support measures provided gress in pursuing both bilateral and agreement with Kazakhstan’s Na- by the state must comply with in- multilateral negotiations on WTO tional Bank; the results were shared ternational rules. At the same time, accession and currently is at the fi- at the meeting. KAMCO mentioned Kazakh enterprises must learn to nal stage of the accession process. restructuring insolvent financial in- compete under WTO rules. I’ve Accession to the WTO is one stitutions, expanding the scope of been talking about it, and now is the of the major priorities of the gov- debt undertaking by the National time when we have to compete with ernment’s policy to integrate into Bank’s Fund of Problem Loans, es- other countries, not only within the the world economy by enhancing tablishing a bad debt evaluation sys- EAEU, but on the scale of the WTO competitiveness, diversifying the tem using data on court auctions and … As I have always warned, along national economy and contributing real estate prices and enacting laws with reaping the benefits of joining to global economic welfare. for financial market restructuring. A5 Business

Wednesday, june 24, 2015

BUSINESS news in brief Almaty Hosts 12th IFSB Summit, Country The Startup Nomad Tour, a cam- paign organised to hold business classes and select the best start- ups in cities across Central Asia, Aims to Become Islamic Finance Centre launched in Astana, BNews re- By Michelle Witte of understanding had been signed ported on June 22. The tour will go with the organisation that deals to Karaganda, Tashkent, Bishkek, ASTANA – The Islamic Finan- with the development of mini mar- Dushanbe, Kyzylorda and Taraz cial Services Board (IFSB) held its kets for Islamic instruments. and end in Almaty to coincide with 12th summit in Almaty on May 18, Though Islamic financial insti- the Global Entrepreneurship Con- the first time the summit was held in tutions are already operating in ference on Nov. 19-20. The three the Commonwealth of Independent Kazakhstan and the Development best projects will be selected in Al- States (CIS), Kazakh TV reported Bank of Kazakhstan was the first in maty. The tour has been organised in late May. As Kazakhstan aims to the CIS to issue sukuk bonds, par- by Kazakhstan’s Club of Young become a regional financial centre, ticipants noted that a lot of work Entrepreneurs. In classes on the the country hopes to position Al- will need to be done before Kazakh- tour, executives and business maty as the Islamic finance hub of stan can become a leader in Islamic speakers will share experiences Central Asia and the CIS. finance. “We have had productive and experts will explain effective “We expect Kazakhstan to be- discussions with the chairman of technologies and business tools. come one of the leading countries the National Bank of Kazakhstan,” in the Islamic financial services said Secretary-General of the IFSB A business and commercial cen- industry,” said Kairat Kelimbetov, Jaseem Ahmed, according to Ka- tre called “Astana” is to be built chairman of the National Bank of zakh TV. “Previously, we provided in St. Petersburg starting later this Kazakhstan, addressing the sum- assistance both to the National year, Tengrinews reports. A cer- mit. Kelimbetov noted that Ka- Bank and the banking sector. And emony to lay the foundation of the zakhstan joined the IFSB in 2011. we would welcome a stronger role centre took place on May 17. In “The opening of the Islamic banks by the National Bank of Kazakhstan 2014, the St. Petersburg Business on the CIS territory and the issu- in the framework of IFSB in the fu- Centre opened in Astana. ance of sukuks [Islamic bonds] – ture. Therefore, there is so much to all these have been highly viewed be done. And I think we will do it.” A draft of proposed uniform by the Islamic finance communi- The Islamic Financial Services rules for development in Kazakh- ty,” he said. Participants at the Islamic Financial Services Board Summit in Almaty on May 18. Board is an international body that stan was presented in the National Opening the summit online, Ka- sets the standards of the Islamic Chamber of Entrepreneurs (NCE) zakh Prime Minister Karim Massi- try, thereby strengthening Kazakh- important partner as a gateway to The volume of bonds placement financial services industry. The Al- on June 18, Tengrinews reported. mov said Islamic finance is one of stan’s position as a regional leader Central Asia and the CIS,” he said. will depend on the government maty summit was organised with The fundamental purpose of the the fastest growing areas in global in this field, Kelimbetov said. “The Kazakhstan is currently working budget balance, Kelimbetov said. the support of the National Bank new rules is to reduce the time re- finance, Kazinform reported. - Par global industry of Islamic finance on amending legislation to let the Deputy Chairman of the National of Kazakhstan and intended to quired for developers, according ticipation in the IFSB gives Ka- should expand beyond its tradi- Kazakh Ministry of Finance place Bank Nurlan Kussainov said that help identify the main principles to the NCE. The new rules estab- zakhstan effective support in en- tional boundaries to maintain dou- these types of securities on the stock Islamic deposits have been defined of sustainable development of Is- lish uniform regulations regarding hancing the standards for Islamic ble-digit growth rates, and in this exchange. The process is expected in the country’s new law on Islam- lamic finance and its integration architecture, urban planning and financial institutions in the coun- regard, Kazakhstan has become an to roll out over the next 1.5 years. ic finance, and that a memorandum into the global economic system. construction activities in the coun- try, from design to commissioning, including mechanisms for allocat- ing land and obtaining permits. Im- plementing some provisions of the draft rules would require amend- SMEs Should Not Fear End of Western – ments to some legislative acts, in- cluding the Land Code and the law “On architectural, urban planning Audit Moratorium, Says Finance Western Europe Highway and construction activities.”

Five companies from Kazakh- stan are presenting their products Ministry Official to Become Toll Road at an exhibition in cele- date, their number in Almaty is not Also during the briefing, the issue Staff Report tenge (approximately half a cent). brating the 20th anniversary of the By Meruyert Nurgazinova more than 200 companies. Through- of tax filers concealing income and For 200 tenge (US$1.10) you can RosUpack International Exhibi- out the country the number does not commodities was discussed. How- The Western Europe-Western drive up to 160 kilometres. A sepa- tion of the Packaging Industry, the The recent end to a moratorium exceed 1,200 totalling less than 1 per- ever, as it was noted at the briefing, China highway will become a paid rate tariff will be introduced for Central Communications Service on audits of small- and medium- cent out of 1,200,000 taxpayers in the most of the Kazakh businessmen toll road after 2016, according to passenger cars. However, it would reports. Neftehim, the Corrugated sized enterprises (SMEs) will not country. So the actions are planned fulfill their tax obligations. the Otyrar.kz news agency. The be more profitable to pay a month- Packaging Plant, AiBM, Intellser- result in increased tax scrutiny and there will not be any pressure on “Every entrepreneur seeks to revenue will be used to pay for road ly fee, of 5,000 tenge (US$27),” vice and Novopek are taking part on those businesses, according to business,” Yergozhin said. maximise income, profit. But by maintenance and construction. said Duysenbekov. in the event with the support of Ka- comments by the Chairman of the In addition, Atameken Chairman an open dialogue we will improve According to Mukhtar Duis- The South Kazakhstan region znex Invest. “Exports of packaging State Revenue Committee of the Ablai Myrzakhmetov has noted the tax culture and tax collection senbekov, director of the South includes 224 kilometres of the products in Kazakhstan in 2014 Kazakh Ministry of Finance Dau- taxpayers “engaged in wholesale by means of explaining,” Yer- Kazakhstan regional branch of the Western Europe-Western China amounted to $25 million, which is let Yergozhin during a briefing of [or] retail sales of gasoline (ex- gozhin said. KazAvtoZhol national company, highway. At present, construction 35.7 percent higher than in 2013. the Atameken National Chamber cept for aviation fuel), diesel fuel, “In the near future, we will provide the toll amounts will vary depend- continues between and To Russia alone, we supplied $6.3 of Entrepreneurs on June 12. alcoholic beverages” should use information about the tax burden by ing on vehicle class and weight. Taraz, and Shymkent and Tash- million worth of such products,” “Payment of taxes is not of a pu- control-cash machines (CCM), the industries, as well as on the prof- Charges will be higher for passen- kent. It is planned to put those said representative of the Service nitive nature. Currently, timing in- which have data latching and (or) itability of the companies … in order ger and freight transport vehicles sections into operation by 2022. for Export Promotion of Kaznex spections are mainly conducted. Tax transmission function functions. to be able to have a more detailed than for cars. About 600 toll stations will be es- Invest Vyacheslav Lyubarets. At inspections will be carried out only The regulation requiring use of the analysis of each industry and say “For one kilometre, road drivers tablished on the road after its com- the end of the exhibition, a number for a narrow circle of institutions. To machines comes into effect July 1. what actions are required,” he added. of passenger cars will pay about 1 pletion. of contracts between Kazakh and foreign companies are expected to be signed. Novopek representative Serik Keruenbayev noted that his company’s products are attracting a lot of interest. Kazakhstan Seeks to Chairman of the State Revenue Committee of Kazakhstan Daulet Yergozhin announced on his Fa- Boost Grain Exports cebook page that the country had established a Customs Electronic Data Interchange with China, Tengrinews reports. This is good to Saudi Arabia news for Kazakh businesses that sised high transportation costs trade with China, he said, accord- By Julia Rutz ing to the report. Now data about from Kazakhstan to Saudi Arabia as one of the major problems that dates, volumes and prices of trade Kazakhstan is planning to in- can be processed electronically, he hampers the growth of export and crease the supply of grain to Saudi trade development. According to said. The interchange is expected Arabia, the press service of the to help the two countries gener- the ministry, the average annual Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture ate statistical data more easily and wheat production in Saudi Arabia reported recently. The decision combat smuggling. is about 1 million tons. Imports of was made after representatives of grain are about 2 million tonnes Saudi Arabia suggested at a May Trade in the Khorgos Special per year. In addition, the country business forum that Kazakhstan Economic Zone is up by some imports about 8 million tons of 90 percent this year compared to provide a preferential grain regime barley every year. last year, CRI English reports, and to Saudi Arabia. The main suppliers of grain to passenger flow through the cross- The suggestion was made by the Saudi Arabia are Russia, Ukraine, border cooperation centre has Chairman of the Council of Cham- E.U. countries, Australia and the doubled to about 1 million peo- bers of Commerce of Saudi Arabia United States. According to statis- ple. Much of the increase is due Abdulrahman al-Zamir, who also tics compiled by the LS financial to infrastructure investment in the noted the high quality of grain pro- agency, from 2010-2014 Saudi area, Nie Yongle of the Khorgos duced in Kazakhstan. Arabia imported 68,000 tonnes of Merchants Group said, accord- “The completion of the new rail- Kazakh grain costing $10 million. ing to the report. “The airport in way line Uzen-Gorgan connecting “We have an agreement with Yining, which is the capital of the Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and the Minister of Trade and Industry Kazakh prefecture, is now be- Iran makes it possible to increase of Saudi Arabia Taufik al-Rabia ing enlarged. At the same time, the volume of grain export transit concerning our cooperation with the expressway between Lian- through the territory of Iran to the Saudi businessmen to establish ei- yungang and Khorgos has been Persian Gulf countries, including ther an Islamic bank or a fund that opened up, and the construction Saudi Arabia. In case of interest, could finance such projects. More- of another expressway linking there is a possibility of delivery over, we have a common partner, Khorgos and Almaty is under- of Kazakh grain to the Saudi Ara- the Islamic Development Bank way. Once it’s done, it will be a bian market on mutually beneficial (IDB), which finances different highway network linking China terms soon,” noted a Ministry of trading operations and investment with Central Asia and Europe.” A Agriculture representative, ac- projects,” concluded Minister of cross-border passenger train ser- cording to LS magazine. Investments and Development As- vice is set to open in July. The ministry has also empha- set Issekeshev. A6 EDITORIALS

Wednesday, june 24, 2015 Almaty Skopje, Astana Poised to Move Olympic Bid Relations to New Level that the two countries have been enjoying in that By Yulia Mager area, as well. On a personal level, I believe that by joining our Remains Strong In an exclusive interview with this newspaper, forces and working in concert with each other, we Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of can achieve a lot more in all these areas and we Macedonia Nikola Poposki, who is scheduled to will be investing the utmost of our efforts into do- visit Astana on July 1, discussed the current state ing precisely that in the coming period. Going into Final and the future of bilateral relations. Could you outline the course that cooperation This year we are celebrating the 20th anniver- between Macedonia and Kazakhstan might take? sary of diplomatic relations between our coun- What I feel is of vital importance to the bilat- Weeks tries. How can you assess the level of cooperation eral relations between Macedonia and Kazakhstan he beauty and excitement of sport is that the favour- between Macedonia and Kazakhstan, as well as at this juncture is the opening of the Macedonian ite does not always win. Many of our most magical their roles in an international arena? Embassy in Astana in November 2014 and the ac- sporting memories are of upsets when the underdog On June 1, we marked exactly 20 years since that creditation of Ilija Psaltirov as the first Macedonian overcomes the odds to succeed. great day for our two countries. Over the past two Ambassador resident in Kazakhstan. That very act TBut when analysed, there are often signs of why the surprise decades, bilateral relations between our two gov- offers the best proof of our country’s sincere inten- occurred. The outsider may have had overlooked strengths or ernments and nations have been characterised by tion of raising its relations with Kazakhstan to a the favourite weaknesses which made the result less certain. As friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation. much higher level than the existing one, as well as the race to host the 2022 Winter Olympics enters its last month, I am convinced that this is precisely how it will of its plans of continuing to raise them steadily and there are now signs it may not be the foregone conclusion remain in the future, too, seeing as both countries quickly to even greater heights over the months and many predicted. are to this very day demonstrating a concrete inter- years ahead. In that context, I would like to voice When the bidding process began two years ago, Almaty was est and a sincere desire for further expanding and my gratitude to both my Kazakh colleagues and to seen very much as the rank outsider among the cities wanting strengthening their relations. the people of Kazakhstan as a whole for graciously Nikola Poposki to host the games. Even when the contest became just a two- Since its independence in 1991, Kazakhstan offering their warm hospitality to Macedonia and horse race between Beijing and Kazakhstan’s largest city in the has grown into a major geopolitical player, both affording it a very warm reception into their beau- representatives of the Kazakh business community foothills of the Tien Shan mountains, the Chinese capital was in Central Asia and beyond, remaining active in a tiful country, which, to me, is a testament to their and Kazakh authorities to the investment condi- considered the red-hot favourite. number of political developments and processes own serious dedication to writing a new chapter in tions and plethora of opportunities that Macedonia But it is a mark of just what a good case Almaty has put to- taking place within the international arena and, the development of bilateral relations between our has to offer. We are hopeful that our presentation gether and the hard work that has gone into presenting it that few particularly, within the global and regional organi- two countries. will lead to an increase in the number of Kazakh now think there can only be one winner. Following the behind- sations shaping the world’s multilateral setting. As can further be attested by all relevant indi- companies deciding to invest in Macedonia, as closed-doors technical presentation of the two bids in Lausanne, The voice of Kazakhstan is ever more increas- cators testifying to the quality of their economic well as to a growth in the overall volume of trade , earlier in June, Olympic chiefs from across the ingly being heard across today’s multipolar world. growth, development and overall performances, between the two countries, especially when con- world said how impressed they were with the strength of Al- At the same time, the country has evolved into an Kazakhstan and Macedonia are leading the way sidering that there are indeed Macedonian busi- maty’s case and predicted a close vote on July 31. economic giant, enjoying extraordinary economic and are at the top of the scale in their respective nessmen who are interested in investing and doing Canadian IOC (International Olympic Committee) member growth over these past two decades and being able regions. Both countries have proven to be attrac- business in Kazakhstan. Dick Pound told the AP he was “very, very agreeably surprised” to project its economic power onto literally every tive destinations for foreign investors, offering Furthermore, something that is equally impor- by Almaty’s presentation. Australian Vice President John Coates part of the world. The very fact that Kazakhstan is them a variety of incentives should they indeed tant to us is to have a chance to present the enor- forecast “a close vote which I didn’t think originally.” U.S. among the 20 most attractive investment destina- decide to choose them as the location of their next mous tourism potential of the Republic of Mac- Olympic Committee Chairman Larry Probst said the Almaty tions in the world provides the best testament to investment. Both countries are vital spots on the edonia. Several groups of Kazakh tourists already team “drove home the message ‘keeping it real.’ That was all your economic potential and the glowing image geopolitical maps of their respective regions and intend to pay a visit to our country this summer, about snow versus making snow. I think that resonates.” that Kazakhstan has enjoyed within the world’s I would even say beyond. All this speaks enough which provides an excellent signal and a welcome It is this contrast which will be on the minds of those who elite business circles. of the potentials that the two countries possess, as impetus for the future. The Republic of Macedonia, on its turn, is one will take part in the secret vote in Kuala Lumpur at the end well as of the opportunity that Macedonia on one It is vital for our two countries to mutually abol- of the countries which gained their independence of July. Beijing may be a great world city and hosted a highly hand opens to Kazakh companies in terms of using ish their visa regimes for each other’s nationals, with the dissolution of Yugoslavia in 1991. With a successful Summer Olympics in 2008. But it is also a city – it as a doorway for entering the ... huge European which will allow both businesspersons and tourists population of 2 million, as well as a far smaller ter- and a country – without much of a tradition of winter sports market, and the one that Kazakhstan offers to Mac- to maintain easier and faster contacts in the future. ritory and fewer resources than Kazakhstan, over and where not just the venues but the snow would have to be edonian companies for entering the Central Asian The Republic of Macedonia already abolished on these 25 years, it has nevertheless managed to find a unilateral basis its visa requirement for Kazakh- produced from scratch. market on the other. its own place under the sun. In all those years, I stan nationals quite a number of years ago and I Almaty could, and did, present a very different case. IOC I would like to particularly emphasise that we feel that Macedonia has managed to grow into a can already boast the first Kazakh investment in am hopeful that this unilateral act by my country members heard about a city cradled by snow-covered moun- respected and principle-observing entity within in- the Republic of Macedonia. It has come in the will be reciprocated by Kazakhstan as soon as pos- tains where winter sports were very much part of the local ternational relations, as well as a worthy partner of shape of a company working in the field of consul- sible, taking into consideration that this issue is of culture. a great number of other countries throughout the tancy, but is keen and planning on expanding the paramount importance when it comes to the future It meant that nine of the 13 games venues – like the world world. With our country being located at the heart scope of its operations to other industries, as well. intensification of the cooperation between our two famous Medeo skating rink – already exist, with all of them of the turbulent Balkan region, we Macedonians On the other hand, several Macedonian companies countries in all areas and contexts. within a 30-kilometre radius of the city. To underline the con- are especially proud of the fact that, starting from have been present in the Kazakh market for a num- Simultaneously, we will be diversifying the trast with the problems its rival will have in producing snow- the position of consumer, over the years we have ber of years and we expect that the overall num- overall existing contractual framework between covered slopes, IOC Vice President Craig Reedie joked that successfully transformed into a producer of secu- ber of companies from both countries deciding to our two countries with the signing of several more Almaty made good use of “pictures of people climbing through rity. Today, the Republic of Macedonia is a modern take their investments in the opposite direction will key agreements and memoranda of cooperation, a three feet of snow.” European country and candidate for EU and NATO continue growing in the coming period, too. trend that we wish to see continued in the future Beijing talked rightly about the success of the 2008 Sum- membership, boasting a functioning market econ- Your country also played host to the first Mac- as well, particularly when considering that having mer Olympics and the legacy use of its venues. But Almaty omy as well as a liberal democracy, an excellent edonian-Kazakh business fora which, aside from a solid contractual framework is of crucial impor- pointed in turn to having hosted the 2011 Asian Winter Games business climate and a serious influx of foreign di- relevant ministers from the two countries’ govern- tance for channelling cooperation between any two and staging the Winter Universiade – the largest winter sports rect investment. Foreign nationals see our country ments, were attended by a great number of rep- countries. event outside the Olympics itself – in two years’ time. There as a land of great natural beauty, as well as a cra- resentatives of the Kazakh business community, At the same time, I am interested to learn how will be plenty of experience in Kazakhstan of the meticulous dle of culture and an ancient land and people that being held last month in Almaty and Astana as a the Eurasian Economic Union operates and how it planning and hard work needed to make a major sporting event have always fought proudly for their independence collaborative effort between the Macedonian Em- is developing its economic relations with countries a success. and sovereignty. Seen from that aspect, we share bassy in Astana and the first Kazakh-Macedonian that do not form part of its membership. I will also IOC members will also have on their minds the Olympic a great number of similarities with your country cooperation association, KAZ-MAC. Having been be exchanging my views with my hosts on a va- movement’s commitment to stage less-extravagant games in and people. recently established at the initiative of Macedonian riety of major developments currently dominating the future following the estimated $40 billion spent on Beijing Ambassador in Astana Ilija Psaltirov, the primary the media the world over and, finally, I will also be and $50 billion on Sochi. It is this cost which scared off many During the visit of the Macedonian President to objective of this association is to both establish updating my colleagues on the on-going state of of the original candidates. Kazakhstan in 2012, the two countries agreed to and foster as close ties as possible between the two affairs in the corner of the world where Macedonia Against this measure, Almaty also has an advantage. The use strengthen cooperation in the political, economic countries by furthering their cooperation in a mul- is located. of existing venues means not just a compact event with travel and cultural contexts. What has been done since titude of different areas such as culture, economy, between accommodations and events reduced for athletes, offi- 2012 to meet the provisions of that agreement? science, education, medicine, tourism, sport and In Kazakhstan, 2015 is the year of the Assem- cials and spectators – another of the IOC’s wishes – but that the Yes, that visit was the initial spark that led to many others. bly of the People of Kazakhstan, an instrument cost will be far more manageable. In fact, the AP said Almaty’s our cooperation taking an upward turn over the All this provides a solid foundation for the way created to guarantee the unity of the country’s budget for infrastructure and operations is around half the $5 last few years. Within the political context, after in which our cooperation in the future is going to multicultural society. As a foreign observer, billion cost of the high-speed rail link needed between Beijing 2012, a number of prime-ministerial and ministe- unfold. The framework has now been designed, how do you assess the experience of Kazakhstan and its new skiing and bobsled venues. As its article reminded rial visits and meetings took place in Kazakhstan crafted and fitted; what the painting it will hold in shaping interethnic and interreligious rela- readers, that’s not counting the financial – and environmental – and across the world. What seems to be lacking, is going to look like depends in equal measure on tions worldwide? Is Macedonia interested in this cost of creating slopes of artificial snow. and what Macedonia very much desires, is to see both Kazakhstan and Macedonia. In that context, mechanism? Staging any Olympics is, of course, a major and complex a Kazakh official of high rank finally pay a visit to I see my visit to Astana as an introduction into the I am impressed by the fact that there are around event. It needs total commitment not just from the host city our country in the foreseeable future. I sincerely second stage in the development of our relations, 130 ethnic communities, as well as several differ- but also the host country. It was why it was important that the hope that this year or next, Macedonia will have the basic features of which are establishing new, ent religious groups, coexisting in today’s Kazakh- IOC technical committee heard in person from Kazakh Prime the honour of playing host to your esteemed Presi- specific and tangible forms of cooperation that will stan. That only goes to show that you have devised Minister , who was in Lausanne, and from dent, Nursultan Nazarbayev. be able to produce both concrete and visible results. the right formula for unity, coexistence and eco- President Nursultan Nazarbayev by video message, about the With regard to the economy, I am glad that one nomic and social prosperity in your country. government’s full support for the Almaty bid. of the key agreements signed during President What types of issues will you be discussing with Macedonia is also a country in which different This included financial guarantees, if needed, from the coun- [Gjorge] Ivanov’s visit to Kazakhstan in 2012, the your hosts during your visit to Kazakhstan? ethnic communities coexist. We have even official- try’s $75 billion National Fund. It also helped underline the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation Over the course of my visit, I will be discuss- ly listed all separate ethnic groups under their full role that a 2022 games would play in Kazakhstan’s wider ambi- between the two countries, has recently entered ing a broad range of issues with my Kazakh hosts, names within the country’s national constitution tions to both drive economic growth and increase the country’s into force after being ratified by Macedonia, and focusing, in essence, on all areas in which actual and each of them enjoys its own rights under it. attractiveness as a winter sports destination for visitors from the Agreement on the Encouragement and Mu- progress can be made at any level, be it political, Fostering interethnic and interreligious relations near and far. tual Protection of Investments is soon to follow economic or cultural. Seeing as there was a lack and ties is of paramount importance to the stability Kazakhstan’s astonishing natural beauty is one of the coun- suit. Furthermore, we expect that the two coun- of concrete and real cooperation between the two of not only ours, but your country, as well. Hence, try’s greatest so-far-undiscovered assets. A Winter Olympics tries’ Joint Commission on Cooperation will soon countries for a great number of years, on this oc- I feel that promoting mutual respect and under- would put the global spotlight on what not just winter sports launch the implementation of the third of these bi- casion, we are determined to make progress in as standing in a multicultural society has an excep- enthusiasts but leisure visitors of all kinds can enjoy within our lateral agreements signed in 2012, the Agreement many areas as possible. tional bearing on its overall prosperity. Differences large borders. on Commercial and Economic Cooperation. We wish to use the very momentum that has should be connecting people, rather than setting Beijing remains, of course, a very strong bid, but as we have When it comes to our cooperation in the context been created by those numerous political contacts them apart and dividing them on various grounds. learned many times, the outcome in sports is never guaranteed. of culture, the first memorandum of cooperation that the most senior officials of our two countries That is why I would like to offer Kazakhstan, its The last few weeks have shown just how far Almaty has come between two major national institutions in our have had over the last five to six years, which I leaders and its people my congratulations on this in the race to host the 2022 games because of the appeal of a two countries, Astana Opera and the Macedonian mentioned and listed above. year dedicated to the Assembly of the People of “real” games. The momentum is with Almaty. Whether it is Opera and Ballet, has already been signed, and In Astana, the emphasis will be placed on the po- Kazakhstan, and offer at the same time my felicita- enough to close the gap in the closing weeks, we will learn on Kazakh artists are taking part in various festivals tential avenues in which our two countries could tions upon the great jubilee of 550 years since the July 31. across the Republic of Macedonia as we speak, expand their business cooperation in the coming foundation of the first Khanate, which has been the heralding an increase in the level of cooperation period or, to be more precise, we will introduce cornerstone of today’s Kazakhstan’s statehood.

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Wednesday, june 24, 2015 Building Civil Service Excellence in Post-2015 Development Agenda Against this backdrop, Presi- tics of reforms in Kazakhstan have sharing accumulated experience also offers the potential for continu- By dent of Kazakhstan Nursultan always been logical consistency and knowledge, as well as promot- ing Kazakhstan’s emerging global Nazarbayev, first of all, initiated and continuity. A clear indication ing cooperation among the countries role in providing official develop- This September, we usher in the socio-economic reforms, followed of this is the set of five institution- and institutions in its region and be- ment assistance (ODA) to other post-2015 development agenda by innovations and reforms in the al reforms recently announced by yond. Therefore, Kazakhstan’s ini- countries”. with a set of Sustainable Develop- administrative sphere, which the our President, the first of which is tiative of the Regional Hub of Civil Kazakhstan, with guidance from ment Goals (SDGs) agreed upon by evolving times demanded. improved civil service modernisa- Service in Astana was founded by the UNDP, has established its na- UN member states, with civil soci- Having no experience of a mar- tion. 25 countries and five international tional agency for international aid, ety participation, based on national, ket economy, the government had The aim here is to form a profes- organisations, at a founding confer- called KazAID, which marks an im- regional and global consultations. to implement reforms with the sional, accountable and transparent ence in 2013, with the UNDP as the portant evolution and achievement These goals are transformative available personnel. However, the state apparatus in order to ensure key partner. in the country’s significance region- and their impact goes far beyond the President’s long term vision of sustainable development of the The aim of the Astana hub is to ally and globally. The support and current Millennium Development subsequent reforms required a new country. The responsible body for facilitate regional, as well as inter- partnership will focus on Africa, Goals (MDGs) in vision, complex- generation of public sector leaders this is the National Commission on regional professional dialogue in the landlocked countries and small ity, outreach and implications. UN Photo/Mark Garten and technocrats which resulted in Modernisation headed by the Prime order to promote civil service ex- island developing states. Amongst them is Goal 16, ac- CIS countries to gain from it a generous scholarship programme Minister of Kazakhstan. cellence. This idea has resonated Kazakhstan will continually as- cording to which countries will through advancing “the knowledge offered by the government. Under this process of transfor- with the hub today comprising more pire to serve as an active contributor “promote peaceful and inclusive so- base, evidence-informed solutions, The objective was to provide mation, criteria will be established than 30 countries in 2014, including to the global development agenda. cieties with justice for all and build practical tools and guidance, and talented youth with free access to to monitor activities and evaluate OECD and EU member countries, Our efforts will add practical solu- effective, accountable and transpar- pursuit of emerging and innovative education in leading universities the efficiency of each government as well as China, India, Turkey, and tions for implementing the post- ent institutions at all levels”. public administration and manage- globally. Since 1993, about 10,000 agency, concerned minister or local CIS countries. The hub is thus fos- 2015 phase most effectively, with Building civil service excellence ment models and thinking”. Kazakh students gained degrees in governor. tering dialogue between countries particular relevance to Sustainable will therefore certainly be critical The idea of setting up this hub the best universities and joined the The role of communities in state of Europe and Asia. Development Goal 16, which calls to achieving this goal. Likewise, arose from the struggles of a coun- job market at home, including the bodies and local administration Last year also saw the hub tak- for inter alia promoting accountable the proposed Goal 17 on means of try in transition. Kazakhstan, since civil service. will also be strengthened by allow- ing concrete shape with an agree- institutions and ensuring respon- implementation calls for institu- its independence, just like other This scholarship scheme has been ing them to participate and monitor ment between the government of sive, inclusive, participatory and tional capacity building in devel- newly independent nations in the serving to level the playing field by results of strategic plans and devel- Kazakhstan and the UNDP, by representative decision-making at oping countries to support national region witnessed profound political, providing access to quality educa- opment programmes. Civil society which Kazakhstan agreed to make all levels. plans to operationalise all the SDGs, socio-economic and administrative tion and developing capable and will also be engaged in the process considerable resources available to To conclude, Kazakhstan stands including through North-South, transformations. well qualified human capital. of identifying budgets, relevant support the hub and thus expand its ready and is fully committed to help South-South and triangular coop- This scholarship scheme has been Having stabilised economic laws and regulations. scope and gains to enhance the field facilitate regional and interregional eration. serving to level the playing field by growth in the 1990s, Kazakhstan In this endeavour, the UN De- of civil service in the region and be- initiatives in civil service excel- Both of these gave birth to the providing access to quality educa- went further and was first among velopment Programme (UNDP) as yond. lence, and contribute concretely to idea of creating the Regional Hub tion and developing capable and the CIS countries to significantly a trusted partner has been continu- As Helen Clark, UNDP adminis- the achievement of the SDGs in the of Civil Service in Astana, at the well-qualified human capital. modernise its civil service with ously supporting the reform efforts trator, noted, “Establishment of the coming years. initiative of Kazakhstan with a view In the early nineties, the eco- meritocracy as the key principle. in Kazakhstan since our independ- hub and its success has been made to seek innovative mechanisms to nomic linkages of Kazakhstan with We acknowledged that the sus- ence. Now, we count on the longer possible because countries like Ka- The author is Permanent of ensure equitable, effective and ef- other 14 republics were abruptly tainability of reforms was heavily term strategic partnership with zakhstan are ready to share their Representative of the Republic ficient delivery of public service to discontinued which led to increased dependent on the quality of insti- UNDP all the more, particularly experiences with reforms…such as of Kazakhstan to the United Na- its people. unemployment, devaluation of sav- tutions, and of the civil service, in with regards to all the five institu- the introduction of meritocracy into tions. This opinion was first pub- But the intent was also for the ings and galloping inflation of up to particular. tional reforms. professional civil service”. lished by the Inter Press Service wider region of Central Asia and 2,500 percent. Importantly, the key characteris- Clearly, Kazakhstan believes in According to the UNDP, “the hub News Agency. A European View on the Voyage to Kazakhstan, to the East changed to avoid these areas be- their ships to travel across the Cas- example, he highlighted different Otrar, Turk, Turkic features, Tyurka- businessman Nicholas Cornelius By Svetlana Kovalskaya cause of the lack of economic bene- pian Sea. Another Venetian ambas- groups of Tatars who lived in this man, Tyurkesan, Karakum, Genghis visited Russia in 1664 and 1665 as fits. With the collapse of the Golden sador, Cantarini Ambrogio, also territory. Siberian Tatars were also Khan, Uzbek, Ulugbek Khanbalik part of a diplomatic mission. In his The large reforming process Horde, the geopolitical vector of the mentioned Tatars after travelling described by Rafael Barberini, who and others which related to the Ka- book “Northern and Eastern Tatars” which occurred in the territory of development of Eurasia shifted to across Persia, Caucasus, Moscow visited Muscovy in 1564 and report- zakh Khanate. published in Amsterdam in 1692, he Eurasia in the 15th century changed the other course. and the Volga River two decades ed about the trip in his book, “Travel Philippe Avril of France, visited introduced the territory of the no- the geopolitical and socio-political The Kazakh Khanate was estab- after Barbaro returned from his jour- to Muscovy.” Russia twice in order to obtain per- madic steppes of Eurasia, as well as order in the region. The domination lished in the 15th century and forced ney to Tan. The 16th century brought a new mission to travel to China. He ar- Russia, Siberia and even the Arctic of the Golden Horde had finished to endure the hardships of that time. The territory of modern Kazakh- type of traveller connected to trade. rived in Moscow for the first time in region. and the era of global colonial expan- Multiple targets of colonial policy stan was once part of various po- One of the first merchants who vis- January 1687, where he found Tatar It is impossible to mention all the sion began. Hanseatic merchants, required specific knowledge. Thus, litical unions which emerged in the ited the Kazakh steppe was Anthony and Uzbek merchants who origi- European authors who wrote about who supplied the entire West with the role of missionaries, diplomats, Eurasian space. This influenced the Jenkinson. He kept a diary, in which nally came from Central Asia. They the Kazakh Khanate. Instead, some Eastern products such as spices, pre- merchants, soldiers, officials and perception of the state from the out- he mentioned Kazakh ruler Khan convinced him to use the Siberian of the ideas about the region that be- cious stones, silk and other luxury travelers was of high importance. side. Several openings in the region Hak-Nazaire and the wars he led to goods, were replaced by merchants route to China, as it was the shortest gan to spread and then dominate the The period was one of rapid devel- from Portugal in the period from the also occurred irregularly at different conquer towns near the and most convenient one. It is possi- minds of Europeans about people 12th-15th centuries and England in opment of European cartography periods of time. This was due to the River, as well as the activities and ble to find references concerning the living in Eurasia can be related. The the second half of the 16th century. and experts note the first modern gradual interest in the region as a re- beliefs of the locals. In addition, individual characteristics of Uzbek territory of the Kazakh Khanate be- Between the 16th and the beginning world map was created in 1450 by sult of changes in both the geopoliti- Jenkinson was one of the creators of Tatars, Oriental Tatars, Yakuts, Tun- came a transit area for Europeans on of the following century, dominance Venetian monk Fra Mauro. It is be- cal and national attention of neigh- the unique map of Russia, Muscovy gus and others in his travel notes. their way to India, Iran and China. appeared at the hands of Holland. lieved he used information collected bouring countries. Such interest was and Tartaria published in London in In a book written by Nicholas Diplomats, missionaries and mer- During the entire period, Europe- by travellers such as Marco Polo, caused by diplomatic or missionary 1562, where he also distinguished Spafaria, who served in an embassy chants were among those who vis- ans randomly came to the Kazakh Niccolo de Conti and others and the purposes, as in the case of journeys the territory of Kazakia. in Moscow and earlier made a trip to ited the Kazakh steppes and then steppes or had the opportunity to map shows the cities of Otrar and to the East organised by William In the 17th century, Frenchman China through Siberia, readers can published maps, travel records or learn about the region first-hand. Almalyk, as well as the Aral Sea and of Rubruck, Giovanni da Pian del Barthélemy de Molenvil in his learn about the steppes that lie on the scientific works about it. In the 18th At the same time, the area of no- and rivers. Carpine and Polo. After the Mongol “Eastern Library” formed a par- border with China and were inhab- century, this territory was also visit- madic distribution in Eurasia began Jehoshaphat Barbaro, a Venetian invasion, the territory of the Kazakh ticular image of the Asian region. ited by Kalmyks and Tatars. As part ed by the military, officials and aca- to constrict and the level of politi- nobleman and diplomat who made steppe became of high interest again This work was published in Paris of his diplomatic mission, Spafaria demics in exile. Each of them made cal instability started to grow. The several trips to Central Asia in the only in the 18th century. in 1697 in the form of a historical had to go through the territory of the a valuable contribution to the study efforts of local individual rulers middle of the 15th century, was With his 1549 book “Notes on dictionary dedicated to the Orient Kazakh steppes, but once he learned of the country. led to the creation of sufficiently- trying to reach India. In his 1543 Muscovite Affairs,” Baron Sigis- and created on the basis of Persian, it was not a safe place because of strong military states; however, af- book “Journey to Tan,” he described mund Herberstein played a signifi- Arab and Chagatay sources. The permanent conflicts he decided to go The author is a professor of his- ter their deaths these alliances typi- steppe inhabitants called Tatars. He cant role in the formation of certain dictionary contained information in- along the and Ob rivers. tory at the L.N. Gumilev Eurasian cally failed. The caravan routes were also noted that Italians could use representations of the region. For cluding names and concepts such as Amsterdam mayor, politician and National University in Astana.

And in some settings, the cost will agents, we must create a new nar- fraction of our young people are at- be excruciatingly high. Such is the rative, change the story to one with tracted to the ISIS ideology. While price of moral leadership, needed spiritual and ethical values common we may not ever fully rid the world Two Recurring Questions now more than ever in interactions to all religions at its core and make of fringe elements bent on destroy- lieve and how deeply we believe across the social spectrum, from the new story engaging and compel- ing lives, communities and cultures, By Rev. Robert Chase it. We must be confident in our family members to nations. ling. if we eclipse the ISIS saga in the conviction that dialogue across Next, we need to counter the While “no saying” is a vital ele- media and in our consciousness As I travelled home from three lines of difference is a far better negatives that already exist in soci- ment in an anti-ISIS strategy, it is with alternate invocations of brav- days in Kazakhstan at the Fifth Con- answer to the failures of our world ety, owning the idea that injustice is by itself insufficient. We must also ery, risk, sensitivity and love, we gress of Leaders of World and Tra- than ruthless, intolerant violence sometimes done by individuals and proclaim a loud yes to accompany will be able to isolate the “terror” ditional Religions, I was struck by will ever be. We who love peace groups who profess to live by fair- our emphatic no. We must say yes to that accompanies the current ISIS the number of times I encountered and pluralism must stand fast in minded principles. We must expose the countless life-affirming acts of strategy – its threat that it can strike two questions. These questions this belief and not run scared or hypocrisy wherever we find it and goodness and generosity that fill our anywhere, anytime. No, it cannot; were perhaps most pointedly asked apologetically from this position. call out governments, corporations, planet each day. We must exploit but only if we do not let it. by Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov The prevailing assumption of so organisations and individuals who both traditional and social media This, Mr. Foreign Minister, is in a private briefing with members many political, corporate, military capitalise on exploitation and de- conduits to tell very human stories how I should have responded to of the small American delegation and, yes, religious leaders is that mand that they stop. We must begin of the good done in religion’s name your question during our briefing. I in Astana: how can young people the very exercise of conversation with ourselves and ask how we are to save lives, feed the hungry, heal hope you can forgive my delay and brought up in Western ways, attend- lacks integrity, is a sign of softness, complicit with systemic injustice. the sick, fulfill the promise of self- find some comfort in these words. ing Western schools, exposed to compromise, weakness and futility. When whole groups are persecuted empowerment and offer opportuni- Western democracy, showered with late an answer or offer a plan. The No. We must boldly, courageous- to maintain the status quo or feed ties for hope and release from vio- Rev. Robert Chase is Founding the opportunities of Western socie- congress saw much hand wringing ly and continuously proclaim that into an existing power differential, lence, oppression, isolation and fear. Director of Intersections Inter- ties be so easily turned to brutal- on this subject, much fear expressed conversation is key to understand- then morality, ethics, values and We cannot simply denounce in- national. Prior to Intersections, ity, intolerance and violence by the for our children; but little construc- ing and that understanding is key to faithfulness are absent. justice. We must offer an alterna- Chase served as Director of Com- likes of ISIS, and what can religious tive response to how we counter human fulfillment. It must become We must not just throw an inter- tive paradigm – equally intense – munication for the one million leaders do about it? the power that such extremists hold an unshakeable rally cry. We must ruptive cog into the wheel of sys- that lives matter, that relationships member United Church of Christ, I confess I did not answer Mr. Id- over our youth. expose radical narrow mindedness temic injustice, we must completely count, that communities can over- and was founder and President of rissov’s questions very well. I was So, on the long trip home, with that demonises others as a devastat- stop the wheel from turning. Shut come onslaughts from all manner of Creative Connections in Media, a neither clear nor coherent. Nor did I the urgency of the questions fresh in ing dead end for the human spirit. it down. By so doing, we remove turbulence. We must seize the story full-service communications com- propose a specific strategy. I derive my mind, I sought to formulate an Engaging “the other” in dialogue is injustice as justification for those from the dominant media narrative pany based in Rhinebeck, NY. He little comfort from the notion that answer to the foreign minister that an act of courage. Shutting down whose twisted logic use oppression and tell a new story, featuring spe- is an author and an award-win- other answers at the congress were would be thoughtful, comprehen- conversations is neither Godly nor to oppress others. By saying no to cific examples rooted in generosity ning video producer/director with also unsatisfactory or that govern- sive and yet strategic. tactically productive. It is simple- injustice, we remove an important and sacrifice. more than 100 productions to his ments have spent billions trying to First, we adults must set the ex- minded, arrogant and cowardly. We rationalization for those who would It is important to remember, de- credit. Rev. Chase is an ordained find a solution. Rather, I was disap- ample. We must look within our- need to tell this story anywhere we wantonly destroy in the name of spite the impression from pundits minister in the United Church of pointed at my own failure to articu- selves to determine what we be- find ourselves, no matter the cost. the same. As individuals and social and politicians, that only a tiny Christ. A8 eurasia&world

Wednesday, june 24, 2015 IAEA Board Approves Agreement on Housing LEU Bank in Kazakhstan Continued from Page A1 and Russia and the funding of the tonnes of uranium would be no more U.S. Cooperative Threat Reduction than from any other storage space on This will be the first international Programme. The country has since any mine,” he said. fuel bank not under the control of consistently campaigned for an end Other speakers at the briefing an individual country, the Washing- to nuclear testing and supports a were Vice Chairman of the Atomic ton-based Nuclear Threat Initiative number of non-proliferation and Energy Committee of the Ministry (NTI), a supporter and co-funder of disarmament initiatives. for Investments and Development the initiative said in a June 12 press Timur Zhantikin and Department release. Director for Nuclear Fuel Cycle The LEU bank will hold a reserve IAEA, Kazakh Experts Say Projects of Kazatomprom Sergey of up to 90 metric tonnes of LEU, Bank Will Be Safe, Secure Krechetov. which the IAEA announcement says A group of Kazakh experts con- On June 18, Wood addressed is sufficient to power a large city firmed that the hosting the LEU bank other safety issues. for three years using a light-water in Kazakhstan was supported by the “The first and most important reactor. The bank will be housed international community and would point and I want to make this as in the Metallurgical Plant in not present high costs or risks to the clear as possible – low-enriched Oskemen in eastern Kazakhstan, country in a June 15 Central Com- uranium is not nuclear waste, so… but will be operated and managed munications Service press briefing it can be very safely stored, han- by the IAEA, the agency said. Ka- in Astana. On June 18, IAEA Project dled and managed for a long period zakhstan’s regulatory and legal Executive on the LEU bank Terry of time,” Wood said. framework will govern security on Wood gave his own briefing in the He also addressed concerns the plant, and will meet IAEA stand- capital on the same subject. voiced in the media about the safe- ards. The bank will also be subject Speaking on June 15, Ambassa- ty of cylinders used to store LEU to IAEA safeguards, the agency an- dor-at-large of Kazakhstan’s For- at the Ulba Metallurgical Plant nounced. “The Ulba plant has been eign Minister Barlybai Sadykov em- (UMP) in Ust-Kamenogorsk, the handling and storing nuclear mate- phasised that Kazakhstan would not rial, including LEU, safely and se- site of the new facility. bear the financial burden of launch- “It has been shown through a curely for more than 60 years,” the ing the bank. IAEA announcement added. In this recent photo, Alexander Khodanov, UMP director of sales, shows the lack of radiation from cylinders containing number of tests to be sturdy, reliable low-enriched uranium that are currently used at UMP and that will be used for the storage of LEU as part of the IAEA bank. “The costs will actually be mini- in storage as well as transportation. The IAEA LEU Bank is fully mal,” said Sales Director of the Ulba funded by voluntary contributions, perience with Iran. The IAEA LEU both monetary and in-kind contri- IAEA and Kazakhstan are also close Hundreds of these cylinders are Metallurgical Plant (UMP) Alex- moved by the nuclear industry every the IAEA announced. Approxi- bank now gives countries an alterna- butions. to completing two related technical ander Khodanov. “We will bear the mately $150 million has been pro- tive to that choice and direction.” “We are very grateful to our fund- agreements, the NTI reported. week; there have been thousands and cost of maintaining the premises, millions of movements without any vided by donors to establish and American business magnate War- ing partners and to Warren Buffett The LEU bank in Kazakhstan is electricity and heating.” operate the LEU bank for at least ren Buffet, an NTI advisor, provided for their generosity and resolve,” one of a series of efforts to create incidents involving low-enriched LEU is not radioactive waste, as uranium. So low-enriched uranium 10 years, the agency said. that $50 million to start funding the said Nunn, according to the NTI secure supplies of nuclear fuel for some have speculated, Sadykov is … at the front end of the nuclear “This is a significant milestone bank, the NTI said. news release. “We are also appre- countries in case the open market said, and the material is of no inter- fuel cycle, as we say,” he said. in global nuclear cooperation that “The LEU fuel bank is a much- ciative of the leadership shown by or other supply mechanisms are dis- est to terrorists, as it cannot be used In response to questions, Wood will enable peaceful uses of nuclear needed investment in a safer world the IAEA and its Board of Gov- rupted, the IAEA said. Other mecha- to manufacture a nuclear weapon energy while reducing the risks of and a valuable tool in helping to ernors and the government of Ka- nisms include a guaranteed physical without additional enrichment, said the bank will be safe from proliferation and catastrophic terror- prevent future nuclear dangers,” zakhstan and President Nursultan reserve of LEU maintained by Rus- which requires other infrastructure natural influences, including the ism,” said former U.S. Senator Sam said Buffett, according to the NTI Nazarbayev. Kazakhstan has made sia at the International Uranium En- and technologies. seismic hazards, and that its ura- Nunn, co-chairman of the Nuclear release. “I am delighted that we tremendous efforts to reduce nuclear richment Centre and a U.K. assur- The LEU will not pose any threat nium will be transported in steel Threat Initiative (NTI), which first are so close to making the long- dangers over many decades.” ance of supply guaranty for supplies to the ecology of East Kazakh- containers in accordance with in- proposed the initiative to establish discussed idea of an LEU fuel bank The next steps needed to finalise of LEU enrichment services. The stan, said Director of the National ternational standards. such a bank in 2006 and which pro- a reality.” The NTI and Buffet first the process of establishing the bank United States also has its own LEU Nuclear Centre’s Institute of Ra- “It is very important to recognise vided the seed money of $50 million made their $50 million commit- are the signature of the host-state reserve, the IAEA said. diation Safety and Ecology Sergey that the Ulba Metallurgical Plant has for its establishment. “If the dozens ment in 2006, with the stipulation agreement between the IAEA and Following the collapse of the Lukashenko. 60 years of safe and secure experi- of countries interested in nuclear en- that the IAEA receive an additional Kazakhstan, which is expected in Soviet Union, Kazakhstan was “Leaking [of material] is unlikely. ence and operations,” Wood said. ergy also choose to pursue uranium $100 million, the NTI reported. Ad- late August, according to the NTI, left with the world’s fourth larg- In terms of the radiation threat, this “We are dealing with well-experi- enrichment, the risk of proliferation ditional funds were provided by and then the ratification of the agree- est nuclear arsenal, which it re- low-enriched uranium is virtually enced, very knowledgeable [peo- of dangerous nuclear materials and the United States, the EU, Kuwait, ment by the country’s Parliament. nounced and dismantled over the identical to the uranium we mine in ple], and we are very confident that weapons would grow beyond the Norway, the United Arab Emirates The transit agreement with Rus- first decades of its independence Kazakhstan. In other words, the dan- the [IAEA LEU bank] will be safe- tipping point. This has been our ex- and Kazakhstan which provides sia will also need to be signed. The with the help of the United States ger from storing an additional 60–80 ly and securely stored at UMP.” Integration, Regional Impact of Kazakhstan Seeks Stronger Geopolitical Trends Discussed in Astana Regarding Central Asian integra- tionships with many partners – but Ties with Africa By Michelle Witte tion, participants again hit upon the when its partners end up in conflict, issue of trust between the neighbour- Kazakhstan ends up suffering dam- ASTANA – On June 18, experts ing states. We know we have shared age from multiple directions, noted from three continents discussed problems, said Dosym Satpayev, di- Andrey Kazantsev, director of the some of the thornier geopolitical is- rector of the Almaty-based Risk As- Analytical Centre of Moscow State sues in Central Asia today, including sessment Group, but we don’t solve Institute of International Relations. foreign policy failures, the political them together. Difficult issues like Kazantsev also commented in his and economic impact of the Eurasian water use and regional security are opening remarks and in response to Economic Union (EAEU), the lack not going to disappear, and can only questions that the issues that have led of trust between states of the region be addressed jointly, several partici- to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine do and the urgent need for reform. The pants echoed. There were calls for not exist in Central Asia, and are not discussions took place at the Central more frequent and honest discussion applicable to discussions of the sov- Asia in Global Geopolitical Trends fora and more political contacts as ereignty of Central Asian states. conference organised by the Ka- steps toward increased regional col- Maulen Ashimbayev, chairman of zakhstan Institute of Strategic Stud- laboration. the Committee on Foreign Affairs, ies (KazISS) and the Friedrich Ebert Education is also important, they Defence and Security of the Mazhi- Foundation Office in Central Asia. said. Central Asian unity is the ideal, lis of Kazakhstan’s Parliament , dis- “We [in Central Asia] sharply, noted Burikhan Nurmuhamedov, cussed the importance of reform in physically feel how our region is be- director of the Institute of National reaching any of Central Asia’s goals. ing pulled into geopolitical process- Research in Almaty, but the region The next five to seven years are cru- es,” said Secretary of the Security has never made it a priority. It should cial for implementing reform, he Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Askar Mussinov (R) greets Deputy Minister of International Relations Council and assistant to the President be a priority, and among the young said, without which, “we’ll become and Cooperation of South Africa Nomaindiya Mfeketo at the an event in Johannesburg on June 12. of Kazakhstan research and political specialists failed states and a failed region.” Ka- in his opening remarks. “I don’t want coming out of Kazakhstan’s univer- zakhstan is pushing ahead with this By Malika Orazgaliyeva initiative to provide food assistance Idrissov wrote in an opinion pub- to exaggerate the challenges, but sities with focuses on China, Russia through its Plan for the Nation and through the Islamic Organisation for lished by AllAfrica.com on June 11. yes, there are in Central Asia and in and other countries should be bright the recently announced 100 concrete A Kazakh delegation headed by Food Security, in an effort to address Among the guests and speakers many other parts of the world today young experts on Uzbekistan, for ex- steps, as well as draft legislation he Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs famine and food security in Africa. were Ministers of Foreign Affairs unprecedented, accelerated informa- ample, and on their own region. He called “breakthroughs.” Askar Mussinov participated in the On the eve of the assembly, For- of Gambia Neneh Macdouall-Gaye, tion and other processes which force also said that the attitudes of poten- A press release issued by KazISS eign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Liberia – Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, us not only to respond quickly but tial partner powers – Russia, Europe on the day of the conference said 25th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union Idrissov said developing good rela- Somalia – Abdusalam Hadiye also to foresee possible scenarios.” and the United States, for example the event’s goal was to foster un- tions with African countries is one of The forum gathered experts for – should be evaluated on how they (AU) in Johannesburg, South Africa Omer, Deputy Minister of Interna- derstanding of the global issues and the top foreign policy priorities for panel discussions and question ses- view Central Asian unity, with the international relations system that June 12-15. The AU assembly ex- tional Relations and Cooperation of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan, Idrissov sions on “The Transformation of implication being that a region that influence Central Asia. amined women’s empowerment and South Africa Nomaindiya Mfeketo, the International Relations System,” wishes to unite should choose strong “In the context of the changing development in relation to Africa’s said, see such relations as beneficial Deputy Executive Secretary of the to Africa, Kazakhstan and Central “Central Asia 2020 Development partners who support that goal. geopolitical situation, understanding Agenda 2063 programme. Regional UNECA Abdallah Hamdok, Deputy Asia. Models” and “Potential and Pros- The impact of superpowers on global and regional processes has security and migration policies were Chair of the AU Commission Eras- “Africa is home to seven of the pects for Central Asian Integration.” Central Asia was also tackled, as become a key factor to solving com- also discussed. tus Mwencha, as well as a number world’s top 10 fastest growing It witnessed both optimistic and pes- well as their different points of plex political and economic prob- During the assembly, Kazakh- of other commissioners of the AU simistic views as well as voices not view. From head of the Russia and lems. In this respect, there is a grow- economies. Over the past decade, Secretariat. stan’s delegation held a side event it was among the fastest-growing often heard. Eurasian Programme at the Royal ing role for expert assessments in the Within the framework of the sum- One of these voices was Amrullah Institute of International Affairs in analysis of threats and challenges,” “Supporting Africa’s Agenda 2063: parts of the world. It grew on av- mit, Mussinov held talks with the Saleh, head of the Green Trend po- London James Nixey came a sharp the release said. Food, Energy and Water Security.” erage 5 percent more every year. President of Guinea Alpha Condé, litical party of Afghanistan, who re- criticism of the young EAEU, which “Of course, the topic is extremely More than 100 representatives of Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s econ- minded participants that his country he called “economic nonsense,” say- difficult; the region is difficult. … I African states participated. Kazakh- omy has grown annually on aver- foreign ministers of the South Afri- is “not going away” and that eventu- ing so far the union had only hurt re- think it is clear that the topics and is- stan also presented information con- age 4 percent during these years. ca, Gambia, Liberia, Somalia, Mala- ally, the region will have to increase gional economies. sues from 20 years ago are still im- cerning EXPO 2017 and the coun- Experts predict that in the coming wi, Tunisia, Sierra Leone, Cameron its engagement with their neighbour. Nixey also noted what he called portant,” said Regional Director of try’s effort to secure a nonpermanent years Kazakhstan will be among and Mozambique, during which the “If you think containment of Af- two important geopolitical themes: the Friedrich Ebert Foundation office seat on the UN Security Council for the world’s top 10 oil exporters. sides discussed strengthening coop- ghanistan is cheaper, you are making “a growing intolerance of regional in Central Asia Peer Teschendorf in 2017-2018. We have also recently embarked eration within multilateral forums. a mistake,” he said. “Engagement is inequalities, which will affect us his concluding remarks. In his remarks to the gathering, on a new, long-term development During the visit to South Africa, much cheaper than containment, and all … and a loss of trust in govern- “I think today’s conference helped Mussinov expressed Kazakhstan’s plan to raise our nation into the top Mussinov also attended the opening disengagement is an illusion.” Look ments all over the world.” He also us at least clearly define the key mo- position in support of AU initiatives of the Honorary Consulate of Ka- at Afghanistan as a new country, he cautioned against a “geopolitical ments,” said moderator Erlan Karin, 30 most-developed countries of the zakhstan in Johannesburg. suggested to participants – one that unravelling whereby competition is director of KazISS. on reforming the UN, its willingness world by 2050. Therefore, I am is energy thirsty and provides access turning into conflict.” The conference gathered experts to continue financial and other as- convinced that building relations Since November 2014, Kazakh- to energy-thirsty Pakistan and India; From the Russian side came an from political and research institu- sistance to the African continent, in- with Africa will lead to positive stan has been an observer to the Af- one that is eager to develop transit explanation of some of Russia’s tions in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, cluding fighting the Ebola outbreak results for both of our economies. rican Union, which brings together potential, including the Northern pragmatic criticisms of Kazakhstan’s China, Iran, the Kyrgyz Republic, that left thousands of people dead in I am particularly keen to develop 54 states of the continent with a Distribution Network; and one with multivector foreign policy. Kazakh- Russia, , Turkey, the U.K., Africa. The participants of the event our ties within agriculture, agro- population of more than one billion a thriving civil society. stan has wanted to have close rela- the U.S. and Uzbekistan. were also told about Kazakhstan’s processing, mining and energy,” people. B Nation & Capital

Wednesday, june 24, 2015

Culture SOCIETY capital International Fashion and Design Law Enforcement, Justice Officials Astana Awaits Inflow of Tourists Forum Held in Almaty Suggest Measures to Prevent after EXPO Milano 2015 Success B3 Violence against Children B5 B8 Mass Migration Offers Birdwatching Kazakh Granny Opportunities Near Astana Discovers Whole New World at 80 By Dmitry Lee be photographed with me and that was when I realised that people ASTANA – For Lena Toxan- can become famous, even at 80.” bayeva, the saying “it is never too Toxanbayeva’s rise to social me- late” has a literal meaning. The dia fame started modestly, with sev- 80-year-old grandmother, who had eral photographs posted on Face- never been beyond Kazakhstan’s book by her granddaughter, Aidyn borders until last year, has em- Toxanbayeva, who travels with her barked on a journey to discover a grandmother and shares all the posi- whole new world. With the help of tive emotions of the adventures. her grandchildren, she has pinned “Foreigners can’t tell where we some world-famous destinations on her map, like Spain, France, are from,” Aidyn told The Astana the and Thailand; Times. “They think my grandmoth- mastered Disney World rides; tried er is from Uzbekistan or to tame wild animals at a Thai zoo and mistake me for Chinese. For and continues to keep herself busy some three-four years, people would with new travelling plans. be really surprised to learn that I was “The first time I heard from my Kazakh and could speak three lan- granddaughter that I had become guages, because to them I looked famous worldwide, I couldn’t be- Chinese. But today, people do know lieve it,” Toxanbayeva told The about Kazakhstan. I think we owe it to our athletes for that.” Photo: Mike Ratty Astana Times. “But when young Pelicans in the Korgalzhyn reserve. people started approaching me in Vibrant and full of energy, Lena the streets seeking my blessings, come to rest, mate and lay their tions in the reserve. “May is also the pink flamingos. Kazakhstan is rarely gets tired according to her By Michelle Witte I was very surprised. One or two eggs in the Korgalzhyn State Na- start of breeding season, [so] birds home to the world’s northernmost granddaughter. In almost all pho- passersby wouldn’t have gotten ture Reserve. have very bright plumage and be- breeding colony of the flamboy- tographs, she is pictured in eye- ASTANA – In the spring, when my attention, but when it’s con- catching, colourful Kazakh national May is when things get funky have very actively, trying to find ant, pink creatures. Towering on the weather warms and residents stant and happens everywhere, I clothes and by doing so, helps spread in Korgalzhyn. “Millions of birds a partner.” This is the easiest and their long legs over pelicans, gulls, realised it’s no coincidence. Peo- of the steppe start to dream about are crossing this area and some of best time for birdwatching, she a little part of Kazakh culture abroad. terns and other seabirds in the mid- ple would approach me and ask to Continued on Page B2 summer holidays by some distant them stay for nesting,” Vera Vo- said. On a two-day trip, it’s not dle of a landlocked steppe that can seaside, another group of travellers ronova, tourism manager with the unusual to spot 70 species of birds; see temperatures fall to minus 50 C is making a journey in the opposite Association for Biodiversity Con- on this reporter’s trip on May 30- in the winter, it can look as though direction. Only about 120 kilome- servation in Kazakhstan, told The 31, 57 species were spotted. quite a number of animals have tres west from Astana, hundreds of Astana Times. Voronova guides The highlight of the May nesting taken a very, very wrong turn. birds, many from tropical beaches, wildlife and birdwatching expedi- season, for most birdwatchers, are Continued on Page B6 Anti-Doping Conference Highlights Almaty’s Olympics Hosting Bid reports, share experiences and doping capacities and monitoring tain a unique partnership between By Aiman Turebekova discuss alternative ways of com- the World Anti-Doping Code – the the sports movement and govern- batting doping. The exchanges document coordinating anti-dop- ments, with its main aim being “to ASTANA – The 12th annual created a productive base for co- ing policies in all sports and coun- protect the clean athlete and pro- Asia/Oceania Region Intergov- operation and partnership between tries. vide a level playing field for all.” ernmental Ministerial Meeting on the Asia and Oceania anti-doping Almaty is the host of WADA’s Commenting on Kazakhstan’s Anti-Doping in Sport, organised organisations. Regional Anti-Doping Organisa- efforts in this direction, he said by the World Anti-Doping Agency WADA was established in 1999 tion, which is responsible for co- “rapid development of the sport (WADA), was held June 20-21 in as an international independent ordinating anti-doping activity infrastructure in Kazakhstan has Almaty. agency composed and funded across eight countries in Central allowed the country to become a According to Kazakhstan’s Na- equally by the sports movement and South Asia. leader in the fight against doping tional Anti-Doping Centre, 60 and governments of the world. Its Opening the conference, WADA in sport within the Central Asia re- participants from 26 countries at- key activities include scientific re- Director General David Howman gion.” tended to present their progress search, education, developing anti- said the agency seeks to main- Continued on Page B7

Nazarbayev University Student Wins Lena Toxanbayeva (L) with her granddaughter Aidyn Toxanbayeva pose in front of the Eiffel Tower. Photos were taken from Aidyn’s Facebook account with her permission.

Climate Change Essay Contest, Other SUMMER STUDY + ACTIVITIES CAMPS→AMSTERDAM, MALTA & BOSTON AGE:5-19; JUNE 8-SEPTEMBER 5, Winners Announced VISA-SUPPORT↔TOPCLASSTUTORS.ORG→SMART CAMPS By Michelle Witte Things to Watch &

ASTANA – A Nazarbayev Univer- Places to go sity student has won an essay contest for Kazakh students sponsored by a collective of European embassies Daulet sports centre meant to raise awareness and encour- June 26 at 7 p.m. International Martial Arts Festival age work to combat climate change. The essay contest was part of a joint radisson hotel Climate Diplomacy Day initiative June 27 at 7 p.m. Venetian Party with Da Gudda Jazz sponsored by the EU delegation to Kazakhstan and the embassies of Alau ice palace Belgium, France, , Spain and the U.K. in Astana. June 28 at 9 a.m. Astana cup, table tennis Nazarbayev University student Aizhan Abilgazina received her city square award during a June 11 ceremony at July 4,5 at 7 p.m. international street dance session the EU office in Astana after stress- ing in her essay that the Earth is baiterek square “our common home,” that “no man is an island” and that climate change July 5 at 7 p.m. summer jazz festival astana mitigation actions can only succeed by tackling challenges collectively. khan shatyr square Akmaral Zhakypova, a student at july 6 at 11 p. m. astana day fireworks the University of California, Berke- ley, took second place and Shalkar Astana opera Nurseitov, a George Washington july 10 at 7 p.m. Spartacus, ballet University student, took third, ac- cording to a June 17 press release Spanish Ambassador to Kazakhstan Manuel Larrotcha Parada (second from left) and Belgian Ambassador Michel from the EU delegation. Peetermans second from right) with third-place winner Shalkar Nurseitov. Elnara Bainazarova, coordinator Continued on Page B5 for information at the EU delegation to Kazakhstan, is presenting a certificate. B2 Nation&Capital people

Wednesday, june 24, 2015 Business Centre for Kazakh Granny Discovers Whole Disabled Opens in New World at 80 East Kazakhstan Continued from Page B1 “We moved to Ust-Kame- nogorsk from Kentau in 1993 and everybody spoke Russian there,” she recollected. “Kazakh was rare- ly used. That’s when I decided to wear a kamzol (a Kazakh tradition- al long vest without sleeves with embroidered national ornaments). It’s my everyday style now.” “I have liked all the countries that I have been to! There are no words to express my true emotions about every country I have visited. I am happy to have walked along each street and each district wherever I was. I liked the numerous mu- seums in London; they were live, spectacular and realistic. Phuket’s (Thailand) scenery and nature took my breath away and I enjoyed the exotic fruits. I loved Paris for its beauty, but the monochrome streets and monuments with evil faces left me doubtful about the city. Barce- Staff Report lona is a city of happiness – every Lena Toxanbayeva at a tiger sanctuary in Thailand. Map 2020 and provides office jobs eldest son is getting ready for this seniors might want to adopt her The Voluntary Society of Disa- and supports entrepreneurs. “The idea of creating​​ a business trip and I hope to be in good shape grandmother’s adventurous spirit. bled People in East Kazakhstan has next year to travel to Mecca. But un- “People should treasure every opened a centre for business initia- centre has emerged in connection til then, I am up to travel anywhere moment of their lives and not just tives at the request of local disabled with the fact that today there are in the world. I am just waiting for residents. The centre will help peo- more than 58,000 disabled persons wait until the end of their days. Un- ple with disabilities find jobs and run in East Kazakhstan and 15,000 of the next vacation season to travel fortunately, elders in our country are their businesses, according to infor- them are able to work. People with with my children and they don’t not enjoying their lives,” Aidyn told mation from the Information Centre disabilities, especially young peo- need to ask me twice,” she added. The Astana Times. “They dedicate of the East Kazakhstan region. ple, have a desire to develop them- There were times, however, their whole lives and all their efforts The business centre is a joint pro- selves, but at the same time they when her children had to persuade to raising their children and forget ject of the Department of Coordina- have no opportunity to find a job,” the granny to travel, times when about their own ambitions. This is tion of Employment and Social Pro- said Aizhan Sadykova, head of the she felt scared. wrong! Children will get used to grammes in East Kazakhstan and department. “The first time I flew to London the comfortable lifestyle and might the United Nations Development It should be noted that the busi- I was 79 years old. My grandchil- neglect their own parents. Then, we Programme. The centre also offers ness centre is currently training 68 dren persuaded me to do it though are surprised that we have elders in training courses concerning relevant people, 28 of them from villages and I, myself, did not want to travel. I nursing homes. My grandmother is “Now I am ready to travel to labour market areas, as well as or- cities in East Kazakhstan, who will street is unique and people are was afraid of flying,” Lena told the enjoying every day, she is still curi- ganises business consulting on state receive diplomas in massage, stone cheerful,” said Lena about her ad- Mecca, but my children are not. It’s local media in an interview, “but I ous about life, she is very active. I programmes, such as Employment cutting, web design, carpentry, tai- ventures in Europe, excited at the a holy place and one needs to be overcame the fear of flying well.” would like to say just love your life Roadmap 2020 and Business Road loring and hairstyling. opportunities to see new places. spiritually ready for this visit. My Aidyn suggested that other and enjoy every moment of it.” B3 Nation&Capital Culture

Wednesday, june 24, 2015 Seventh International Fashion and Design Forum Held in Almaty Attracts over 100 Participants

By Michelle Witte FHI press release reported on fashion for hijab-wearing Muslim go on to represent Kazakhstan at ers and other performers, as opera singer Anna Azerli, actor June 22. women. Yakovleva and Rahmani the FHI International Forum in well as dombra recitals. The Asanali Ashimov and producer ASTANA – The seventh Inter- The forum was divided into a also exhibited collections in a sep- . She also won the main event was supported by the Karina Sarsenova, who attended national Forum of Talent, Models Day of Beauty, a Day of Talent and arate showing at the forum. prize of the beauty competitions nonprofit organisation “Lots the forum. and Designers of Fashion House a Day of Celebration. Seven young A number of pageants were – a diamond and turquoise tiara of Great People,” which builds FHI is an international nonprofit International Kazakhstan (FHI) Kazakh designers showed collec- also held during the event, in- worth $10,000, FHI Kazakhstan a list of people who it believes organisation that promotes fashion was held in Almaty’s Metro Club tions at the event, which included cluding competitions for teens reported. The total prize fund to have a positive impact on the and show business and the people on June 18–20 and brought to- special guests Terani Couture and children. Winner of the was $40,000, the Profashion world, Komsomolskaya Pravda that work in those industries. It gether 100 participants from Be- representative in Russia Oksana Grand Prize of the forum’s beau- website reports. reports. This year, nine was founded in the U.S. in 2003, larus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Yakovleva and Saher Rahmani, ty contests, 15-year-old Diana The forum also saw perfor- were added to the list, includ- an office was opened in Almaty in Russia and the United States, an an Iranian designer known for his Bakhtiyarkyzy from Semey, will mances by dance groups, sing- ing filmmaker Sergey Azimov, 2009. Swedish Artist Explores Art Show Held at Almaty Cultural, Gender Evolution Metro Station By Michelle Witte scraps of newspaper – a network of on June 19. “So my approach is to words and events that combine to just tell my story and then let peo- ASTANA – Belarussian-born, create either a ladder or a lid. ple to judge for themselves whether Sweden-based artist Ludmila Chris- The toiles, sculpted like female they find something there they can teseva has brought the bright, tex- forms, take shape above a collection relate to.” tured paintings and installations of of bright high heeled shoes or rise Gender issues play an important her “Sustainidentity” exhibit to the out of the ground in one central in- role in her work, the artist notes. Kulanshi Gallery in Astana’s Pal- stallation, and show the tension be- “[G]ender pierces through our way ace of Peace and Harmony, with the tween being and becoming; a wom- of thinking about culture in general. help of the Swedish embassy in the an. The toiles speak to the processes Hence it also becomes one of the Kazakh capital. The exhibit was ar- of construction and transformation underlying elements of my art. This ranged in connection with Sweden’s both in gender and cultural iden- also builds connection to politics national day on June 6. tity. “Working with toiles, Christe- or, I would say, the political in our “Based on the artist’s autobiog- seva wishes to show that becoming lives. Sometimes, especially when it raphy, Sustainidentity emphasises a woman is a complex matrix ex- comes to thinking about gender is- the idea of becoming rather than be- tending through many dimensions sues (which in many countries are ing or even being born a woman,” and does not have any concrete final still considered to be not important a Kulanshi press release explains. destination. Instead, this becoming or even derogatory and therefore not “It also provides an opportunity to is in constant flux, moving between even worth discussing), we hardly observe how different cultures can recycling, re-thinking, re-forming, realise how much of politics is in- bring changes into the concept of and re-configuring,” the gallery said. volved in our way of seeing what femininity, into our own stance and Christeseva said in choosing her is masculine and what is feminine. understanding of us as individuals.” work for this exhibit, she was guid- Gender issues are closely connected In this exhibit, which runs through ed by her understanding of life in to question of power. Who can de- June 25, her story is told through the post-Soviet space, but also her fine what is feminine or masculine? multilayered paintings as well as a sense of being part of Swedish cul- Who sets the norms and morals?” variety of sculpted, recycled textiles ture. “Showing works on femininity Because of how culturally rooted called toiles. could be a tricky matter in any cul- gender identity is, bringing this par- Viewers take in the exhibition in Almaty Metro’s Abai Station. The skies, seen through a thicker tural environment, and here I would ticular exhibit to different parts of or thinner layer of multicoloured try to distance myself from East- the world is exciting, she said. The paintings were included in the ex- ly with teenagers. As an example, leaves or other obstacles, can present West praxis and say that it could be intention is not to provide answers By Yerbolat Uatkhanov hibit. the painting “Poppies” was cre- opportunity or oppression. Seen up as challenging in Sweden as in Ka- as to what femininity should be in Zhumadil Kerimbek works ated by her 17-year-old daughter. close, some of the leaves are actually zakhstan,” she told this newspaper any given context, she said, but to ASTANA – “Artists Go to the on national-style paintings dis- Passersby reacted in different raise questions. People,” an exhibit featuring tinguished by special country ways to the display. Acciden- “You can also say that the project works of new and seasoned art- cosiness. He teaches at Kazakh tal spectators were a bit amazed Sustainidentity is political, if you ists, took place recently at the National Agricultural University and left quickly and impassively, accept my formula that personal is Abai station of the Almaty metro. and his paintings are presented in while others stopped to explore political, and my personal experi- Coordinated by the Altyn Gallery Russia, Belarus and abroad. the works of the Kazakh art- ence of becoming the artist I am city craft union and Leonardo da With more than 10 paintings ists. The creators did their best now is also a story of an individual Vinci School of Art, the display to beautify the space with their who encountered power imbalances presented paintings which dif- on display, Dmitry Shorokhov along the way.” fered not only by style and genre, was the most prolific artist in the paintings. “[Christeseva’s] art is contempo- but also by drawing technique. exhibit. He is interested in differ- The exhibition wasn’t the first rary, intelligent and beautiful and “There is only one thing which ent categories, such as still life, held in the metropolitan. A simi- represents something quite new to unites all the paintings – all art- graphics, patchwork technique, lar showing, coordinated in 2013, the artistic scene of Astana,” Am- ists are extremely brave people, fresco, glass paintings and many was dedicated to Nauryz, the bassador of Sweden to Kazakhstan because they aren’t afraid to go others. holiday celebrating the coming of Christian Kamill told The Astana downstairs to the metropolitan The shop owned by Natalya spring and abundance. Organisers Times on June 16. “Furthermore, with their paintings to show them Shumakher offers art therapy and consider the location a good one, it explores in a very interesting to crowds of people and conse- invites anyone who is interested. as paintings are not exposed to the way the notions of feminism and quently spectators,” said one of One of its teachers, Irina Balan, elements. At the same time, ordi- femininity. Born in Belarus, the the exhibition organisers Olga discussed the healing properties nary people are surprised by the artist also tackles issues of identity Vodneva, according to Today.kz. of visual art. She instructs chil- opportunity to visit the exhibition in different societies, which, all in One of young artists, 11-year- dren and is sure that the medium by merely walking downstairs and all, makes this exhibition very ex- old Diana Medyuk, has studied can cure a number of different feasting their eyes on the works “ The Sky Over Stockholm.” Mixed media on canvas, by Ludmila Christeseva. citing.” drawing for a year. Her two glass psychological problems, especial- absolutely free of charge. B4 Nation&Capital COUNTRY

Wednesday, june 24, 2015 ‘Sleeping Sickness’ Mystery in North Second Stage of Steppe Eagle Kazakhstan (Almost) Resolved 2015 Drills Launch Near Almaty By Dmitry Lee radiation level was normal and sic synergy effect,” the scientist couldn’t have been the reason for explained. ASTANA – Sergey Lukashen- the outbreak, experts said. “Our version is such that there ko, Deputy Director General of “[In Kalachi] we have discov- is a link between the mine and the Kazakhstan’s National Nuclear ered a high content of carbon sleeping sickness; however, urani- Centre has unveiled some of the monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon um has nothing to do with it. Lots results of the research conducted (CH). I would describe the rea- of wooden structures were used regarding the “sleeping sickness” son for this disease as follows: when the mine was operational, that has engulfed the village of periodic inhalation of air with a like fixtures, flooring and so on. Kalachi, located about 450 kilo- reduced oxygen concentration After the mine was shut down, it metres northwest of Astana in the and the high concentration of was filled with water and wood in Akmola region. carbon monoxide and hydrocar- contact with water created carbon The news about the “Sleepy bons,” said Lukashenko, under- monoxide. Then, it started to leak Hollow village,” as it was nick- lining this was a preliminary as- outside the mine gradually to the named after the reported cases oc- sessment. surface,” Lukashenko explained. curred in 2013, spread around the “The most interesting thing is The last case of the disease globe and scientists have yet to that the sleeping sickness is trig- was reported in early April and discover the mystery behind the gered by a combination of three the scientists say it is likely the illness. Villagers randomly started factors: the lack of oxygen plus symptoms will return in the win- falling asleep no matter the activ- the excess CO and CH,” he added. ter, as the sleeping sickness is ity in which they were involved “Each of these three compo- also apparently connected with and some couldn’t be awakened nents separately is within the the change of seasons and certain for days. Afterwards, they felt normal level and none of them weather conditions. Some resi- lethargic, asynergic and experi- seemed to cause suspicions; dents have suffered three or four enced short-term memory loss. hence, for a long time we could attacks over the past two years. Kazakh scientists tried to link not figure out the real cause. But In total, about 130 residents have the illness to a nearby, closed when there is a combination of turned to the local hospital for Soviet uranium mine, but the three factors, we observe a clas- help.

By Aiman Turebekova available since the 1980s and is ditional European and Central ASTANA – The second phase used in modelling and simulation Asian states. of the Steppe Eagle 2015 peace- by the militaries to determine Annually, exercises involved It Will Be Unprofitable keeping exercises began June 15 possible outcomes for force-on- more than 1,500 people as well as at the Ili training area near Al- force training. military observers from foreign maty, reported the Kazakh Minis- The Kazakh Ministry of De- states, experts from various NATO try of Defence press service. fence has said the basis for the headquarters and military-diplomat- to be a Bad Doctor, Health A feature of the second phase of first phase of Steppe Eagle ex- ic corps accredited in Kazakhstan. exercise Steppe Eagle 2015 is the ercise was checking the perfor- In consultation with NATO preparation of the headquarters of mance of the Kazbat peacekeep- member states, Kazakhstan con- units in the form of ing battalion in executing tasks tinues to develop a conceptual Ministry Official Says command and staff training. with multinational forces and a framework to reform the defence of their professional skills. So it sional staff are appearing in vil- Command-staff computer-sim- unified command in accordance and security sector and promote By Yelena Brussilovskaya will be economically unprofit- lages. ... As to whether villagers ulation training will take place with multidisciplinary peace- basic reform projects in the Min- able to be a bad doctor. can receive medical care of an by using the JCATS software pro- keeping operations. istry of Defence. Cooperation be- ASTANA – The 100 concrete international level – of course, gramme. The programme man- This year marked the 13th time tween Kazakhstan and NATO is steps to implement the five re- Can we now say that our na- they can. Patients who need it ages the process on the computer, the exercise was held. The first based on enhancing capabilities forms defined by President Nur- tional healthcare is close to the are passed along a chain of ru- including planning, management exercise took place in 2003 as a of the airmobile forces and navy. sultan Nazarbayev cover the is- international level? ral hospitals through to major and the application of units with- trilateral drill involving troops Parties continue to work together sue of improving national health Definitely. Now almost all of regional specialised medical out the expense of motor sources from Kazakhstan, the U.K. and to develop a peacekeeping bat- care. This was the subject of a the technologies that exist in centres in Almaty and Astana. A and ammunition and the carrying the U.S. The number of partici- talion, which will be able operate recent conversation with Vice world medicine are used in Ka- great helper in providing emer- out of the planned operation. This pating countries has since dou- in partnership with forces from Minister of Health and Social zakhstan. Of course, there are gency medical care to people in software programme has been bled and includes several ad- NATO member states. Development Alexei Choi. problems and we do not hide it: remote villages is medical avia- our hospitals often do not keep tion, which is also developing How is Kazakh medicine de- up with innovations in terms of well in our country. veloping in practice? equipment; there are problems In addition, physicians from In recent years, domestic with the quality of care. But if, Almaty, as well as from Astana, healthcare has received major for example, organ transplants provide assistance to the regions, investments, both for the pur- are considered to be the most making visits during which they chase of modern equipment and complicated operations, they not only perform operations, but medicines, as well as for the ed- have been performed in Kazakh- also train their colleagues. ucation of doctors. stan for a number of years. Liver A lot of Kazakh physicians re- transplant surgery, for example, What are Kazakhstan’s ceive training in the best clinics was considered almost unattain- healthcare problems? in the world, and we are sending able for our surgeons not long There is the process of popula- doctors abroad, not only from ago. Now such operations are tion’s ageing, so we need to de- large medical centres, but also performed even at the regional velop gerontology, the science from the regions. In addition, level. Kidney transplants have of ageing and geriatrics … . In the number of master classes for become common practice; they addition, it is planned to focus which foreign worldwide known are now provided in seven cen- experts come to us and provide on childhood, because if chil- tres. Now, more and more for- dren are healthy, we will have training on-site for our doctors eigners come to us for treatment, has been increased. In addition, a healthy generation, a healthy and not only from the neighbour gene fund for the nation, as is foreign doctors also perform countries, but also abroad. complex operations in our own always mentioned by our Presi- dent. facilities. What is being done to re- Here a psychological factor duce the gap between the major is important: our doctors see What is being done to im- medical centres in Astana and prove the quality of healthcare? that it is possible, that the lat- Almaty and regional hospitals? As you know, in the near future est technologies in medicine are Can people from the provinces it is planned to introduce health practicable, and, secondly, that access the same technologies as insurance, one of the targets of Kazakh specialists can then con- in the major cities? the 100 concrete steps, so I think duct master-classes for their col- In each regional centre or vil- leagues from the regions. lage it is not possible to build an it will change public healthcare Hospitals in Almaty are de- ultra-modern hospital; moreo- a lot. The financial sustainabili- veloping very dynamically. ver, this must not be done, we ty of health systems based on the Now some municipal health should look for other ways. For principle of joint responsibility care institutions are not worse example, one of the 100 steps of the state, employers and in- than national ones, and some of … includes priority funding for dividuals will be strengthened, them are better and with better primary health care. Primary and there will be additional op- equipment and personnel. It is care would be central to disease portunities to expand the scope encouraging that new hospitals prevention and early treatment. of public health care, which is and clinics are being built and Now, an office of the World limited in our country. not only provided with excellent Health Organisation (WHO) has As for the quality of medi- equipment but also with a highly been opened in Almaty. This is cal services, we are working qualified staff. very important because there are on it, perfecting the Service of It should be noted that the a limited number of the regional Patients Support. If someone is wages of doctors are increas- offices of the WHO in the world not satisfied with the quality of ing from year to year, and now and there is only one on primary service, if something is not done are higher than in the general health care, and it is located in according to the standard and so labour market. Therefore, for Almaty. Many experts and spe- on, the patient can contact these our young people choosing a cialists from Europe will hold centres by phone or e-mail with profession, there is an incentive conferences here, and training their claims. I assure you, every to study in a medical institute. seminars, which will be an addi- complaint will be considered Of course, the study takes up to tional impetus for the improve- very carefully. seven years, but then there is a ment of our health care. In addition, at the level of confidence that they will always In addition, there is an order health departments and health- find work, and that the salary of by the President for the con- care quality control committees a doctor will allow them to live struction of 350 family regional there are special blogs and hot with dignity. medical clinics, and the work lines. And I must say, people And more importantly, and programme “100 schools-100 contact us very actively. If in this is emphasised in the Plan of hospitals.” We constantly visit some area the number of com- the Nation, the level of salaries different regions of Kazakhstan, plaints becomes greater then of healthcare workers will de- including remote places, and appropriate, administrative so- pend on their contribution to the see how neat, well-equipped, lutions are taken to improve the work, and, of course, the level outpatient clinics with profes- situation. B5 Nation&Capital SOCIETY

Wednesday, june 24, 2015 NGOs, Government Discuss Civil Society Involvement According to the deputy chair- of the law on access to informa- stressed the special significance By Yulia Mager man, all the necessary conditions tion. Work on the document is of the work to strengthen public have been created for the effective underway and the framework in- confidence in the courts and law ASTANA – Members of the implementation of the planned re- cludes a proposal to expand the enforcement agencies. National Coalition of Democratic forms. He stressed that the ruling list of entities that are obliged to “No doubt the Plan of the Na- Forces met June 19 to discuss the party is actively involved in this provide information to the pub- tion’s 100 concrete steps is a unique, importance of the participation of work. Thus, is planning lic. The groups would not only be timely and important document. It civil society in implementing the to initiate and push for the adop- state bodies and institutions, but accurately determines directions for Plan of the Nation. Representa- tion of 15 draft laws, including also subjects of the quasi-public further movement of Kazakh soci- tives of leading political parties, those on public control, access to sector, recipients of budget funds, ety. Civil society has to start its par- members of the government, information and combating cor- market entities with a dominant or ticipation in the implementation of parliament deputies and heads of ruption. The party will also be im- monopolistic position and sepa- the tasks by transforming their rela- NGOs attended the session. plementing the roadmap project, rate legal entities. tionship with their target groups, the Nur Otan Party First Depu- which includes a large package “The National Commission on state and within themselves,” noted ty Chairman Baurzhan Baibek of concrete proposals similar to Modernisation aims at making Director of the Institute for Democ- opened the meeting by touching the Plan of the Nation. In addi- Nur Otan Party First Deputy Chairman Baurzhan Baibek (C) addresses the government as open as possible to racy Yulia Kuchinskiy. on the five institutional reforms tion, Nur Otan adopted a political meeting as other officials look on. the public,” he added. The sociologist stressed that a announced by President Nursultan doctrine and anti-corruption pro- Chief Researcher at the Ka- broader and more effective public Nazarbayev as his elected plat- gramme until 2025. with the standards of the devel- submitted to Parliament, allowing zakhstan Institute for Strategic awareness is necessary on the ac- form at the party’s 16th congress. In order to execute the five in- oped countries and Organisation the deputies to review it in the au- Studies under the President Yuriy tivities of the country, but it needs “Because of the urgency of stitutional reforms, Nazarbayev for Economic Cooperation and tumn cycle. Buluktayev suggested that a state to be as clear and accessible as pos- the reforms, the Plan of the Na- established the National Commis- Development) and introduction “With the implementation of can be transparent only if it has sible. She added that implementing tion was almost immediately sion on Modernisation. Kazakh of targeted social assistance. The the five institutional reforms, we a strong and active civil society. the five reforms requires a new published; it is a framework that Minister of National Economy fourth reform includes implement- expect consistent changes to be He proposed creating an institute mindset and thinking from society, needs to be filled by practical and national commission mem- ing several major projects, such as carried out with the participation of civil expertise, which could at- which needs to be started in school. measures. The five reforms are ber Yerbolat Dossayev described social and cultural tourism, the of those who are concerned about tract experts and scientists from The conversation during the meet- the logical continuation of the the work which is being accom- ideas of Mangilik Yel (Eternal Na- the fate and future of Kazakhstan. different areas of society. ing was active and constructive, as ongoing state policy of our Presi- plished by the commission. tion) and introducing its values to Knowing work on the fifth reform Lawyer and member of the the experts incorporated specific dent, which allowed the country The minister recalled the focus the existing school curriculum. for certain, I can say that not only public council under the Kazakh proposals in their speeches and com- to achieve impressive success,” of each reform and spoke about According to Dossayev, the deputies and representatives of Ministry of Internal Affairs Irak ments. All the information related at said Baibek. He added that the the current situation. He pointed work to create the legal statute for government agencies are actively Yelekeev focused on the second the meeting will be reflected in the changes create an institutional out that much of work is being implementing the institutional re- involved in it, but the nongov- reform in his speech, in particular record, as well as in recommenda- foundation for the country’s entry undertaken in social modernisa- forms is expected to be completed ernmental sector as well,” said stressing the importance of a step tions for the authorities. into the list of 30 most developed tion, such as a complete reform by the end of August. By the be- Mazhilis Deputy Nurlan Abdirov. such as the tightening of qualifi- Following the meeting, mem- countries in the world and provide of the employment relationship (a ginning of the new parliamentary Speaking of the 100 steps, Ab- cation requirements and mecha- bers of the coalition adopted an radical improvement in the qual- new labour code to be developed session in September, the com- dirov mentioned that society pays nisms for the selection of candi- appeal to the citizens of the coun- ity of life of Kazakh citizens. during the summer in accordance plete package of draft laws will be great attention to the development dates for judicial office. He also try. Nazarbayev University Law Enforcement, Student Wins Climate Justice Officials Suggest Change Essay Contest, Measures to Prevent Other Winners Announced Violence against Children At the same meeting, Deputy Pros- He also suggested that special By Michelle Witte ecutor General Andrei Kravchenko Internet resources for combating noted that the country is working crime be created. “I would like to ASTANA – In the last five years, toward improving quality of life, in- propose to the Ministry of Education reported incidents of sexual vio- cluding through the newly announced and Science, the Ministry of Invest- lence against minors in Kazakhstan “Plan of the Nation: 100 Concrete ment and Development along with have doubled, Attorney General of Steps,” some of which target improv- nongovernmental organisations to- Kazakhstan Askhat Daulbayev said ing the legal and judicial systems. gether to continue the development at a recent meeting of Coordination “Thinking about reducing crime, we of such important online resources Council on Law Enforcement under focus on changing living standards. as Safekaznet.kz, which receives the Prosecutor General’s Office of However, this approach is defective. allegations of illegal content on the Kazakhstan, where he also called A high standard of living, of course, Internet. Also, we should create sites for stronger investigative procedures can reduce the number of offences, similar to the global service Missing- and more thorough assessments of but the implementation of specific, kids.com,” he said, according to the adults who were with children. comprehensive and clear law enforce- CCS. “Dangers for children of all ages ment measures cannot be ignored,” Kravchenko did note some posi- today are growing and becoming said Kravchenko, according to the tive steps in combating sexual vio- more acute,” Daulbayev said, as re- Central Communications Service. lence, particularly with the use of ported by Tengrinews on June 12. He called for the development of a surveillance cameras. “In 2010, 491 children became a united strategy for preventing sexual During the same meeting, Dep- First-prize winner Aizhan Abilgazina (C) and the ambassadors involved in Climate Diplomacy Day. victim of rapists; in 2014, there were crimes. “We need to discuss these is- uty Attorney General Nurmakhan- 943 such cases.” Cases are reported sues, to create specific timelines for bet Issayev said the country must Continued from Page B1 “In order to tackle climate change, Paris Conference of Parties in the on a daily basis, he said, with 16 cas- the preparation of such a strategy consider castration as a preventive we need to have not only the support EU release. Peetermans stressed es registered already in June. and then to adopt it at the next meet- measure against repeat offences, as “Two issues will be at the core of governments, but the support and that all countries must submit con- More than 600 cases of sexual vio- ing of the Coordination Council,” he said is practiced in Russia and of the international agenda in the engagement of society as a whole. tributions ahead of the conference lence against minors were reported Kravchenko said. He also said the other countries. He commented 21st century: migration and cli- Even if you have only just learned in order to design a deal capable in the first five months of 2015, the rising incidences of violence against that today, measures to protect the mate change,” said Ambassador about the reality of climate change, of keeping the global temperature attorney general said, including two children showed “the clear need for population from sex offenders are of Spain to Kazakhstan Manuel it’s your first, important step toward rise to below 2 C. Etienne told the horrific cases in Almaty Oblast and psychological testing when employ- insufficient and that recidivism Larrotcha Parada, announcing one a better and a more secure future,” students that nations’ contributions East Kazakhstan Oblast in which ing people on work related to educa- among released offenders remains a of the winners at the award cer- she said, the EU reported. need to be as ambitious as possi- minors were held for long periods of tion [and] training of children. ... It problem. “It is, therefore, necessary emony. “Tackling global warming The EU release noted that 2015 ble. “As France will host and pre- time. He also complained about in- would be good for health authorities to subject such persons to psycho- and climate change, and trying to is a crucial year for the climate as side [over] the 21st Session of the vestigative processes in Kazakhstan, to develop a procedure for notifying logical and psychiatric examination mitigate their negative effects, is the international community pre- Conference on Climate Change in Tengrinews reported, saying cases law enforcement authorities of per- to establish the reasons behind their the shared responsibility of all of pares to adopt a new global cli- Paris, the largest international con- are “red taped or hidden.” sons who have mental disorders and crimes and identify the presence of us to ensure a better world for our mate deal in Paris in December. ference ever held in our country, “Let’s be honest, despite the clear a tendency to sexual harassment and physical pathologies or sadistic in- children and for the children of our Bouchez said preventing danger- the combat against climate change deterioration of the rule of law in this violence,” he said, according to the clinations in them,” he said, accord- children. The very first step is to area, no one has raised the alarm, Bnews.kz report. ing to Tengrinews. raise awareness on the need to take LARROTCHA PARADA: ‘‘Tackling global including prosecutors,” Daulbayev urgent action,” he said, the EU del- said. Nearly 3,000 criminal sexual egation reported. warming and climate change ... is the shared offences, including 605 against mi- The Climate Diplomacy Day nors, have been left unsolved over essay contest, announced on May responsibility of all of us to ensure a better the past five years, Tengrinews re- 18, was open to 18-23 year old world for our children and for the children ported. students on the topic “Tackling The attorney general also said that Climate Change: Reasons for of our children. The very first step is to more child abuse and child pornog- Global Involvement and the Im- raise awareness on the need to take urgent raphy videos are being found in the portance of My Role.” Dozens of Kazakh Internet space. He opined entries were received, according action.’ that the surge of violence against chil- to the EU delegation, and judged dren was due to a general “decline of by an assessment panel. Ten final- ous climate change is an EU prior- is the top priority of French diplo- morality and ethics in Kazakh soci- ists were invited to the award cer- ity. The EU is to cut its greenhouse macy in 2015. Our goal is to man- ety” exacerbated by the availability emony, which was also attended gas emissions by 20 percent in age to reach a universal climate of violent or pornographic materi- by Larrotcha Parada, head of the 2020 and by 40 percent by 2030, agreement enabling us to limit ef- als online, according to Tengrinews. European Union Delegation Au- and its long-term goals is to bring fectively global warming.” “The population, including children, relia Bouchez, Belgian Ambassa- emissions down by 80-95 percent Climate Diplomacy Day is an has unlimited access to social net- dor Michel Peetermans, German compared to 1990 levels. “Europe activity agreed upon at the EU works, where they are free to view Ambassador Guido Herz, French is working hard to cut its green- level, following the first action last and distribute such videos.” Moral, Ambassador Francis Etienne house gas emissions substantially December, organised by Germany, legal and socio-economic issues also and British Ambassador Carolyn while encouraging other nations France and the U.K. The day aims contribute to the problem, he said. Browne. and regions to do likewise,” the to highlight positive actions on cli- Daulbayev also noted a rise in In her address to the finalists, head of the EU Delegation to Ka- mate change begin taken around sexual crimes in general, from a Ambassador Browne said she was zakhstan said. the globe as well as to encourage reported 1,885 in 2010 to 3,623 in delighted to see so many young Ka- Other ambassadors discussed joint discussion and action, the EU 2014, according to a June 11 Bnews. zakhs taking part in the competition. efforts necessary for a successful said. kz article. B6 Nation&Capital Tourism

Wednesday, june 24, 2015 The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty Eager to Set New Trends in Kazakh Service Industry from our Ladies and Gentlemen; as a destination for luxury travel- provement, as we are new. We ganise a similar event, we are plan- By Dmitry Lee it cannot be taught, it’s a certain lers? Have you seen any changes need to settle down, continue to ning to host another food festival talent. Not everyone likes to drink in who is coming, how long visi- work hard in that direction and on our anniversary. General Manager of The Ritz- coffee or tea in the morning; some tors are staying or other travel continue to offer the market the On a personal note, I wanted to Carlton, Almaty Joe Ghayad, 42, like a glass of milk. patterns? best service we can with the best add that we do lots of work with came to Kazakhstan with his own We are not seeking to expand Talking about our hotel, our product and the best meals. the local community, like in public ambitions – to set new trends in our Ladies and Gentlemen, as we guests are mostly businessmen. schools to educate them about the the Kazakh hospitality industry. are focused on quality rather than We have very few tourists stop- Is The Ritz-Carlton planning hospitality and hotel industry. We Almost two years after his arriv- quantity. Our turnover rate is very ping at our hotel. Definitely the to host any big events in the near invite them for a tour around the al, The Astana Times spoke with low. market is hungry for products such future? hotel, let them cook a little bit and Ghayad to discover what has been We provide a lot of opportuni- as service. The Ritz-Carlton is Yes, we recently held The Good have lunch. We work tightly with achieved so far. ties for our Ladies and Gentlemen; new in this market and we set new Life Food Festival; we invited in- local communities and also have they can transfer abroad to The standards of luxury in the service ternational chefs and organised a community cleanup days around How has The Ritz-Carlton, Al- Ritz-Carlton hotels in Germany, industry and people are definitely gala dinner. It was done also for our hotel. We have numerous maty evolved since opening its Qatar and the United States. It’s starting to feel the difference. our Ladies and Gentlemen, for community activities. This is part doors in 2013? What have you like a school; we educate and they them to learn and get exposed to of The Ritz-Carlton community – learned about operating a luxury learn and grow. In your opinion, how has the other properties in our hotel chain. you need to give to the community hotel in this city? Joe Ghayad hotel market in Almaty changed We have the second anniversary and it’s very important for us. The market certainly evolves The most important thing for me When the hotel opened, did you over recent years? of the hotel coming up on Nov 3. Our goal is to continue to grow every year. It’s no secret that the as general manager is my Ladies feel that you were introducing The growth is there; it’s mini- While it takes some effort to or- and learn; that is why we are here. Kazakh service market, although and Gentlemen. This is the only The Ritz-Carlton brand to the city mal, but it does exist. at a high level already, needs more asset I have in this hotel. They are or were most people aware of the work. Hence our arrival will intro- very well trained and happy; this brand and what it represents? Was Almaty ready for The Ritz- duce new service standards in Al- means that guests will be happy To be honest, not too many peo- Carlton when the hotel opened? maty and Kazakhstan. We have a and that is very important. So our ple know about our brand; usually Do you think it could have opened different concept of service at The Ladies and Gentlemen are trained it is known by those who travel a few years earlier, could the Ritz-Carlton. to have an individualised ap- a lot for example to the United brand have waited or did you ar- The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty has proach to each guest. For instance, States, Dubai and Asia. We are rive at the right moment? over 145 guest rooms and suites if anyone needs special care or is still making efforts to promote our I truly believe this is the right and is located on the top ten floors not feeling well, our Ladies and brand and hold numerous activities time to open, to set the trend, to of the Esentai Tower. The 5-star Gentlemen will bring a cup of tea. for brand awareness. I think we train not only for Almaty but for superior hotel offers unique rooms These are small things but they entered the Kazakh market at the the Central Asian region. The mar- and exceptional service of the matter. If you forget your belt go- right time. The country is opening ket is here; the country is opening highest level. ing into a meeting, all our staff up and we can feel it this year es- up economically, so we opened at will try and help. Our Ladies and pecially with the new regulations the right time. You will see in the What makes your service differ- Gentlemen are ready at all times to that allow citizens of 10 countries coming years that everybody will ent from others? help and go beyond their means to to travel to Kazakhstan without a follow. The Ritz-Carlton is meant Our concept focuses on training accommodate our guests and make visa. It was very good for us and to set the trend and not to follow our “Ladies and Gentlemen,” by them feel comfortable. for our business. and I do believe that we came at which I mean our human resources That is what makes our service the right time. and the entire The Ritz-Carlton staff. unique. But we need commitment How would you assess Almaty There is always room for im- The Ritz Carlton, Almaty at Esentai Tower. Air Astana Named Best Mass Migration Offers Airline in Central Asia, India Birdwatching Opportunities Near Astana Continued from Page B1 one of the country’s biodiversity and the emptiness of the steppe hotspots and, along with the Naur- have created great potential for the But they’re in the right place. zum State Nature Reserve, has development of relatively undis- Kazakhstan’s flamingos fly north been inscribed on the UNESCO turbed ecosystems,” Mike Ratty, from inland lakes and coastal ar- World Heritage list as the Sar- who also visited Korgalzhyn on eas in Africa and the Middle East, yarka steppe and lake network. May 30-31, told The Astana Times. meeting other species that have According to UNESCO, the lakes Ratty is a professor at Nazarbayev come from parts of India and Eu- there provide feeding grounds for University. “Korgalzhyn goes fur- rope. They mate, lay their eggs and up to 15-16 million birds, includ- ther, and restricting the entry has raise their chicks communally in a ing threatened bird species like created a remarkable protected en- few short months before beginning the Siberian white crane, the Dal- vironment – and all we saw were their long journey south again. matian pelican, Palla’s fish eagle the edges; how much more is wait- Despite their bright colours, and more, as well as the critically ing in the interior?” finding the birds can take some endangered saiga antelope. It con- Ratty, a birdwatcher of many effort. The reserve is huge and tains more than 200,000 hectares years, said the variety of flora, the lakes broad and shallow, and of Central Asian steppe, more than swarms of insects and large num- the birds don’t necessarily hang half of which is pristine, and shel- bers of birds of prey all point to a around on the shores. Flamingo ters marmots, ground squirrels, healthy ecosystem – which is im- wolves and foxes. hunting involves long stretches portant, as Korgalzhyn is an essen- Many Korgalzhyn tours include of off-roading across the steppe tial part of several massive migra- a trip to the local museum about with a guide looking for nearly tion routes. the reserve, where a short video invisible signs of life. The longer “[Korgalzhyn] is important on notes that Korgalzhyn has no trees. you spend in the reserve, the more global scale, as some countries, likely you are to find what you’re No trees – just flat steppe and flat for example in the Jordan Valley, looking for. The ACBK organises water, meeting the sky. But this are using up water, and wetlands trips of one, two or three days, is not to say the reserve is bor- for migrating birds are lost. It is to usually. “Two to three days are ing; rather, the landscape is full Kazakhstan’s credit that it has es- more than enough to see most of of smells and sounds and textures. Peter Foster (R) receives the Skytrax Best Airline in Central Asia/India 2015 award. tablished this reserve, and should the birds of the area, if the weather Grasses and red poppies sway with the breeze, while smaller, bushier be a part of a broader programme By Aiman Turebekova is good,” Voronova said. Though spring is the best season plants like asters and tulips remain to repair damage wrought by So- food, beverages, in-flight enter- ALC Executive Vice President viet-era mismanagement of natural tainment and staff service. The Alex Khatibi. for birdwatching, the ACBK runs still. The sharp, medicinal scent ASTANA – Air Astana is cel- of wormwood rises up with every resources,” he said. ebrating success, as the company survey covered more than 200 ALC announced long-term tours all summer and into autumn step, joining the smells of what Tour accommodations can be was named Best Airline in Central airlines, from the largest interna- lease agreements with Air Astana as well. They also organise a few looks like wild dill and thyme. provided in small cabins at the Asia/India for the fourth succes- tional companies to smaller do- on June 16 for seven new Airbus events per year on International Dragonflies dart, birds warn each edge of the reserve, or, as on his sive year and Best Airline Staff mestic carriers. A320neo family aircraft, including Bird Day, International Birdwatch- other of approaching figures, mar- trip, in a homestay in the nearby Service in Central Asia/India for The recognition is due to Air two A320neos and five A321neos ing Day, International Migration mots bark to their communities village of Korgalzhyn. the third year at the 2015 Skytrax Astana’s flexible offers and com- and LRs. One A320neo is sched- Day and other significant occa- from a distance. There is a con- “The welcome [and the home- World Airline Awards. The honour fortable conditions, said CEO Pe- uled for delivery in spring 2016, sions. stant flurry of activity in the sliver churned butter, fresh-baked bread follows the Air Transport World ter Foster. while the remaining aircraft are set “I love leading groups, especial- of space between the still sky and and homemade jam] in the slightly Market Leader Award received in “We are delighted to have won to be delivered in 2018 and 2019. ly with people who weren’t inter- the still steppe. shabby village is a highlight of my February. the award for the fourth consecu- “This lease transaction with ested in birds before. I really like “The sheer size of Kazakhstan The Skytrax awards are recog- tive time and would like to thank ALC is an important part of Air to open their eyes and show how time in Kazakhstan,” Ratty said. nised throughout the world as a our customers for having voted for Astana’s fleet modernisation,” said big and diverse the world of birds benchmark tool measuring passen- us. We do not take your loyalty for Foster. is. Most people become birdwatch- ger satisfaction among business granted and we will continue to Air Astana operates a fleet of 30 ers after our trips,” Voronova said. and leisure travellers across all work hard to improve both product aircraft composed of three Boeing Ambassador of the Czech Re- cabins (first class, business class, and service,” he added. 767-300ER, five Boeing 757-200, public to Kazakhstan Eliska Zig- premium economy class and econ- A leading company in Central thirteen Airbus A320 family air- ova, who visited the reserve at omy class). Asia, Air Astana has established craft and nine Embraer E-190. The the end of May, might be one of Air travellers were surveyed long-term client relationships company’s offers are a market-driv- Voronova’s newest converts. “I by telephone, questionnaires with well-known aircraft leasing en effort that combines a focus on was very surprised at how excit- and online about their experi- company Air Lease Corporation field-level engagement and specif- ing birdwatching can be! It was ences during a 10-month period (ALC). The company, based in ic client demands, as this month the my first time and I had always on the ground and in the air. The Los Angeles, California, has cus- airline launched new services from thought that [birdwatching] must survey measured passenger sat- tomers throughout the world. Astana to Seoul, and be a bit boring and interesting only isfaction across a wide range of “We have a long history and Tbilisi, Georgia. Air Astana began for ornithologists,” she told The performance indicators of front- an excellent relationship with regular flight operations on May 15, Astana Times. “But it was just the line products and service includ- Air Astana and we are pleased 2002 and currently has a network of contrary!” ing check-in, boarding, onboard with the opportunity to be a part 64 routes between 39 international Korgalzhyn, Kazakhstan’s old- seat comfort, cabin cleanliness, of modernising their fleet,” said and domestic destinations. est and largest nature reserve, is B7 Nation&Capital Sports

Wednesday, june 24, 2015 Anti-Doping Astana Arlans Win Second WSB Title By Dmitry Lee ba’s National Champion Yosbany Veitia and the latter lost the fight Conference Highlights The Astana Arlans satisfied the despite being the heavy favour- thirsty-for-victory home crowd by ite. At this point, the Arlans were claiming its second World Series ahead with the total score of 4-2 of (WSB) title. The team and the Cubans sought ways to Almaty’s Olympics Bid capped season five in Astana June come back into contention. With 20-21 by defeating the Do- the Domadores edged into a cor- Continued from Page B1 the process started, but the beau- madores 6-4 on aggregate. ner, the bout took a different turn. ty of sports is that the favourites Kazakh Temirtas Zhussupov Kazakh lightweight (60 kilo- “Today’s meeting is a unique don’t always win – and it is clear beat Joahnys Argilagos in the first grammes) Zakir Safiullin ran into platform helping to foster the com- we have been catching up fast,” he bout in the light fly category (up to a team desperate to rebound in the bination and complementing of said in this regard. 49 kilogrammes), while bantam- face of Lazaro Alvarez, who won sports’ and governments’ respec- The minister said his hope was weight boxer (56 kilogrammes) by split decision and drew the Do- tive resources and assets and re- to “welcome all of you again to Kairat Yeraliyev lost to 2012 Lon- madores one step closer to the Ar- sults in a coordinated and cohesive Almaty to enjoy what I am sure don Olympic champion Robeisy lans. approach to anti-doping,” How- will be a wonderful event in a city Ramirez. With the score tied, Ar- Kazakhstan welterweight (69 man added. and country steeped in the tradi- lans captain Samat Bashenov man- kilogrammes) Aslanbek Shym- Kazakhstan signed the Anti- tion of winter sport.” He added aged to get the home team ahead bergenov experienced similar pres- Doping Rules in 2004 and rati- that “thanks in part to the efforts in the next bout by beating Yasnier sure against 2012 Olympic gold fied the International Convention of this conference, we will marvel Toledo in light welter (64 kilo- medalist and International Boxing Photo: www.worldseriesboxing.com against Doping in Sports in De- at the competition confident in the grammes). In the middleweight Association (AIBA) World Cham- Erislandy Savon takes a blow from Kazakh Vassiliy Levit (R). cember 2009. The country fur- knowledge that the performances category (75 kilogrammes), Mei- pion Roniel Iglesias Sotolongo. He Cruz easily overcame Nurdaulet ban to put a dot on the story with thered its commitment by joining we witness are true and clean.” irim Nursultanov clinched the first tried to outbox Shymbergenov but the intergovernmental cooperation The Central Asian region has leg of victory by defeating Arlen was easily worn down and the Ka- Zharmanov in the the final score of 6-4. never hosted the Olympic Games. in the fight against doping. Lopez. Heavyweight boxer (91 zakh managed to snatch a win, put- category (81 kilogrammes) to keep The Arlans’ victory was cel- When the bidding process began Addressing the conference del- kilogrammes) Kazakhstan’s Vas- ting the Domadores in yet a worse his nation’s hopes of a comeback ebrated nationwide. The impor- egates, Kazakh Vice Minister of two years ago, Almaty was seen ily Levitt saw his first defeat this situation with the score at 5-3 only realistic. tance of the win was highlighted Culture and Sport Saken Mussai- very much as the outsider among season, losing to Erislandy Savon. one more loss possible to escape Kazakh super heavyweight (91+ by Kazakh Prime Minister Karim bekov said he believed “the prob- cities wanting to hold the event. The first day was finished, with with a tie. kilogrammes) then Massimov, Kazakhstan Boxing lem of doping at the moment is one The Almaty 2022 bid gained mo- the Kazakh team ahead 3-2, but it The Cubans, however, had no faced off against first-timer Yohan- Federation President Timur Kuli- of the central problems of modern mentum, however, after an en- was only half the battle. intention of making it an easy di Toirac. Dychko, who owns two bayev and Minister of Culture and sport, as doping is not only detri- couraging evaluation report June Day two started with a flyweight AIBA World Championships and Sports Arystanbek Mukhamediuly, mental to an athlete’s health, but 1 from the International Olympic evening promenade for the Arlans. London Olympic Games medals, who came to the venue to support also undermines the foundations Committee (IOC), which noted (52 kilogrammes) encounter be- In the next bout, Cuba’s two-time and the image of the sport.” the relevance of the bid’s slogan, tween Olzhas Sattibayev and Cu- world champion Julio Cesar De La had no problems beating the Cu- the national team. In this respect, the official said “Keeping it Real,” in all aspects of the Anti-Doping Rules of Kazakh- the Almaty plan and the successful stan, adopted in 2014, fully com- technical presentation of the bid on ply with the World Anti-Doping June 9 in Lausanne, Switzerland. Code. The final decision will be made The National Anti-Doping Cen- this summer at the 128th IOC ses- ‘Denis and Friends Ice Show’ Held in tre was established in 2012 to co- sion in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ordinate and control anti-doping where 99 voting members will cast activities in the country and en- their ballots in secret to choose be- sure the full functioning of the tween Almaty and Beijing. Almaty With Top International Skaters Anti-Doping Laboratory created in Andrey Kryukov, WADA foun- By Julia Rutz Among those performing were and Alexander Lubchenko from “This year the ice show will pre- 2002 in Almaty in accordance with dation board member and vice prominent figure skaters, such as France, as well as Olympic cham- sent a new format in comparison the requirements of the conven- chairman of the Almaty 2022 bid Kazakhstan-born figure skater Olympic champions Maxim Trank- pions Qing Pang and Jian Tong to previous years, as they were tion. According to Mussaibekov, committee, concluded the event by and bronze medal winner at the ov and Tatyana Volosozhar from from China and world champions more experimental for us. At the “the centre works in line with all noting the significance the country 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Denis Russia, Joannie Rochette and El- Jeremy Abbott, Maia and Alex second show, for instance, we de- WADA standards as a key element places on the subject of anti-dop- Ten brought his third “Denis and ladj Balde from Canada, Stephane Shibutani from the U.S. Russian cided to concentrate on celebrity in the implementation of the na- ing. Friends Ice Show” to Almaty on Lambiel from Switzerland, Marie- skater Elena Rodionova and Ko- participants. This year we want tional anti-doping policy.” “Today’s anti-doping discus- Jun. 20-21. Pierre Leray, Jean-Denis Sanchis rean skater Park So-youn. to improve the entertainment pro- Kazakh Minister of Foreign Af- sions are of great importance gramme by attracting foreign spe- fairs Erlan Idrissov also addressed to the entire sporting society of cialists. This year the show will be the conference. As he met the dele- Kazakhstan. Almaty is the major directed by a Canadian,” said Ten gates, Idrissov commended the no- sports centre in our country and during a press conference before ble goals of anti-doping activities. our WADA-recognised Anti-Dop- the event. “Sport teaches us essential val- ing Laboratory is a huge asset in The “Denis and Friends Ice ues such as respect for the rules our bid to host the 2022 Olympic Show” is unique in Kazakhstan. Af- and the reward for dedication and Winter Games. We believe that ter the show was presented for the teamwork, as well as giving a the measures taken to combat first time in 2013, it received a lot of huge amount of enjoyment. But, doping in sports will contribute attention as Ten gathered the bright- of course, sport can only have to the promotion of sports and est world stars in figure skating to this positive impact if we are culture of healthy lifestyles in Ka- perform for the Kazakh public. In confident that those taking part zakhstan.” 2014, Ten’s show became one of the are competing on a level playing Since the country’s independ- topics of discussion in foreign mass field. If athletes have an unfair ence in 1991, Kazakh athletes media, which called it “a sensa- advantage through performance- have won 59 medals (17 gold, tional project.” Tickets for the show enhancing drugs or treatments, it 20 silver, 22 bronze) in the Sum- have sold quickly. sets the wrong example,” he em- mer and Winter Olympic Games, Ten is also continuing his profes- phasised. 643 medals (207 gold, 192 silver sional skating career. This season, Idrissov also highlighted the fact and 244 bronze) during the Asian Ten won gold at the Four Conti- the conference was taking place in Games, 40 medals (eight gold, 12 nents Figure Skating Champion- Almaty as the city is competing for silver, 20 bronze) at the Summer shipsin Seoul in February and re- the right to host the Winter Olym- Paralympics and one silver medal ceived a bronze medal at the World pic Games in 2022. at the Winter Paralympics. The Championships in Shanghai in “It is a bid which has excited country illustrated its sports’ prow- March. His greatest professional the entire country and has the full ess at the 2012 London Olympics, achievement so far has been captur- backing of the government. We where its team placed 12th in the ing the bronze medal at the 2014 may have been underdogs when medal count. Denis Ten Sochi Olympic Games. Kazakh Children Place Fourth in Asian Chess Championship als, with Nazerke Nurgali (under age 13) bringing home the others. bek Nogerbek (under age 11) and Nogerbek and Asel Serikbai, who play day. We don’t have any les- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov age 11) and Asel Serikbai (under Silvers were captured by Kazy- Aibek Katenov (under age 13). competed in the under age 13 cat- sons this day, but play with each egory, took the bronze medals. other. Studying chess takes ap- ASTANA – Winning four gold, Kayirbekova is sure studying at proximately nine hours a week two silver and two bronze medals, the chess academy doesn’t take plus play day, but I really like it Kazakh children captured fourth away from her school work, but and I am fond of sports, too. I am a place and achieved great success at even enhances it. judo player,” he said. the Asian Youth Chess Champion- “It helps to develop logic and to Senior coach Yerzhan Shak- ship. The 11th annual competition, do sums. Studying chess isn’t hard enov noted the aim of the chess held May 30-June 8, welcomed an for me. I have enough free time to academy is to hone the games of estimated 350 participants from 20 play. My grandfather taught me to not only the current crop of young countries. play chess and I really liked it. Af- players, but those yet to come. One of the medal winners was ter that, my parents sent me to this “Our academy was established nine-year-old Amina Kayirbe- chess academy,” she said. in 2010 on the initiative of the kova, who took first place. The Nogerbek, who learned the best chess players and coaches of champion noted she enjoyed the game from his father and also en- Astana and Kazakhstan and I can tournament and the chance to face joys it very much, spoke the same surely say that it is one of the best top players. day about his silver medal. “The event in Singapore was or- “I liked the championship and in Kazakhstan. The goal of our or- ganised very well. All of us played Singapore very much. The com- ganisation is the upbringing of fu- in one room. The championship petitors were very strong and ture chess players of our country.” consisted of nine matches. I won I won seven matches. The last “We study children from four all of them, because I trained a lot. match took five and a half hours. years old and as of today, we have The rivals were very strong, be- We didn’t stop the game. My op- more than 100 students and several cause the best chess players from ponent from New Zealand was subsidiaries. Our motto is ‘Strong all over the world came to partici- very formidable and I had a losing like Sky.’ This motto was very pate in this event. All the girls who position, but finally I beat him,” he popular when I was a kid; it is very played at the world champion- said. positive and motivating. The best ship also participated in the Asian Nogerbek said usually he goes to coaches and even the chess grand championship,” she said in a June school in the morning and has free of Kazakhstan work in our organi- 18 interview. time in the afternoon. Three days sation. Our academy has champi-

Kayirbekova (under age nine) Photo: www.chessastana.kz a week at 5 p.m. he studies chess. ons of the world and we are really won two of her team’s gold med- Young Kazakh chess players mastering their skills. “On Sunday, we always have a very proud of this fact,” he said. B8 Nation&Capital capital Wednesday, june 24, 2015 Astana Awaits Inflow of Tourists after Success in Milano By Yerbolat Uatkhanov search work on Kazakhstan’s soil and developed his no-till farming method. ASTANA – The Kazakhstan pa- As of today, this method is used all vilion was acknowledged as one of over the world,” she said, as reported the best and most popular among the by Zakon.kz. 145 national exhibitsat EXPO Milano The ability to use one’s senses at the 2015. It has already been visited by exhibit added to its interest. approximately 150,000 people, some “You can see what a cotton plant of whom plan to travel to Kazakhstan, looks like, taste kumys, smell steppe according to the Khabar TV channel. tulips and discover the biggest ap- “The large and up-to-date pavilion ples in the world. That is, you can of Kazakhstan, located at the main see, touch, smell and taste everything avenue of EXPO Milano, is eye-catch- Kazakhstan is proud of, because even ing. Tourists are attracted by the shine usual things become very interesting of the glass wheat heads beautifying even for adults with the application of the pavilion’s front and lined up close the most up-to-date technologies,” said to the entrance.Approximately 5,000 Uskelenova. tourists visit the pavilion a day and no- The majority of visitors are Ital- body leaves it disappointed,” said Za- ian and they don’t know much about kon.kz reporter Yuliya Gonchar. Kazakhstan, but she is sure they will “The first thing visitors see in the talk about the country after leaving the main room of the pavilion is a wheat pavilion. Many guests have to wait in cloud. Wheat is the history of our line for a long time to enter the exhibit, country and it is its present. Kazakh- are excited after visiting it and plan to stan feeds not only its own population, travel to Kazakhstan, said Uskelenova. but the whole planet with high-quality The display cost Kazakhstan 17 mil- wheat. This is very symbolic accord- lion euros ($19.2 million), but officials ing to the name of the exhibition,” she consider this isn’t a high price for such said about the pavilion, as reported by high quality. Zakon.kz. As of today, EXPO Milano has been Gonchar noted Kazakhstan still uses visited by 2.5 million people who want the technology of Virgin Soil chief to get new impressions of the world agriculturist Alexander Barayev. His and its countries. The 80 pavilions are table was delivered to the exhibition located on 110 hectares and it is impos- as a unique museum showpiece and sible to visit all of them in one day. Italy pavilion stand assistant Aida Uskel- hopes to attract up to 20 million visitors enova noted that it and its accessories before the end of the exhibition, when are original. Astana will pick up the baton with “He used them when he did his re- EXPO 2017. Kazakhstan Seeks European Participation in EXPO 2017 the business plans of the company Zhoshybayev and Garcia-Mar- June 16-18, where he took part in and other benefits, to the attention cooperation was also reviewed By Murager Sauranbayev for the coming period. The foreign gallo noted the high level of coop- the presentation of EXPO 2017 for of the U.K. business community. with Bird. ministry reported that the officials eration between the two countries British companies and held work- The parties discussed the topical A highlight of the visit was a LONDON – EXPO 2017 com- and members of the BIE “posi- and underlined the importance of ing meetings with senior Brit- issues of bilateral strategic partner- meeting with Kazakh students missioner and Kazakh First tively assessed” the preparations the planned visit of King Felipe ish officials. The latter included ship with Ellwood, including the studying at British universities, Deputy Foreign Minister Rapil for the event. VI to Kazakhstan. On behalf of GREAT Britain Campaign Direc- facilitation of the visa regime. The where Zhoshybayev encouraged Zhoshybayev visited a number of During his visit to Spain on President Nursultan Nazarbayev, tor at the U.K. Prime Minister’s British side said the expo would them to actively engage in promot- West European countries in June, June 15-16, Zhoshybayev met Zhoshybayev presented the origi- Office Conrad Bird, Parliamentary contribute to the inflow of technol- ing the event among their peers. negotiating conditions for their nal of the EXPO 2017 invitation Under-Secretary of State for For- ogy, strengthen the scientific base From the moment of the receipt participation in the international- with Minister of Foreign Affairs to the king and prime minister of eign and Commonwealth Affairs and improve the image of Kazakh- of the BIE flag in June 2014, which ly-specialised exhibition with the and Cooperation Jose Manuel Spain. The Kazakh official noted Tobias Ellwood and Chief Execu- stan in the international arena. symbolised confirmation of the of- theme “Future Energy.” Garcia-Margallo, Secretary of that Nazarbayev was inspired with tive of U.K. Trade and Investment At the UKTI meeting, Zho- ficial status of EXPO 2017 Asta- To date, 29 governments and State for Commerce and Kazakh- the idea of hosting a grand interna- (UKTI) Dominic Jermey. Details shybayev and Jermey discussed na, Zhoshybayev in his capacity as four international organisations Spanish Intergovernmental Com- tional exposition in Astana when of the expo were presented to rep- prospects of speeding up bilateral expo commissioner has visited 29 have confirmed their commitment mission co-chair Jaime García- resentatives of about 70 British cooperation in trade and invest- countries in Europe and Asia. Fur- to participate, according to the he visited Expo 2008 in Zaragoza, companies, many of whom ex- ment relations, as well as ways to ther trips are planned this year in Kazakh Foreign Ministry. Spain, so the nation’s experience To date, 29 pressed solid interest in being part involve the U.K. government and order to attract more participants Led by Zhoshybayev, the Ka- in this area is quite relevant for of the event, as well as in post-ex- British companies in the organisa- from Europe, North America and zakh delegation attended the governments and Kazakhstan. position usage of facilities. tion of the event. Middle East countries, while 2016 157th session of the Bureau of Prospects were discussed with During the forum, Zhoshybayev A thorough exchange of views would see new attempts to engage International Expositions (BIE) four international the secretary of state for com- presented the conditions of par- on the British experience in hold- Asia-Pacific and Latin American general assembly held June 9 in merce regarding joint work to organisations ticipation, including customs, tax ing major international events and Paris. Reports on preparations for attract Spanish corporate partici- countries. horticultural Expo Antalya 2016, have confirmed pants to EXPO 2017. Co-chaired EXPO Astana 2017 and World their commitment by Zhoshybayev and Ponce, a Expo Dubai 2020 were heard at business forum was held the same the meeting. to participate, day toward this goal with more Addressing the session, the than 70 Spanish companies. expo commissioner reported on according to the At the meeting with the state the progress of confirmations from Kazakh Foreign secretary for tourism, the sides international participants to attend agreed to exchange experience the event, development of the le- Ministry in tourism development and per- gal framework and fulfilment of sonnel training. The insight is Kazakhstan’s commitments in Legaz Ponce, Secretary of State especially relevant given Spain’s the face of the BIE requirements. for Tourism Isabel Borrego Cortes strong position in this field. In addition, Astana EXPO 2017 and Secretary of State for Infra- Following the meeting, a memo- Deputy Chair Vera Kobalia pre- structure, Housing and Transport randum on cooperation was signed sented the current progress of the Julio Gómez-Pomar. In addition, a between Astana EXPO 2017 and construction work, as well as the series of meeting were held with Turespaña, a leading association master, content and communica- heads of leading Spanish compa- of Spanish tour operators. tion plans of the exhibition and nies. Zhoshybayev visited London Nobel Academy Representative Office Opens in Astana and Switzerland, having success- The academy is also a forum for By Michelle Witte fully trained at the centre. Upon discussion and exchange of ideas successful completion, they will between students and scientists. ASTANA – A Representative be able to continue their studies in Branches of the academy are now Office of the Nobel Academy, a any university in the world.” active in Kazakhstan, Russia and Swiss-based group of educational The Nobel Academy, an online Azerbaijan and the programme and research institutions offering education platform, is based in plans to expand into Asia, accord- online tuition accredited around Zurich, Switzerland and offers a ing to their website. the world, has opened in Astana, range of educational programmes The academy will provide five the Astana Akimat (city adminis- for qualifications accredited in grants this year for students to tration) has announced. the U.K., Russia and other coun- study abroad in the U.K., Kazakh “We are opening the academy tries, according to the academy TV reports. Kazakh graduates will in Astana due to the historical co- website. The academy currently be able to take the entrance exam operation between your country offers a bachelor of economics and the Nobel family,” said Philip degree from Moscow State Indus- for U.K. A Levels programmes in Nobel, chairman of the Nobel In- trial University, a Higher National June. Graduates will have to dem- ternational Fraternity Academy, at Certificate and Diploma accredited onstrate that they have the neces- the opening of the branch on May by Business and Technical Educa- sary English languages skills in or- 23, according to the akimat web- tion Council (BTEC) of the U.K. der to study abroad. There will also site. “It is planned to open repre- in business and related sub-speci- be distance learning programmes sentative offices in Almaty, Atyrau alities for undergraduate students in economics, business and law at and other cities of Kazakhstan. and a postgraduate BTEC Higher the academy, both for new gradu- Students will receive two diplo- National qualification in strategic ates and those with higher level mas from the United Kingdom leadership and management. educations.