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A WEEKLY ONLINE PUBLICATION / WWW.MFA.GOV.KZ ISSUE NO. 345

Also In The News

Customs Union Leaders Discuss

Integration in Moscow

BIE Secretary General Visits Astana to Discuss City’s Progress Toward

EXPO 2017

Astana Hosts UN Disarmament Resolution Summit

Astana Opera’s First International Tour Opens at Mariinsky Theatre

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Customs Union Leaders Discuss Integration in Moscow The leaders of the Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus Customs Union and Common Economic Space met March 5 in Russia during the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council to work on the details of integrating those economic unions.Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko also discussed progress on the Eurasian Economic Union establishment treaty. President Nazarbayev updated the council on recent progress and the success of the last meeting of council representatives in Astana.

“I examined carefully the documents and believe our experts have done well. I hope we can come to a consensus on all disputed issues. We need to comply with the planned schedule and the governments of member states should do more to explain the benefits of integration, which is being conducted for the good of our peoples,” Nazarbayev said.

The President noted the treaty establishing the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), expected to be signed in May 2014, consists of two parts: institutional and functional.

“According to the first part, an international economic organisation is to be created. We agreed on the equal representation of the parties in the Union organs. The decisions of the heads of states shall be binding for all other bodies. As for the functional part, we must first create an economic union,” the Kazakh President said.

President Nazarbayev urged the gathering to reach consensus on remaining issues and to hold another session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in April.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan have been consistently moving towards integration, which has already yielding positive results.

“Despite the global economy slowdown in 2013, the turnover within the “troika” did not decrease, but increased slightly, reaching $64.1 billion U.S. dollars. Russia appreciates the constructive, equal and open relationships that have developed in the economy between our countries,” he said, adding it is time to drawup an agreement on Armenia’s accession to the EEU, which should be formed in 2015.

“Armenia has adopted and is successfully implementing the plan of actions for adaptation to the norms of the Customs Union and Unified Economic Space. So we believe it is possible to prepare the accession deal,” the Russian President said.

In conclusion, Putin stressed the importance of continued assistance to Kyrgyzstan, which also intends to join the Union.

The Belarus President emphasised the effort to create the EEU should not repeat the mistakes of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

“We need to make appropriate decisions and extensively move towards our economic union,” Lukashenko noted.

Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Viktor Khristenko, who also attended the session, reported on progress to prepare the agreement at various levels.

“The readiness of a large number of Customs Union regulations concerning the tariff, non-tariff, and trade policies is 99 percent. Only several things are left for the experts to wrap up,” Khristenko said.

President Nazarbayev (right), Russian President Vladimir Putin (center, facing forward), Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko (left) and Eurasian Economic Commission Board Chairman Viktor Khristenko discuss EEC progress

BIE Secretary General Visits Astana to Discuss City’s Progress Toward EXPO 2017Mayor of Astana Imangali Tasmagambetov met with International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) Secretary General Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales in Astana on March 12 to discuss the city’s preparations for EXPO 2017. Tasmagambetov reported on the capital’s progress, particularly in developing transport infrastructure and introducing energy efficiency measures.

With several million visitors expected to attend the expo, transport is of major significance. A multifaceted road plan has been developed for the capital and four new roads are to be built near the future Expo City, the mayor reported. Airport access roads will be improved and a 17-kilometre small transport ring will also be completed before the expo, among other roadworks projects.

Astana is also improving its public transportation systems. A new railway station and two new bus stations are under construction now, he said, and multiple new parking lots and a new airport terminal will be built in the coming years. “It is necessary for the city, so here the interests of the city and EXPO 2017 coincide,” the mayor said.

Astana is also initiating a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, with buses running in designated lanes throughout the city. Construction on the BRT will begin early this summer, he said.

Energy and energy efficiency measures are also significant in EXPO 2017 preparations. The capital is outfitting its bus fleet with more environmentally friendly natural gas buses. The city has signed a contract to purchase 350 buses from France, which will arrive in June of this year. By 2017, all the city’s buses will run on gas, the mayor said.

The city is commissioning heating mains and electricity stations for the new districts of Expo City and following a plan laid out for 2012-2015 to improve the city’s energy efficiency, including identifying enterprises that consume too much fuel.

Through this plan, the city is also modernising and rebuilding its energy equipment, creating an information system to register and monitor energy consumption and creating a smart streetlight system, among other measures. Astana also plans to introduce biogas technologies at a waste processing factory, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, use some landfill waste and generate power for the city.

Some 9 million square metres of housing are also to be built in the context of expo preparations.

Loscertales said he was pleased with Astana’s progress. “I’m truly glad to be here again, and it’s very interesting for me to see this progress; I see it every time I come here. I see new buildings being constructed. I see that Astana is a dynamic and developing city. EXPO 2017 is a very good cause to transform the city. It is like an accelerator for city development, and I’m very glad to hear about the realisation of your plans corresponding to all the intentions announced previously. I’m very happy to see the progress you’ve reached in the transport system and that you’ve chosen to make the transport system more economical and ecological. I’m sure that participating countries will note it as a great advantage,” Loscertales said.

On March 12, Loscertales met with Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov to discuss the country’s cooperation with the BIE. Akhmetov said Kazakhstan is legally and procedurally prepared. “At the end of last year, a law that creates the necessary legal framework for the timely construction of facilities and infrastructure for the exhibition and decides procedural and organisational issues related to EXPO 2017 was adopted. In a word, there are no unsolvable issues,” he said.

Loscertales said the next steps toward expo would be taken soon. “I am confident that Kazakhstan will receive the official flag of the exhibition in June, and then implementation of the programme at the invitation of EXPO 2017 participating countries will begin,” he said.The BIE Secretary General is planning to meet with President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who recently approved the design concept for the expo grounds, on March 14.

International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) Secretary General Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales (center left) meets with Astana Akim (Mayor) Imangali Tasmagambetov (center right) and Kazakhstan First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and EXPO 2017 Commissioner Rapil Zhoshybayev (left of Tasmagambetov)

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Astana Hosts UN Disarmament Resolution Summit Astana hosted a seminar March 11-12 on the contribution of Resolution 1540 (2004) in regional and global disarmament and non-proliferation dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the resolution in the “Central Asia +” format.The event was organised by the Kazakhstan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the Committee of the UN Security Council 1540 (1540 Committee). It was attended by permanent members of the UN Security Council, representatives from more than 30 countries, as well as members of international and regional organisations, including the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), European Union (EU), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and others. The Kazakhstan side at the seminar was represented by Ambassador at Large Barlybay Sadykov.

The seminar held on the eve of the 10th anniversary of Resolution 1540 and the Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share experiences on the implementation of Resolution 1540 at the national level, to assess its contribution to regional and global non-proliferation and disarmament, and to make suggestions to strengthen regional and international cooperation in the field of non-proliferation and counter-terrorism.

On April 28, 2004, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1540 under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which affirms that the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery constitute a threat to international peace and security.

Kazakhstan has consistently pursued non-proliferation and adopted measures to implement provisions of the 1540 UN Security Council Resolution. In 2011, Kazakhstan held a similar seminar to strengthen cooperation and implementation of the resolution at the regional level.

Kazakhstan is a candidate for non-permanent membership on the UN Security Council in 2017-2018 and, if elected, intends to promote non-proliferation and nuclear security within this UN body.

With the adoption of Resolution 1540, a special 1540 Committee was established to inform the UN Security Council on the implementation of the requirements by the resolution member-states.

The resolution obliges states, among other things, to refrain from supporting by any means non-state actors from developing, acquiring, manufacturing, possessing, transporting, transferring or using nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their delivery systems.

Resolution 1540 imposes binding obligations on all states to adopt legislation to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery, and establish appropriate domestic controls over related materials to prevent their illicit trafficking. It also encourages enhanced international cooperation on such efforts.

The resolution also affirms support for multilateral treaties that seek to eliminate or prevent the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) and the importance for all states to implement them fully. It reiterates that none of the obligations in resolution 1540 (2004) shall conflict with or alter the rights and obligations of States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Chemical Weapons Convention, or the Biological Weapons Convention or alter the responsibilities of the IAEA and OPCW.

Kazakhstan representative and Ambassador at Large Barlybay Sadykov (right) addresses the UN Disarmament Resolution Session

Participants of the UN Disarmament Resolution Session

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Astana Opera’s First International Tour Opens at Mariinsky Theatre The first international tour of the Astana Opera opened at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia March 8 with a performance of “Atilla” by Giuseppe Verdi.

Mariinsky Theatre Maestro Valery Gergiyev conducted the performance with Italian production director Pier Luigi Pizzi of the Teatro Dell Opera di Roma. Bulgarian performer Orlin Anastassov was Atilla, Italian Claudio Sgura played Ezio, Kazakh Zhupar Gabdullina played Odabella and Italian Luciano Ganchi played Foresto.

“Attila” first premiered March 17, 1846 in the Teatro La Fenice in Venice. After that, the opera was rarely performed, despite the complexity of Verdi’s themes. The basis of this premiere production is the performance created by Pier Luigi Pizzi for the Rome Opera.

Verdi’s dramatic themes of love, passion, jealousy and revenge, sacrifice, friendship, treachery, betrayal, pride and death are well represented in this opera. The director portrays Atilla as a determined individual who saved the library from fire and forgave his enemies who conspired against him. According to Pizzi, the Astana Opera troupe’s extraordinary choir became a revelation for him.

“It is very difficult to find a choir so dedicated to its work, so determined,” the director said.

The Astana Opera also performed a gala ballet concert at the Mariinsky Theatre. A collection of the best ballet scenes of the world’s choreographic masterpieces was presented on March 9. The virtuoso performances were presented by Adolphe Adam, Ludwig Minkus, Camille Saint-Saens, Alexander Borodin, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Boris Asafiyev, Yevgeny Brusilovsky, Jules Perrot, Tursynbek Nurkaliyev, Galiya Buribayeva and others.

Based on the classics, but not excluding new styles and trends, the young troupe also performed scenes from the recent works of renowned theatre director Charles Jude.

Astana Opera dancers Madina Basbayeva, Tair Gatauov, Aigerim Beketayeva, Zhanibek Imankulov, Gauhar Usina, Serzhan Kaukov, Doszhan Tabyldy, Anel Rustemova, Yerkin Rahmetullayev, Bakhtiyar Adamzhan, Arman Urazov and others were well received at the Mariinsky Theatre. Many have won international awards.

The troupe’s visit to St. Petersburg also included a March 10 performance of Birzhan and Sara by Kazakh opera composer Mukan Tolebayev. The role of Birzhan was performed by Mariinsky Theatre soloist, honoured artist of Russia and People’s Artist of Tatarstan Akhmed Agadi in tandem with Kazakh laureate and People’s Artist of Kazakhstan and Tatarstan Nurzhamal Ussenbayeva.

Birzhan and Sara first premiered Nov. 7, 1946 at Abay State Academy of Opera and Ballet in Almaty. The first performers of Birzhan and Sara were Anvar Umbetbayev and Kulyash Baisseitova. The Russian premiere took place in 1948.

More than half a century later, the same opera opened the Astana Opera on June 21, 2013 and became the hallmark of the young theater. The opera tells the story of fortitude and love between folk singer Birzhan Sal and gifted poetess Sara, and reveals the harshness of landowners’ attitudes. It centers around the motives of the struggle for freedom of a creative person, the right to love and happiness. The finale of the opera is tragic. Birzhan dies.

People’s Artist of Russia Yuri Alexandrov, however, presented Birzhan and Sara with a new interpretation. The director denies the physical death on the stage, reviving Birzhan with his inspirational songs, imbued with a passionate love for the people and dreams of a bright future. The director is seeks to make the opera understandable to the present generation and to convey to the viewer the idea of personal drama and eternal love.

Astana Opera performance at Mariinsky Theatre

Astana Opera performane of Atilla at Mariinsky Theatre

Also In the News... • PresidentNursultanNazarbayevhasphoneconversationwithUSPresidentBarackObama

On March 11, the President of Kazakhstan spoke with U.S. President Barack Obama over the phone. The leaders discussed preparations for the Global Summit on Nuclear Security to be held in The Hague on March 24-25. The political situation in Ukraine was also discussed with both sides confirming the need for a peaceful political settlment of the situation that would ensure Ukraine’s territorial integrity. President Nazarbayev stressed a solution should be found through negotiations with all stakeholders; President Obama said a mechanism is needed to resolve the conflict through international organisations. The two sides also discussed the state of Kazakh-U.S. relations, prospects for the future and other issues affecting international and regional security. (akorda.kz)

• PresidentNursultanNazarbayevspeakswithGermanChancellorAngelaMerkeloverthephoneOn March 10, President Nazarbayev spoke on the phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and the expansion of the countries’ trade and economic partnership in the context of agreements signed during President Nazarbayev’s visit to Germany. The political situation in Ukraine was also on the agenda. President Nazarbayev noted the need for a diplomatic solution to the crisis there and the importance of using all possible mechanisms of international cooperation to achieve it. The President said Kazakhstan is ready to contribute to finding a peaceful solution that safeguards Ukraine’s territorial integrity. (akorda.kz)

• President appoints Zhenis Kassymbek Minister of Transport and CommunicationsOn March 7, Zhenis Makhmuduly Kassymbek was appointed Minister of Transport and Communications by presidential decree. Kassymbek had been Executive Secretary for the Ministry of Transport and Communications before his appointment. (akorda.kz)

• KazAgroFinanceinvestsingreenhousesinSouthKazakhstanKazAgroFinance, a subsidiary of KazAgro, has invested 2.1 billion tenge (US$11.5 million) to build Kazakhstan’s biggest greenhouse in the south of the country. The 11-hectare greenhouse on the Adelya farm in South Kazakhstan will begin work in mid-March, a statement from the company said. About 140 horticultural specialists are expected to work there. KazAgro has provided funding for greenhouses since 2008. So far, 33.5 billion tenge (US$184 million) in funding has been approved for 37 types of greenhouses that are expected to produce more than 50,000 tons of fruits and vegetables per year. KazAgro implements state policy guiding the development of Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial complex. (ortcom.kz)

• ACorpscivilservantsandregionalakimsparticipateinEU-supporteddistancelearningprogrammesAs part of a project to modernise and reform Kazakhstan’s civil service, the country’s new A Corps of civil servants, as well as regional akims (mayors) have taken part in distance-learning training programmes organised by the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Kazakhstan and a European Union civil service reform project. The A Corps participated in practice-oriented training modules that covered strategic planning, leadership, decision-making, budgeting and personnel management, as well as other topics, in a course that used technologies from leading global research centres. The course was the first of its kind in Kazakhstan; five more are planned for this year. Across the country, 300 akims of small regional cities and smaller population centres took part in a training seminar on the implementation of 67 local government functions regarding taxation, budgeting, providing employment and organising gatherings. The akims will also receive regular training through an 80-hour programme developed by the Academy of Public Administration, the EU civil service reform project and the National Centre of Education, which will also be conducted in regional training centres. (The Astana Times)

• Kazakhstan’spaviliontakesthirdplaceatBerlintourismfairKazakhstan has taken third place at ITB Berlin 2014, the world’s largest tourism fair. This year, the Messe Berlin exhibition centre hosted stands from more than 180 competing countries, firms and organisations; Kazakhstan’s pavilion with craftsmen and traditional baursaks, a puffy fried dough, were popular. The win is especially important as it comes in the wake of the signing of a memorandum with the World Tourism Association related to Kazakhstan’s hosting of EXPO 2017. A delegation of tourism companies and regional representatives sponsored by the Tourism Committee of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of Kazakhstan also attended the event to find new industry partners. The country is courting tourists, working with international organisations to develop infrastructure along the Silk Road and simplify visa procedures, a topic that was also addressed at a roundtable discussion of the ITB Convention held during the fair. (The Astana Times)

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• Almatysixth-graderwinsinternationalviolincompetitionAlmaty sixth-grade music student and violinist Malika Bekturova recently won first place at the eighth Alexander Glazunov International Competition of Violinists and Cellists in Paris, competing against some 50 musicians from around the world. Nargis Mamedova, a fellow student of Bekturnova’s at Almaty’s National Kulyash Baisseitova Music School, took third place. This was the first time musicians from Kazakhstan had joined the competition. The competition’s organisers have invited Bekturova to an international summer seminar, during which she can study under violin masters. “In the future, I dream of becoming a professional artist, like violin virtuoso Marat Bisengaliyev or Maxim Vengerov, and to glorify Kazakhstan on the world’s best stages,” Bekturova said. The young musician has won other international competitions in Astana and Almaty. (The Astana Times)

• KazakhtennisplayerwinsWTAdoublestournamentinBrazilKazakh professional tennis player Yaroslava Shvedova and Spaniard Anabel Medina Garrigues won the World Tennis Association (WTA) doubles tournament in Florianopolis City, Brazil, on March 2. Shvedova and Garrigues beat Francesca Schiavone and Silvia Soler-Espinosa in three sets in the tournament final. “It’s our second time in Florianopolis and second time we’re leaving with the trophy – it’s really cool,” Shvedova said. The 26-year-old Astana resident, a former Russian citizen, assumed Kazakh citizenship in 2008. Her highest WTA ranking was 25 in 2012. She is currently ranked 64th. (The Astana Times)

• KazakhstannationalfootballteamtiesLithuaniainexhibitiongameinTurkeyThe Kazakh national football team tied Lithuania, 1:1 in an exhibition game in Turkey on March 5, coming back in the second half after letting the Lithuanians score early in the first half. Gediminas Vičius, a Lithuanian midfielder who plays for top Kazakh football club Shaktyor in Karaganda, scored the first goal in the fourth minute; Kazakhstan didn’t answer until minute 69 when forward Nurbol Zhumaskaliyev tied the match. In an interview after the game, his debut match, new national team head coach Yury Krasnozhan called the result fair, but said that the team “can’t be happy with a tie.” (The Astana Times)

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