Astana Calling #260

Astana Calling

Issue No 260 Wednesday, 4 July 2012 www.mfa.kz

A bi-weekly online publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Astana’s 14th Anniversary Celebrated Nationwide

Nazarbayev Opens Industrial Forum in Astana

Cirque du Soleil, ballet, opera, and other shows to mark Astana Day held throughout the week

Digital broadcasting system, round-the-clock TV channel, and more are launched on the nationwide industrialisation day

Also in the News

Twenty Years in Service of National Interests: Kazakhstan Celebrates Diplomats’ Day On July 2 the country’s diplomats review their accomplishments, look into future

Things to Watch Kazakhstan & Macedonia Seal Agreements on Enhanced Cooperation

Action Film Festival Draws Celebrities to Astana

President of Macedonia pays first state visit to Kazakhstan on July 2

III Astana International Festival of action films held on July 1-3

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Astana’s 14th Anniversary Celebrated Nationwide

According to the Mayor of Astana, Imangali

Astana, Kazakhstan’s dazzling capital, has begun a week-long celebration of its 14th anniversary coming on July 6.

The Kazakh capital has progressed greatly since the Parliament agreed to President Nazarbayev’s proposal to move the capital in 1994 and today belongs to one of the most unique cities in the world. As one of the few metropolis built chiefly in the 21st century, it is also among the world’s youngest capitals.

Astana’s 14th birthday has been highly anticipated not only by residents of the city but every citizen of Kazakhstan, as the event schedule promised a lot of amazing surprises and discoveries.

President Nazarbayev gave start to the main celebrations on July 5, by raising the national flag on the Atameken (Fatherland) memorial complex.

“According to the tradition of recent years, we raise the national flag and hand shoulder straps to the best graduates of military schools on the eve of the Astana Day,” Nazarbayev said at the flagraising ceremony. “We launch the celebration of the Capital Day by these two important events,” he added.

Following this, the President presented the officer’s insignia to a number of best graduates of the country’s higher military schools.

A week-long celebration ahead of the Astana Day has traditionally started with the opening of the III Astana International Action Film Festival on July 1, organized by the famous Kazakhstan-born filmmaker, Timur Bekmambetov. This year a Cesar Award-winning French actor Vincent Cassel, an English actor Dominic Cooper, an American film and television producer Jim Lemley and other prominent figures in the film industry were among the festival invitees.

A total of 20 full length feature films by directors from all over the world, a number of round table discussions, as well as press conferences by movies stars were held throughout the festival workdays.

The 7th international festival “Operalia 2012” was held on July 1

organized every year during the festival to help

Tasmagambetov, all the money collected from the ticket sales will go to the charity specially children in need of medical care. and 3 in the capital city. The event included performances by world ballet and opera stars. On the first day, performers form China, Japan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Britain and the United States showed the art of ballet through excerpts from acclaimed compositions such as the Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, and other, as well as through modern ballet. On July 3, world opera stars Giuseppe Varano and Silvia Dalla Benetta gave a concert, which seized the hearts of the audience.

One of the most widely anticipated events is a performance of the world famous Cirque du Soleil troupe that will take place from 4 to 6 July at the Sports Palace “Kazakhstan”.

Cirque du Soleil is a Canadian entertainment company, self-described as a “dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment.”

Based in Montreal, Canada, and located in the inner-city area of Saint-Michel, it was founded in Baie-Saint-Paul in 1984 by two former street performers, Guy Laliberté and Daniel Gauthier. The entrance to the show will be by invitations only, which had been distributed among orphans, children from lower-income families, the disabled kids, war and labour veterans, as well as best students and winners of national and international Olympiads.

The circus arts will be performed from 1 to 8 July, as the new season of the International Circus Festival “Echoes of Asia” kicks off in Astana. The winners and laureates of the world’s festivals will take part in the festival. Among them will be the past masters, representatives of circus dynasty: the tightrope walkers and gutta-percha girl from Mongolia and China, along with trapeze artists from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

A week-long celebration of the capital day has started on July 1.

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Performance of the most contemporary of all the classical singers of the world Sumi Jo on July 5 is another big present for Astana citizens and capital visitors dedicated to Astana’s anniversary. It’s not the performer’s first time in Astana. She took part in the opening ceremony of the 7th Asian Winter Games.

A nomadic civilization festival, called ““Astana through the millennium,” will be organized for the 5th time this year in the square in front of the Khan Shatyr city mall in Astana. The grand opening of the nomadic civilization festival took place on June 29, while the festival itself is scheduled for July 4-7. The guests will be able to visit a makeshift nomadic city and view gunsmiths, weavers, hunters and jewellers in the streets.

Therewith, international equestrian competitions for the World Cup and the Kazakh President’s Cup are to be held at “Kazanat” racetrack.

Riders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, and India will participate in the competitions.

An unforgettable ice show of Ilia Averbukh from Russia, as well as the benefit performance of the Russian actor Sergei Makovetsky, and the first International Festival of the Club of Cheerful and Witty are also planned to take place in Astana.

Other events include a festival of contemporary street art called ArtBatFest. Classical music and ballet nights will be held on the bank of the Yesil River on July 5-7.

The celebration of the Capital Day will include 59 events in four days in total. Only 15 of them require buying tickets.

According to the Mayor of Astana, Imangali Tasmagambetov, all the money collected from the ticket sales will go to the charity specially organized every year during the festival to help children in need of medical care.

The celebration of Kazakh capital’s 14th anniversary will be traditionally completed with a gala concert with the participation of such popular groups and headline performers from Kazakhstan and abroad as “Metiss”, “Orda”, “Serebro”, Yerbolat, Makpal Issabekova, Nyusha, Timati, GeeGun, Ivan Dorn, Dan Balan, and Kelly Rowland.

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Nazarbayev Opens Industrial Forum in Astana Industrialisation, balanced development of regions, and social modernisation are the three major tasks facing Kazakhstan and the state bodies. President Nursultan Nazarbayev highlighted this message during the Industrial Forum held in Astana on July 3. The forum was dedicated to the achievements of the State Programme

President Nursultan Nazarbayev summarized the government activities over the first half of 2012 during a videoconference held within the Industrial Forum on July 3, 2012.

“Thanks to a new broadcasting network, about 30 local TV channels will be available to all regions of Kazakhstan. Previously only five TV channels were available to the Kazakhs.”

– Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan of Accelerated Industrial and Innovative Development (PAIID).

The event included a nationwide videoconference with regions, during which the government members reported on the results of implementing the PAIID in the first half of 2012. In addition, six new facilities were commissioned and four projects launched during the conference, which was held in a new grand media centre in Astana.

An exhibition of goods made by domestic producers also took place within the forum. In total, about 250 companies presented 700 types of products of different kind.

The industrialisation day resulted in signing of about 48 longterm agreements and memoranda worth KZT 15 billion between national companies and domestic manufacturers in order to increase local content.

Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev opened the Industrial Forum at the media centre.

“Today, we are holding a traditional meeting to hear reports on the progress of the Programme of Accelerated Industrial and Innovation Development of our country. Our meeting is taking place in a completely new innovative building, which is equipped with the latest technology. At present, Kazakhstan is confidently implementing innovations and opening modern productions,” President said.

“All the regions are showing their capacities and everything that has been done. Of course, this is pleasing the eye and it has become possible thanks to our concerted efforts in all areas of works and of all Kazakhstan citizens. We are now producing everything from cars to aircraft,” Nazarbayev said.

The Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Bakhytzhan Sagintayev, and Minister of Industry and New Technologies, Asset Issekeshev, delivered their reports at the forum. In addition, the Minister of Transport and Communications, Askar Zhumagaliyev, told about the possibilities of a new system of digital broadcasting.

According to the Minister Issekeshev, in two and a half years since the implementation of the PAIID, a total of 443 new production facilities worth KZT 1.8 trillion have been launched. These projects have helped transform the country’s economic structure.

During the conference, a national system of digital broadcasting has been launched.

“Thanks to a new broadcasting network, about 30 local TV channels will be available to all regions of Kazakhstan. Previously only five TV channels were available to the Kazakhs,” Nazarbayev said.

The same day, a test launch of a new round-the-clock TV channel ‘24.KZ’ was held, which will operate from September 1. President Nazarbayev stressed that the launch was an important event for the national television industry.

Summing up the conference, President highlighted the status of the Industrialisation Map should be raised. “The Map should include projects that have a real basis and produce high-tech products. The state bodies and, above all, akimats (mayor’s offices) should fully support the implementation of projects before they reach their entire capacity,” he said.

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Twenty Years in Service of National Interests: Kazakhstan Celebrates Diplomats’ Day On July 2, Kazakhstan’s diplomats both at home and in overseas missions celebrated the Day of the Diplomatic Service.

The date when President Nazarbayev signed a decree establishing the independent Kazakhstan’s own Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1992 is marked by the nation’s diplomats as a special day to celebrate their accomplishments. Marking the day is a way to recognize the work of several hundreds of Kazakh diplomats in the central office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in posts throughout the world.

During a special reception dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Diplomatic Service that was held on June 29 in Astana, Kazakhstan’s Secretary of State Mukhtar Kul-Mukhammed read out a letter conveying congratulations of President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

“The time required early recognition of our independence by the leading powers of the world. It was important to establish comprehensive cooperative relations with other countries of the world as soon as possible, create all the required conditions for the newly opening embassies and foreign diplomatic missions, tell the world about Kazakhstan’s peaceful foreign policy and attract foreign investment into the stagnant economy. Our professional diplomats had to efficiently manage all these tasks in a very difficult time,” the letter said.

Working hard over these years, Foreign Ministry officials have set an example of professionalism and patriotism, the Kazakh leader contended.

“I believe you will continue to dedicate your knowledge and experience to increase the authority of our country on the international arena, and ensure peace and welfare to the people of Kazakhstan.

I wish you good health, happiness, prosperity, and success in this difficult and responsible service,” Nazarbayev concluded.

During the official ceremony in the Foreign Ministry, the Head of the Foreign Service agency Yerzhan Kazykhanov congratulated the diplomats on this important day and underscored one of the most difficult tasks faced by Kazakhstan after gaining independence was to be recognized as an independent and full-fledged member of the international community.

“Due to the well-thought foreign policy pursued by the Head of State, today Kazakhstan holds the leading positions in the world, enjoying respect from the international community. Our successful and effective chairmanship in the OSCE, EurAsEC, SCO, CSTO and the Turkic Council is a living testimony to that,” Kazykhanov said.

“Our country has made a historic contribution to nuclear disarmament and strengthening of the non-proliferation regime, as well as

“Our country has made a historic contribution to nuclear disarmament and strengthening of the non-proliferation regime, as well as in expanding the dialogue of cultures, religions and civilizations.

Kazakhstan has built friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation with its neighbors and many other states.”

–Yerzhan Kazykhanov, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs

in expanding the dialogue of cultures, religions and civilizations. Kazakhstan has built friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation with its neighbors and many other states,” he noted.

The fact that Kazakhstan has no conflicts with any country and especially with neighbouring states is a good illustration of the effectiveness of the Commemorative medal country’s foreign policy. Moreover, devoted to the 20th Kazakhstan managed to solve border anniversary of Kazakhstan’s issues, those that could not be solved Diplomatic Service. for centuries, and the nation for the first time now has recognized undisputed borders with all its neighbours.

Today the country is actively involved in addressing the pressing regional and global issues, and shaping the new world order.

Kazakhstan is deserved to be regarded as a generator of stability, dynamic and prosperous model of development of the state on the international scene.

“The names of the brightest representatives of Kazakh diplomacy are inscribed in the national diplomatic history. It is difficult to overestimate their contribution into the strengthening of our country’s international position and prestige, ensuring continuity in the pursuit of our national interests and keeping the traditions of our foreign service,” the Minister added.

“I believe the very example set by our diplomats during the first years of independence and the high potential of the Foreign Ministry was based on handing over the baton to a younger generation, which I am sure will further hold high the banner of patriotism and professionalism of our agency,” Kazykhanov concluded.

Later in the day, Yerzhan Kazykhanov opened the Museum of Kazakhstan’s diplomacy. The exposition reveals the most significant events of the 20-year period of an independent foreign policy, as well as the contribution of Kazakhstan’s first President into the country’s diplomacy.

Over the two decades, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry has accumulated large amount of material, revealing the history of the formation and development of the diplomatic service of independent Kazakhstan. In the future, the museum will be updated with new documents and exhibits that reflect the development and strengthening of Kazakhstan’s diplomacy, the place and role of the country on the international arena.

As years went by, the initial recruits of the Kazakh foreign office matured with experience to become the commanding staff supported by hundreds of younger diplomats who had been trained in the international relations schools at home, with the best candidates also obtaining knowledge from prestigious diplomatic schools in Russia, the US, the UK, Germany, France, Austria, the Netherlands, Turkey, and other countries.

During the years of independence Kazakhstan has established diplomatic relations with 145 countries. Kazakh Foreign Ministry today runs 84 overseas missions in 58 states of the world.

At present, there are 111 foreign missions and 23 representative offices of regional and international organizations in Kazakhstan.

In 20 years, six persons served as foreign ministers of Kazakhstan.

Those are Toleutay Suleimenov (1991-94), Kanat Saudabayev (1994 and 2009-2011) Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (1994-1999 and 2002-2007), Yerlan Idrissov (1999-2002), Marat Tazhin (200709), and Yerzhan Kazykhanov, since April 2011.

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Kazakhstan & Macedonia Seal Agreements on Enhanced Cooperation

“Thanks to the policy of Nursultan Nazarbayev,

The first state visit of Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov to Kazakhstan has opened a new chapter in the history of relations between the two countries. As a result of the visit, a joint statement by the heads of state and a number of other important documents to enhance trade and economic cooperation have been signed in Astana on July 2.

During his visit, President Ivanov met with Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev, the Senate Speaker Kairat Mami, and the head of the Samruk-Kazyna national fund Umirzak Shukeyev.

Following the welcoming ceremony at the Akorda presidential palace on July 2, the heads of state held talks in narrow and expanded formats. Nursultan Nazarbayev and Gjorge Ivanov discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral importance and the international agenda and identified key areas for further collaboration. They also exchanged views on the situation in Europe, the Middle East, and Afghanistan. Matters of regional security, energy safety, and possible consequences of the global financial crisis were among the discussed topics as well.

“Our country is currently implementing a Programme for Accelerated Industrial and Innovative Development and I have invited Macedonian partners to participate in the implementation of joint projects. We intend to develop mutually beneficial cooperation in fields such as pharmaceuticals, engineering, and agriculture,” Nursultan Nazarbayev said at a press briefing.

“Macedonia is at the heart of Eastern Europe, while Kazakhstan is a bridge between the East and the West. I am confident that transportation links that are being created now will be useful for both our states,” Nazarbayev added.

Gjorge Ivanov, in turn, stressed that Kazakhstan and Macedonia are bound by friendly relations. “I hope the documents signed today will give impetus to the dynamic development of our cooperation. We are interested in setting up joint projects,” Ivanov said.

“Thanks to the policy of Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan has made significant strides in socio-economic development. In addition, your country is an example of peaceful coexistence of different ethnic groups and religions,” he added.

country is an example of peaceful coexistence

Kazakhstan has made significant strides in socio-economic development. In addition, your of different ethnic groups and religions.”

– Gjorge Ivanov, President of Macedonia During the meeting, the sides discussed possibilities for cooperation in energy, transportation, agriculture, youth policy, tourism, and pharmaceuticals. The two presidents outlined a package of measures aimed at enhancing trade and economic cooperation.

Nursultan Nazarbayev noted that the level of bilateral relations in this area remains low and does not meet the economic potential of the two countries.

Following the talks, Nursultan Nazarbayev and Gjorge Ivanov adopted a joint statement, which is aimed at deepening cooperation in political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.

In addition, agreements were signed between the two governments on the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income, as well as on the encouragement and mutual protection of investments. The sides also signed an Agreement between the Government of Kazakhstan and the Government of Macedonia on trade and economic cooperation.

Later in the day, the two presidents visited a screening of the film about Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, called “My heart – Astana.”

The film was directed by prominent Russian film directors Yegor Mikhalkov-Konchalovsky and Alexey Golubev, in cooperation with Kazakh filmmakers. An international team of actors, directors, cameramen, and musicians from Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Belarus and the United States were involved in the making of the film.

Chairman of the Senate Kairat Mami held talks with Macedonian President the same day. During the meeting, he highlighted the importance of the visit for the development of bilateral relations, including inter-parliamentary cooperation.

“The Parliament of Kazakhstan is ready to help create a full-fledged legal framework conducive to the implementation of agreements

Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev (left) and Macedonia’s President Gjorge Ivanov (right) at the Akorda presidential palace on July 2, 2012.

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reached during this visit to Kazakhstan,” Mami stated.

Noting the great potential of cooperation in the sphere of interparliamentary relations, Mami called for constructive dialogue between the higher legislative bodies of the two countries.

The President of Macedonia Gjorge Ivanov also met with the Board Chairman of the Samruk-Kazyna JSC Umirzak Shukeyev, with whom the mutually beneficial investment opportunities were discussed.

According to Shukeyev, Samruk-Kazyna is interested in cooperation with Macedonia in areas such as pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and other.

Gjorge Ivanov, in turn, noted the dynamic development of Kazakhstan’s economy and expressed hope for fruitful cooperation in economy, trade, pharmaceuticals and information technology. He also invited Kazakhstan’s businessmen to Macedonia to build a constructive dialogue and discuss the details of further partnerships.

During the meeting, Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki spoke on investment opportunities in Macedonia. Automotive components production, communication technologies, textiles and food production, in his opinion, may also become promising areas of cooperation.

After Poposki’s speech, the Board Chairman of Kazyna Capital Management JSC Borisbiy Zhangurazov suggested the possibility of setting up a joint Kazakh-Macedonian investment fund.

At the end of the meeting, the parties reached a preliminary agreement regarding medicines production and medical equipment supplies.

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Action Film Festival Draws Celebrities to Astana The holiday of bright and modern cinema has marked the beginning of the celebration of Astana’s birthday coming on July 6.

The III International Action Film Festival, held in Astana annually, run from July 1 to 3 this year. During the three days, citizens and guests of Astana plunged into the atmosphere of a bright festival, enjoyed great films with dynamic plots, and had an opportunity to meet favorite movie stars, producers, and actors.

This year, a Cesar Award-winning French actor Vincent Cassel, an English actor Dominic Cooper, an American film and television producer Jim Lemley, and other prominent figures in the film industry were among the festival invitees.

The initiator and president of the event is the famous Kazakhstan-born filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov. He is best known for his movies Night Watch (2004) and its sequel Day Watch (2006), as well as the American films Wanted (2008) and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012). The last one was shown on the first day of the Astana festival.

“This outstanding event opens a world of unforgettable emotions, unique images, and creative discoveries for cinema lovers. The interest demonstrated to this film festival shows that it is one of the most important and anticipated events in the cultural life of our city and the country.”

– Imangali Tasmagambetov, Mayor of Astana

Official emblem of the Astana International Action Film Festival.

“This outstanding event opens a world of unforgettable emotions, unique images, and creative discoveries for cinema lovers,” Imangali Tasmagambetov, Mayor of Astana, welcomed the guests of the festival with this message. “The interest demonstrated to this film festival shows that it is one of the most important and anticipated events in the cultural life of our city and the country,” he said.

A total of 20 full length feature films by directors from the United States, Europe, Asia, and countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States were screened at the festival, which was held in the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. In addition, a number of round table discussions and master classes by film-makers from different countries, as well as press conferences by movie stars, were held throughout the festival workdays.

“It is nice to see how an idea, which was born not so long ago, has found its realization today, on the eve of the birthday of Kazakhstan’s capital, and the festival has become a kind of a gift of filmmakers all over the world to the citizens and guests of Astana,” Timur Bekmambetov said in his greetings.

“We expect this event to become a ground for film-makers in search for investors and partners for co-productions. Holding such a large scale festival grants Kazakhstan people not only an opportunity to watch the newest films, but also a chance to promote their country worldwide by means of attracting attention to national cinema and displaying local films,” he added.

The special “ART FEST” that took place during festival was created this year in order to find young talents. More than 200 of best students from Kazakhstan, Korea, China and Japan film institutes requested to participate in the Fest. The best 100 participants were chosen and have been assigned to create an image of “Astana Superhero.”

Four different nominations were included in the Fest: video, comics, anime, and the costume of the superhero. The purpose of the contest was to create an absolutely new and modern image of a superhero to associate with the Kazakh culture, as well as the country’s young, yet dynamically growing capital.

The annual contest for best written scenario was held among 10 best final competitors and the winner was to get a special prize from Bekmambetov. Another contest organized within the festival was for best short movies, the most popular of which were shown during the festival and the audience was to choose the winner.

The Astana film festival concluded with the presentation of The Amazing Spider-Man, scheduled for release in Kazakhstan on July 5.

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Also in the News: • Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev received the U.S. Congressmen Dan Burton and Gregory Meeks to discuss a wide array of topics concerning trade and economic relations and international agenda on July 2. “We would like to express gratitude for the warm welcome. I would especially like to mention how much success Kazakhstan has reached during the 20 years of independence,” Dan Burton said. In 2011 trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the U.S. totaled U.S. $ 2.74 billion that is by 26% more than in 2010.

• President Nursultan Nazarbayev gave an official start to the equestrian tournament, “The Kazakhstan President’s Cup,” of a high international level at Astana’s hippodrome on July 4. The competitions were held in the classic disciplines, overcoming obstacles, and distance running. Sportsmen from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Armenia, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova and India participated in the event. Holding such international events gives a powerful impetus to the development of equestrian sport in Kazakhstan.

• President Nazarbayev has also participated in the opening ceremony of the monument to the famous Kazakh composer and musician Kurmangazy Sagyrbayuly in Astana on July 4. “The name of Kurmangazy will never be forgotten among the Kazakh people,” President stressed. The Monument is located at the Turan Avenue, in front of the Duman Hotel. It is a three life-size bronze sculpture placed in the pedestal of 5.5 meters. The total height of the monument is 10 meters.

• Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Poland Yerik Utembayev delivered his credentials to the President of Poland Bronislaw Komorowski, kazinform reported on July 2. Following the ceremony, the parties discussed further development of trade and economic ties, opportunities for mutually beneficial energy and transport cooperation. The President of Poland noted good prospects for further broadening cooperation in political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.

• Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Latvia Galymzhan Koishybayev, in connection with completion of his diplomatic mission, met with Latvian President Adris Berzins and Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis on July 2. President Andris Berzins noted the intensification of bilateral dialogue at a high level as well as activation of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. The parties noted with satisfaction the successful experience of cooperation in the strengthening of investment cooperation between the two countries, demonstrated by the Ventspils Grain Terminal JSC with 100% of Kazakhstan capital.

• Kazakhstan’s international reserves, taking into account National Fund’s capital, have increased by U.S. $ 12.9 billion and amounted to almost U.S. $ 86 billion since the start of 2012. Minister of Economic Development and Trade Bakhytzhan Sagintayev said on July 3. According to him, the national budget income accounted for KZT 2.7 trillion, having increased for 25.5%.

• Growth of industry in Kazakhstan made 101.9% in the first half of 2012. Processing industry also enjoyed outstripping growth rates up to 105.7%. Volumes of investments to equity have increased by 5.9% since the beginning of the year.

• Kazakhstan’s housing construction growth made 20.8% in 2012, which shows its revival. Investments into construction made KZT 134 billion (U.S. $ 912 million). A total of 2.4 million square meters of housing have been constructed. Despite of the uncertainty in the global economy and at the external markets, a positive growth of Kazakhstan’s economy had been ensured.

• Kazakhstan plans to build a high-temperature gas reactor of the fourth generation, which is unparalleled in the world. This was announced at an international conference held in the city of Kurchatov, marking the 20 anniversary of the opening of Kazakhstan’s National Nuclear Centre. The Kazakh side and the leaders of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency signed a memorandum of collaboration as part of the project. The conference also involved experts from the United States, Russia, and Japan. “It is absolutely safe, with a minimum of radioactive waste, low-cost electricity, heat and hydrogen for vehicles that could be running on hydrogen instead of petrol. We are going to jointly launch this work,” Kairat Kadyrzhanov, General Director of the Nuclear Centre, explained.

• A regional training course on education for sustainable development was held in Almaty from 26 to 29 June. The event was organized by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) with the support of the OSCE Centre in Astana, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Government of Switzerland. Some 40 participants gathered for the annual event to share best practices and lessons learned in the field of sustainable development education.

• A summer school on adaptation of the basic principles of the Bologna Proces in HEIs of Kazakhstan as a part of TEMPUS program opened at the Ryskulov Kazakh Economic University in Almaty on July 2. The goal is to systematize the knowledge and skills of participants on solving the problems connected with the adaptation of basic Bologna Process components at the HEIs of Kazakhstan.

• Kazakhstan’s Yaroslava Shvedova made history on June 30 by becoming the first player to win a set at Wimbledon without conceding a point. The 24 year old achived the feat, known as a golden set, in moving one set up in her third round match against the French Open runner-up Sara Errani, on Court Three. She held serve three time and broke Errani each time to take 24 consecutive points, hitting 14 winners and four aces along the way. The set was wrapped up in 15 minutes. Shvedova wen on to win the match 6-0, 6-4.

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Things to Watch: • Official World Blitz and Rapid Chess Championships will be held in Astana on July 1-11. It is worth noting that the Rapid Chess Championship will be held for the first time in the history of the FIDE. Famous sportsmen and world champions are among the 16 participants of the finals. President Nursultan Nazarbayev will attend the championship and start the contest.

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ASTANA CALLING is a bi-weekly online publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Please send your requests and questions to pressa@mfa.kz ASTANA CALLING / ISSUE 260 /7