Official Statements:

Kazakhstan’s Environment Minister

meets European Commission Delegation

Nurlan Iskakov, Kazakhstan’s Environment Minister, met a delegation of the European Commission headed by Adriaan van der Meer, Head of the EC delegation to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The talks focused on co-operation between Kazakhstan and the EU in environment protection.

The Kazakh Environment Minister confirmed his nation’s readiness to host the pan-European Conference of Environment Ministers. He also briefed the delegation on the 6th conference of Environment Ministers of the Asia-Pacific Region to be held in Kazakhstan in 2010. Kazakhstan intends to put forward some initiatives relating to Asia Pacific development as well as those of global significance. Pursuant to President N. Nazarbayev’s suggestion, Kazakhstan will field itself as a candidate to host the 3rd Summit on Sustainable Development.

Anne BURRILL, Deputy Head of Unit with the International Affairs Directorate at the EU Environment DG, informed that the EU intends to expand environment cooperation with Kazakhstan both at the national and regional levels.

At the same time, representatives of the EU Environment Directorate General pointed to the dynamic development of Kazakhstan and to the recent achievements in promoting sustainable development. In this context, the European Commission suggested that Kazakhstan hold a region-scaled conference on environmental issues of Central Asia.

The sides discussed vectors of cooperation between the EU and Kazakhstan in the realm of environment protection. The Kazakh Minister briefed that Kazakhstan intends to elaborate a “Path to Europe” Program outlined in the latest presidential address to the nation. In this context, Kazakhstan needs the EU’s support in developing renewable energy sources in line with the EU standards, constructing a solar center, and introducing environment taxes based on the German model.

In the course of the meeting the sides dwelt on the work of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC). The Kazakh side pointed to the importance of the organization’s work both to Kazakhstan and the region.

Adriaan van der Meer said that the governments of Germany, Norway and Netherlands intend to join the ranks of the CAREC founders and expressed hope for Kazakhstan’s support.

Average yearly economic benefit brought

by the West Europe – West China project will make up KZT 55 billion

According to preliminary estimates of the Kazakhstan’s Transport Ministry, annual average economic benefit brought by the West Europe – West China international transit corridor will make up KZT 55 billion. This was announced today at a Government’s sitting by Serik Akhmetov, Kazakh Transport Minister.

“According to some estimates, annual average economic benefit ensured through implementation of the project will make up KZT 55 billion, without regard to inflation”, the Minister said.

“Reduction of shipping times will save us about KZT 33 billion. Improved road surface and enhanced technical parameters will reduce the number of road incidents which will ensure another KZT 19.4 billion. The feasibility study incorporates all these estimates; they are subject to further expert examination, including economic examination”, S. Akhmetov elaborated.

“The feasibility study was carried by acknowledged professionals who defined not only the transit volumes, but also the economic benefit. The figures are being scrutinized”, the Minister added.

Kazakh ambassador held briefing

on explanation of principal provisions of President’s Message

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Japan Akylbek Kamaldinov held a briefing for the representatives of the leading mass media in order to explain the principal provisions of the Message of President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev to nation as of February 6, 2008 “Growth of welfare of Kazakhstan’s citizens is the primary goal of state policy” in Tokyo.

President’s address defines clear objectives for further movement of Kazakhstan towards modernization in political, socio-economic, cultural-humanitarian spheres.

A lot of attention was paid to development of situation in economy and finance fields and measures of the Kazakh Government, directed to improvement of social security system of the people and further growth of welfare of Kazakhstan’s nation within the frame of the briefing taking into account high interest of Japan in development of Kazakhstan, successfully integrated into the world economy.