Kazakhstan has been more successful than most in managing transition process - British Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan David Moran
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What was the most surprising thing when you arrived in Kazakhstan? Have you found anything special about our traditions, human values and interethnic relations among the people in Kazakhstan?
My main surprise when I arrived in Kazakhstan was the strength of the Astana winter! Apart from that, it was more a matter of expectations being fulfilled. I first came to Central Asia more than 15 years ago, and I have had many chances to meet Kazakhstanis and learn about your country. When I finally had the good fortune to move here in December 2009, I was delighted to find that Kazakhstan was every bit as open and hospitable as I had expected.
How would you characterize the present political, economic and cultural relations between Kazakhstan and the UK?
Our two countries have many areas of common interest. Our Ministers and officials co-operate closely on issues such as non-proliferation, Afghanistan, and stability and conflict prevention in Kyrgyzstan. British firms are actively contributing to Kazakhstan's economic development in several crucial sectors, including energy, mining, financial services and education. More than 120 UK companies or joint ventures are active in Kazakhstan and a number of Kazakh companies are listed on the London Stock Exchange. Kazakhstan and the UK are both open markets, and we enjoy a balanced trading relationship. Goods exchanged in 2010 were worth $379 million to Britain and $328 million to Kazakhstan. Of course, I would not want to forget the personal dimension. Many Kazakhstanis visit Britain each year. Over the next two years they will be able to help us mark several major events - the Royal Wedding on 29 April, the celebration next year of Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee - sixty years on the throne - and the 2012 Olympics when London hosts the world's greatest sporting event!
What are the most promising directions of cooperation between our countries?
If I had to pick just one, it would be education. The British Council is leading the way with its support for English language teaching and academic links at all levels. The active partnership between Nazarbayev University and University College London is well underway. There is enormous potential for greater co-operation in vocational education, and educational experts from both countries are already working hard to take this forward. Many young Kazakhstanis have completed advanced courses in the UK, and I am sure there will be many more!
The world community recognized Kazakhstan's chairmanship in the OSCE as successful. In your opinion, what initiatives of Kazakhstan at this post are the most important ones?
I am also Britain's ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, so it is perhaps natural that I should select Kazakhstan's rapid response to the crisis in that country last year. A big challenge for international organizations in such situations is to co-ordinate effectively. The OSCE got that right - from day one, the Special Envoys of the OSCE, EU and UN worked closely together, often travelling as a single delegation. Their co-operation was a model of its kind. Of course, a lot depends on choosing the right individual. Special Envoy Zhanybek Karibzhanov was not only a consummate diplomat; he also contributed his detailed understanding of governance issues in Central Asia.
Kazakhstan marks this year the 20th anniversary of its independence. What are the main achievements of the country you would point out first?
Many Westerners today take for granted the scale of the transformation from a Soviet republic to a modern 21st century economy and society. Kazakhstan has been more successful than most in managing the transition process and making some key decisions early on, such as setting up a stabilization fund and investing in youth through the Bolashak programme. The former helped the country to survive the global financial crisis and the latter ensures that Kazakhstan is increasingly well equipped to meet the future. Part of the country's success has been to recognize that change is continual in a globalised world. Kazakhstan has to continue to adapt to be competitive, attract inward investment, diversify and modernize. The good news is that many Kazakhstanis I talk to are keen to tackle these challenges.
On March 22 many countries celebrate Nauryz Meyramy (Spring Holiday) which goes back to ancient time. How can we use this holiday for strengthening friendship and stability in the society?
The beginning of spring is a natural time to look ahead to the promise of a new year and extend the hand of friendship and social inclusion. Nauryz is a lovely tradition that I never fail to enjoy. Thanks to growing numbers of Kazakhs and other Central Asians in the UK, it is possible to find Nauryz celebrations there. So maybe the positive messages of Nauryz are already spreading!
Thank you for the interview!