Kazakhstan has bright future: Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan Ashok Sajjanhar

ASTANA. January 22. KAZINFORM / Marat Manaspaev / Kazinform has already reported about Kazakh President N. Nazarbayev?s forthcoming state visit to India from January 23 to 26. On the eve of this visit, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan Ashok Sajjanhar has kindly agreed to give an interview to our correspondent.

Your Excellency, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev will pay an official visit to your country. What matters will be discussed at the summit meeting? Are any agreements expected to be signed? President Nursultan Nazarbayev will make a state visit to India, during which he will also be the main guest at India's Republic Day celebrations. During his visit he will meet with the President and the Prime Minister of India, as well as other senior officials. Together with the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister of India, he will witness the parade on the occasion of the Republic Day. President N. Nazarbayev?s visit is to be qualitatively different from his previous visits, not only because of the fact that both our countries have achieved impressive rates of economic growth at 9-10% over the past few years, but also because of the current regional and international environment that gives us opportunities for the development and strengthening of political, military, strategic, economic, trade, technical, scientific and cultural relations. International security and terrorism are two issues that are of high priority in both countries. India and Kazakhstan are partners in the fight against terrorism. India has become a victim of border terrorism. The whole world was shocked to learn about young terrorists who intruded into India and claimed the lives of more than 179 innocent people in Mumbai in November 2008. Fight against terrorism - an area in which India and Kazakhstan can successfully and fruitfully cooperate to be sure that peace will remain protected from the diabolical forces of terrorism, fundamentalism and extremism. Both countries are interested in working together to defeat the forces of extremism. Energy security is another area where both countries can share experience with each other. The cooperation in using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes presents good prospects for deepening and diversifying our bilateral economic and trade contacts. The world financial crisis and fears of economic decline, adversely affecting the economies of our countries, are another matter of growing concern in both countries. Kazakhstan has made serious and effective measures to reduce the impact of global financial and economic crisis, which struck the country in August 2007, much earlier than most other countries. Oil and gas, of course, represent the most important area in which both countries can have mutual benefit. Over the past seven years, the company ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) is negotiating with the National Oil Company ?KazMunaiGaz? (KMG) to finalize an agreement on exploration and production in the Caspian oil block. Kazakhstan could also benefit from the rich and vast experience, which India has in the processing and purification of crude oil for the production of oil and other oil related products. What are the prospects for bilateral relations of Kazakhstan and India in the economy and in the field of cultural exchange? Relations between India and Kazakhstan have always been and remain warm, friendly and close. Our relations have ancient and historical roots, but they are truly balanced. Our relations date back to around 500 BC, when tribes of Saks came to India from southern Kazakhstan, and founded a mighty empire. Later, when Buddhism penetrated Central Asia, extensive contacts developed between the peoples through the Great Silk Road, as well as during the Middle Ages, when Babur came to India and founded Mogul empire. In more recent years, India was one of the first countries to recognize Kazakhstan as an independent state. Diplomatic relations were established in May 1992.The Embassy of India relocated to Astana on November 1, 2007. Indicators of bilateral trade between India and Kazakhstan have increased from 120 million U.S. dollars in 2005 to 210 million U.S. dollars in 2006. According to the data for November 2008, our bilateral trade made a great leap and rose to the level of 332 million U.S. dollars, which corresponds to 69% growth. The biggest problem in the strengthening of bilateral trade exchanges is the lack of direct access routes between India and Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is located close to India, but we can not benefit from the advantages of our geographical location, because of the inability to use the route via Pakistan and Afghanistan due to insecurity in those countries. However, we explore the possibility of establishing joint ventures in Kazakhstan to overcome these logistic problems. There are many areas for bilateral cooperation. In addition to such areas as information technology, pharmaceuticals and textiles, such areas as science and technology, higher education, health, space, small and medium-sized businesses, energy production, mining, food processing and agriculture are also a rich potential for deepening our cooperation. Especially I would like to mention the very important and useful role of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), which is an excellent initiative to improve the professional skills of Kazakh officials and businessmen through training programs in India. The program proposes about 90 scholarships for Kazakhstan specialists, members of Defense Minister, businessmen and officials. Kazakhstanis can get education and improve their skills in various fields and areas, including information technology, spoken English, environment, planning education, banking and many other industries. Training is conducted in the best and most recognized schools in India. We will be happy to expand the scope, content, size and capabilities of these programs, taking into view the wishes of Kazakhstan. In general, I would say that today the relations between the two countries are developing with considerable pace. Both countries are actively developing. In terms of parity the purchasing power of India is 4 trillion dollars, plus the economy, with 6.3% of world GDP. Over the past five years, India continues to grow at around 9%. Foreign direct investment in 2007 amounted to approximately 25 billion U.S. dollars, while foreign exchange reserves amounted to more than $ 300 billion. The last 7 years, Kazakhstan has also developed an impressive rate of 10%, with the exception of 2008. The current state of our economies provides a great opportunity for us to make a huge leap forward in our bilateral relations in all spheres. We know that you have many friends in our country. What are your personal impressions of Kazakhstan, in particular of Astana? I was deeply impressed by amazing success and progress achieved by Kazakhstan in such a short 17-year period of time since it gained its independence. I do not link this success only with the presence of oil, gas and natural resources. I think this is a reflection of far-sighted President Nazarbayev?s policies, as well as the energy, enthusiasm and determination of the people of this country. I admire President Nazarbayev?s vision and leadership to develop Astana as the most beautiful city in the entire region. Astana is a modern city with good infrastructure, which is improving day by day.The air is clean and fresh. The climate is dry and, therefore, very helpful to health. Astana is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and presents itself as a dynamic modern capital. Fascinating architectural landscapes, such as Baiterek, Pyramid, Khan Shatyry, amaze visitors. Development of Astana is comparable to the development of Kazakhstan - modern, but at the same time preserving the traditional Asian values and ideals. Kazakhstan has achieved remarkable progress over the past 17 years. This was possible thanks to the wise policy of President N.Nazarbayev, as well as hard work, commitment and dedication of the Kazakh people. Kazakhstan is a young country. My personal observation is that the people of Kazakhstan is extremely warm, friendly, sincere and hospitable. I am convinced that Kazakhstan has bright future. Most recently, the world has entered a new year. What would you like to wish you and our people in 2009 ? Kazakhstan is a blessed country. It is endowed with rich natural and mineral resources, a large territory and enviable location on the crossroads of Europe and Asia. This is a peaceful country. There is harmony and agreement among 130 ethnic communities and 46 religious communities in the country. During the next three years Kazakhstan will head the six international organizations: CICA, OSCE, OIC, SCO, EurAsEC and TЬRKSAM. In 2009, Kazakhstan will hold the 3rd Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana. Every national of Kazakhstan can feel proud of these enviable achievements. Kazakhstan is fortunate with the wise and far - sighted leadership. All decisions made by President N.Nazarbayev, whether in policy, such as the CICA, the renunciation of nuclear weapons, etc., or the economic sphere - the Strategy ?Kazakhstan-2030?, ?30 corporate leaders?, the establishment of the National Welfare Fund ?Samruk ?Kazyna?, the Fund's Assets and strategy to enter the 50 competitive countries in the world, worthy of a statesman and impact on the welfare of Kazakhstan. For this reason, Kazakhstan has achieved remarkable progress in a short 17-year period of time since gaining its independence. Despite the global financial crisis, Kazakhstan's foreign trade turnover increased by 1 / 3, i.e to 94 billion dollars and investments by an average of 7,6%. The current state of policy, strategy and economy represents a huge potential for India and Kazakhstan qualitatively enhance cooperation and bring it to a higher level. Both countries are supporters of peace, stability, growth and development not only in those regions, but throughout the world. President N. Nazarbayev?s visit to India will give significant impetus to our bilateral relations in all spheres. I congratulate President Nazarbayev and the friendly and hardworking people of Kazakhstan, and would like to express my sincere wishes for prosperity, peace, stability and progress in the New Year, as well as a prosperous and mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries. Thank you for the interview! Kaziform note: Mr. Ashok Sajjanhar was born on July 3,1952 in India. He graduated from Delhi University with honors and obtained a Master of Physics degree. He started his career as a civil servant in the largest state ?Bank of India?. At the diplomatic service, Mr. Sajjanhar held various positions in the Indian Embassy in Moscow, Tehran, Geneva, Dhaka, Bangkok, Washington and Brussels. Prior to his appointment to the post of the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Kazakhstan held the post of Deputy Head of Indian Embassy in the European Union in Belgium and Luxembourg. Mr. Sajjanhar is fluent in English, Hindi, Russian, and can also communicate in French and Persian languages. He is fond of reading, music and promotion of Indian culture. His wife, Ms Madhu Sajjanhar is an economist, she is fond of painting.