11:43, 15 April 2009 | GMT +5
Kazakhstan Parliamentary delegation visits Sofia
ASTANA. April 15. KAZINFORM The first official visit of the delegation of the Mazhilis of the Kazakh Parliament to Bulgaria has begun as part of the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation between Kazakhstan and Bulgaria, the implementation of state policy to inform the international community of Kazakhstan's model of ethnic harmony; Press service of Diplomatic Mission of Kazakhstan in Bulgaria reports.

The delegation included Valihan Konurbaev, the head of parliamentary friendship group with Bulgaria, a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security, Olga Kikolenko, a member of the Committee on Legislation and Judicial and Legal Reform and Oleg Dymov, the head of the Bulgarian cultural center of Kazakhstan.
The main objective of the visit is to strengthen inter-parliamentary relations, as an effective mechanism of ?public diplomacy?, deepen mutual understanding and friendship.
According to his Excellency, Charge d"Affaires Serzhan Abdikarimov, the Kazakh delegation met Emil Etem, the Vice-Premier, Minister of Emergency Situations, the head of the National Council on Ethnic and Demographic Issues at the Government of the country, Milen Keremedchiev, Deputy Foreign Minister, Jordan Yanev, Chairman of the Agency working with the Bulgarians living abroad and members of several non-governmental organizations (Funds ?Tangra? and ?Slavs?, Association of Friendship ?Bulgaria ? the CIS countries?, etc.).
During the meeting, Kazakh MPs detailed interlocutors on the socio-economic development of our country, socio-political life, Message of the President of Kazakhstan N. Nazarbaev "Through crisis to Renovation and Prosperity? and anti - crisis measures, taken by our Government.
As V. Konurbaev noted, in his Address to the nation President N. Nazarbayev gave an objective analysis of the current situation in the country and outlined priorities for the future. Particular attention was drawn to the idea of Kazakhstan?s President to reform the world's currency and the imposition of supranational estimated billing units. Today these ideas are being discussed worldwide.
Issues of public policy in the sphere of interethnic and interreligious harmony became the main topic of conversation with E. Etem, the chairman of the National Council on Ethnic and Demographic issues and Y. Yanev, chairman of the Agency for Bulgarians living abroad and representatives of non-governmental organizations. It was pointed out that during the years of independence Kazakhstan has implemented its own unique model for strengthening inter-ethnic harmony and the formation of Kazakh identity. To date, more than a thousand new mosques, 170 orthodox parishes,30 catholic churches, 20 synagogues have been built in the country.
Officials of Bulgaria have expressed appreciation for the fact that over 10 thousand ethnic Bulgarians continue to maintain and develop their national identity and cultural and historical heritage.
MP and leader of the Bulgarian Cultural Center of Kazakhstan O. Dymov acquainted the Bulgarians with the activities of the People's Assembly of Kazakhstan. Delegating nine of its representatives in the Majilis of the Parliament in 2007 was an effective measure in implementing the national policy, as well as the adoption of the Law on Assembly of Peoples of Kazakhstan in October 2008. Our parliamentarians spoke about the international initiatives of Kazakhstan, in particular, the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which has received recognition and support from the major world religious and international organizations.
O. Kikolenko invited Emil Etem to initiate cooperation between the Association of Business Women of the two countries, exchange of experience in implementing social policy, support for pensioners and the disabled.
During the meeting with M. Keremedchiev, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, the prospects of development of bilateral relations, the forthcoming Presidency of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the OSCE and the implementation of the state program ?The Path to Europe? were discussed.
Regarding the presidency of Kazakhstan in OSCE, M. Keremedchiev noted that this decision was the recognition of the success of economic and political reforms, deepening of democratic processes in Kazakhstan.
The Bulgarian diplomat also said that Sofia supports the proposal of Astana on the development of a new framework agreement between Kazakhstan and the European Union and the simplification of EU visa regime for citizens of Bulgaria and Kazakhstan.
Given the importance of intensification and diversification of trade and economic ties, the two sides expressed the hope that the third meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation will be held in the second half of 2009 in Sofia to discuss and determine the prospects for cooperation in the future.
The visit of the Kazakhstan Parliamentary Delegation will last until April 17, during which the meeting with President of the People's Assembly (Parliament) of the Republic of Bulgaria Georgi Pirinski, the parliamentary group of ?Friendship with Kazakhstan?, headed by D.Dimitrov, representatives of socio-political, business and media are scheduled.
April 14, 2009