Our country ready to become significant trading partner of Kazakhstan in Europe: Serbian President Boris Tadić
What are the results of your first visit to our country?
My first visit to Kazakhstan will start serious cooperation in trade and economic sphere. Agreements on opening of Serbian Embassy in Astana and holding regular consultations between the Foreign Ministries of the two states were achieved. The cooperation of our countries in the world arena was another important topic to discuss during the talks. I am pleased with the results of the talks held in Astana and sure that we have unlimited opportunities for cooperation.
The agreement on establishment of the intergovernmental commission on trade-economic cooperation was achieved by our countries in order to promote development of business contacts.
In your opinion, what are the most perspective directions of cooperation with Kazakhstan?
These are joint projects in the field of processing, transit and construction. The cooperation in the field of pharmaceutical industry, agro-industrial complex, tourism, small and medium business is of special interest as well. Serbia is ready to take part in the industrial development of Kazakhstan together with Kazakhstani companies and accept investments of your country. Serbia is ready to be an important economic partner of Kazakhstan in Europe.
What does Belgrade expect from the OSCE Summit in Astana?
The existence of such a long pause between the top level meetings proves the necessity of introduction of changes in the OSCE rules and its main goals. No doubts, the modern world faces great security threats. These threats were less intensive 11 years ago. Existing military groups pass through redeployment, but the greatest threat we are facing now is terrorism. In this regard, we will address both the issues of cooperation and the issues of new security threats and challenges.
Today many people talk about interethnic relations and dialogue between religions. What can you say about it?
I have nothing to add except my own experience. Countries with diverse ethnic communities and representatives of different religions and cultures cannot be successful without interethnic and interconfessional tolerance and unity. Representatives of all religions except Buddhism live in Serbia as well as in Kazakhstan. Buddhists live in your country; this is the only difference between Serbia and Kazakhstan. Similarity of our countries is that Kazakhstan connects East and West in its region as well as Serbia does in the European continent. In this regard, I understand the challenges faced by your President N.Nazarbayev and I appreciate his work.
The European future is another topical issue for discussion. What is your forecast?
In 2010 Europe faces great difficulties in defining its borders. It should define its identity, originality. The main question today is where the European border is - on the Bosporus or on the eastern border of Turkey and Iran? The answer to this question will help to define the relations between the Christianity and Islam. In case the border of Europe lies on the border between Turkey and Iran, Europe will have to transform its geo-strategic relations. In such case Europe will be closer to Kazakhstan and we will have close neighborhood relations.
There is a lot of talk about the role of a personality in the history of politics. How do you appraise the activity of President N.Nazarbayev?
In the political process nothing depends on a single person, at the same time, however, nothing happens without a personal initiative. The success of Kazakhstan is connected with the personality of Nursultan Nazarbayev. Today he is one of the world leaders, respected politician. It is impossible to miss or show no appreciation of his contribution to improving the living standards of his people and his country. 20 years ago Kazakhstan had problems with payment of salaries and pensions. This problem has been solved today. This proves the high level of development and leadership. Successful solution of social and economic problems raises the image of your country and President in the world arena. Due to it your President has great influence on the modern international relationships.
What are the qualities a modern high-level politician should possess?
Modern leaders should strive to stability of the political process, be able to analyze the processes taking place in the country and be able to solve practical issues. They should be able to make decisions in difficult situations and address complicated issues.
Thank you for the interview.
