Visit of the Kazakh delegation on the Access to Inform
The delegation included members of Mazhilis, the lower chamber of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, Z.Alshymbaev, J.Asanov and R.Mukashev, officials of the Government of Kazakhstan, representatives of the major ministries and of the Institute for Parliamentarism of the People's Democratic Party 'Nur Otan'.
During the visit the delegates met with the Head of FOI Policy and Strategy Ms Jane Sigley. The parties exchanged views on the development of freedom of information legislation and protection of personal data. Particular attention was given to discussion of existing mechanisms for ensuring access to information and appeal and the activities of the Commissioner for Information. The Kazakh delegates also met with the representatives of the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to discuss the development of information technologies in Kazakhstan and in the UK.
The agenda of the meeting with the experts of the international nongovernmental organization 'ARTICLE 19' focused on improving access to public information.
Within the framework of the visit the Kazakh and the British members of Parliament participated in the discussion session on the British legislation on freedom of information and its protection. The Kazakh delegates emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with the European Union in light of the governmental programme 'Path to Europe'. The British side was acquainted with the basic provisions of the annual Address of the President to the People of Kazakhstan and preparation to the Kazakhstan's Chairmanship in OSCE in 2010. The Kazakh party also presented the Concept of Legal Policy of Kazakhstan for 2010-2020 aimed at further democratization of society and state institutions, Kazinform refers to the press service of the Kazakh Embassy in th UK.