We believe Kazakhstan able to finish worthily its OSCE Presidency: Cuban Ambassador to Kazakhstan
Mr. Ambassador, could you brief us on the history of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Cuba?
Cuba and Kazakhstan signed the joint communiqué on establishment of diplomatic relations on March 24, 1992. As early as 1993 we opened our diplomatic representation in Almaty and in winter 2000 our representation moved from Almaty to the new capital city Astana.
At that time our Foreign Ministries regularly exchanged views on the key international events. In 2004 Cuba elevated the status of its diplomatic representation in Astana to the Embassy.
It's worth of noting that Kazakhstan has rendered assistance to Cubans many times. One of such solidarity gestures of your country was providing significant financial assistance to Cuba after three hurricanes, which hit the country in one week. In respond to that help our country received and provided with free medical treatment 23 Kazakh patients.
How do you appraise today's relations between our states? How do trade-economic contacts develop?
Cuba and Kazakhstan have good bilateral relations that are able to be extended while we work on searching for new niches for cooperation and trade-economic exchange.
One of the fields we should focus our attention on is sport and culture. The interexchange in these spheres between our countries is rapidly developing. Four Cuban sport delegations visited Kazakhstan in 2009. All of them represented box. This sport is the most popular in Kazakhstan. Last year a delegation of glorious Cuban athletes took part in the celebration of the Independence Day of your country.
You have recently started your diplomatic mission in our country. In your opinion, what directions for developing bilateral relations are considered perspective?
We have great potential for further development of cooperation in the field of medical services and pharmaceutical industry. The scientific potential of our country is dynamically developing despite the economic, financial and trade embargo imposed against Cuba by the United States of America 50 years ago and denounced by 187 UN member states.
Our salsa music groups are well-known in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent and we hope other cities will invite and like them soon.
Kazakhstan has achieved significant progress in foreign policy this year. The OSCE presidency is one of the evidences of it. What can you say about the work of our country at the post of the OSCE chairman?
The leadership of your country has made great efforts to successfully preside in the Organization and implement tasks set before the country last year. This comprehensive work was not limited by the borders of Central Asia and efforts on provision of stability in Kyrgyzstan and the region as a whole. The initiatives for the Caucasus and Transnistria required intensive and hard work from the Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan and President Nursultan Nazarbayev. As we can see today, his image acknowledged by the world community contributes to the solution of many problems.
The OSCE Summit is scheduled for December this year in Astana. Heads of 56 states are expected to take part in the Summit. How can you comment on this event?
Holding of the OSCE Summit is one of the top-priority tasks for Kazakhstan today. The major part of the country's population will be involved in it.
This is not an easy task to receive over 50 Heads of State, Government and their representatives. Astana, despite its young age, is ready to host such a big event. We believe Kazakhstan is able to finish its OSCE Presidency worthily.