MOLDPRES Press Agency – Almat Aidarbekov: “R. Moldova is an important partner for us and we want to continue the development of bilateral relations”
The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Moldova, Almat Aidarbekov, gave an exclusive interview to the State Information Agency MOLDPRES on current topics, bilateral relations and projects carried out in our country.
MOLDPRES: This year marks 30 years since the stability of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Kazakhstan. How do you assess the cooperation between the two countries, starting from the perspective of the transition of the Republic of Moldova from an independent state to a candidate country for EU integration?
Almat Aidarbekov: Bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and the Republic of Moldova are friendly and very strong. We are interested in further developing our cooperation. In these 30 years, a vast experience has been accumulated in our diplomatic relations, but the potential is far from exhausted. Currently, the international environment is difficult. In this state, both Kazakhstan and the Republic of Moldova, like other countries, pay special attention to bilateral relations.
In December 2015, the European Union and Kazakhstan signed the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (EPCA). This new agreement, which is the first of its kind signed by the EU with a Central Asian partner, takes EU-Kazakhstan cooperation to a new level.
Taking this opportunity, I would also like to congratulate the Republic of Moldova and its citizens for obtaining the status of a candidate country for EU integration. Most of the countries of the European Union, as well as the Republic of Moldova, are our main partners from a commercial, economic and investment point of view. As the world struggles to cope with the challenges posed by the current geopolitical and economic difficulties, a closer relationship between Kazakhstan and the Republic of Moldova is essential.
The decision of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to open an Embassy in the Republic of Moldova demonstrates the special importance given to relations with the Republic of Moldova. Our countries have close relations both politically, commercially and economically. We intend to further develop a high level of relations and mutual support on international platforms.
MOLDPRES: The volume of bilateral trade in 2021 was approximately 40 million US dollars. Which Moldovan goods are currently the most competitive on the Kazakhstan market and under these conditions can the export quotas be increased?
Almat Aidarbekov: Trade and economic relations between our countries have a very high potential, significantly exceeding the current volume of bilateral foreign trade turnover. Therefore, we are now working to fully utilize this potential. Measures are currently being taken to activate the Kazakh-Moldovan Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation. The fifth meeting of the Commission took place in 2015 in Chisinau, seven years have passed. The next step is the organization of a Business Forum within the Commission, in which both the relevant state bodies and the business environment will participate.
Currently, we have meetings with representatives of state bodies, as well as with representatives of the public sector and businesses. We are also working to identify common points, areas for further development of bilateral cooperation. Currently, the usual logistics channels for the export and import of goods have been disrupted, however, Kazakhstan, together with interested partners, is actively working on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) project. This route should allow the expansion of opportunities and ensure the development of bilateral trade with the Republic of Moldova.
Kazakhstan did not apply any quota for Moldovan economic money. In addition, by exporting products to our country, Moldovan manufacturers can enter the markets of Central Asia, China and other CIS countries. If we talk about products, then the most competitive are those from the agro-industrial sector. We are talking about dairy products, juices and, of course, wines. These products are of very high quality and are competitive in our market.
MOLDPRES: During your meeting with Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița, you discussed the possible intensification of partnerships in the agricultural and energy sectors. What kind of actions, investment areas can we not focus on?
Almat Aidarbekov: During the eight months of the mandate, we had a series of official meetings during which we discussed current topics in our relations. As for the energy sector, the Kazakh company Rompetrol, which has been active on the market of the Republic of Moldova for 20 years, is involved in the presentation provided by fuel oil at the state level. We also discussed fertilizer research in Kazakhstan. We also spoke on topics related to the transport sector. Thus, Kazakhstan participates in the modernization of railways in Moldova, carrying out the reconstruction of the Tighina – Basarabeasca – Giurgiulesti section. Once the works started, 60 Moldovan citizens were involved in the project. We are in permanent contact with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development to monitor the progress of the works. It is very important for us that the work is done on time and of high quality.
In addition, the Republic of Moldova imported 12 locomotives manufactured by General Electric from Kazakhstan, which received positive feedback from specialists. We hope that this cooperation will continue and Kazakhstan will be able to contribute to the development of infrastructure projects.
MOLDPRES: The Republic of Moldova received a large number of refugees after the war in Ukraine. Kazakhstan also faced a similar practice. What exchange of positive experience can there be in this chapter between our states?
Almat Aidarbekov: Every year, the refugee problem takes on a new meaning and can arise spontaneously. I think that both the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Kazakhstan have managed to face the challenges and solve the problems that have arisen. Your country received more than 400 thousand refugees, it is not for nothing that they say that the Republic of Moldova is a small country with a big heart, I would say that Moldova has a very big heart.
In Kazakhstan, the program “Digital Kazakhstan – Unified Management” was developed. It includes many innovations, including the use of an Individual Identification Number (IIN), which is issued to a person being cared for in the country. Based on it, a foreign citizen can receive all the necessary documents, including through an electronic application – online. Thus, people are served automatically due to these innovations. In this regard, we could cooperate and exchange experience.
MOLDPRES: What changes have taken place in Kazakhstan in 2022, what difficulties will you face in this activity?
Almat Aidarbekov: The world has gone through many trials this year. The fallout from current events has affected our economy, and the risks of a global recession and rising inflation are undermining business confidence in the region.
Against this background, after the well-known events of January this year, when we faced coup attempts with the use of armed violence, many were not sure that Kazakhstan could come back. But as the end of this year approaches, we can say with confidence that Kazakhstan has maintained its position, showing resilience and stability, we have transformed our country through significant political and socio-economic initiatives.
After the nationwide referendum in June, we carried out constitutional reforms that include limiting the powers of the president, strengthening the role of parliament, an independent Constitutional Court, the creation of new political parties, the direct election of akims (governors), and other important measures.
In November, presidential elections were held in our country in accordance with the new Constitution, which means that all future heads of our state, including the current president K. Tokayev, will have a term without the right to re-election.
As for international events, in October our country hosted the 6th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, an organization we founded 30 years ago to strengthen cooperation for peace, security and stability in Asia. In the same month, a meeting of Central Asian heads of state took place in Astana, with the participation of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.
A month earlier, the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions took place, where among more than 100 delegates from 50 countries was the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis. During the same period, we hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose state visit to Kazakhstan was his first trip abroad since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thus, we have laid a solid foundation for the further development of relations with our international partners, including the Republic of Moldova.
MOLDPRES: More than 20,000 ethnic Moldovans live in Kazakhstan. What study and work opportunities do they have? How does life in the Republic of Moldova differ from that in Kazakhstan?
Almat Aidarbekov: Both Kazakhstan and the Republic of Moldova are multinational countries. More than 130 interethnic groups live in Kazakhstan, including Moldovans. In our country, all citizens, regardless of nationality, have the same rights and opportunities. In addition to basic rights, they have the opportunity to learn the language of origin, culture and values of their people.
Since 1995, the People’s Assembly of Kazakhstan has been established and actively works in our country, uniting the interests of all ethnicities, ensuring respect for the rights and freedoms of citizens, regardless of their nationality.
Also, Moldovans have taken a worthy place in the diversity of ethnic groups in Kazakhstan and actively participate in public and cultural life. For example, in 2005 the Moldovan-Romanian Cultural Society “Dacia” was established in Karaganda, and in 2006 the Public Association “Moldovan Cultural Center “Struguras” in Almaty. Both cultural centers of the People’s Assembly of Kazakhstan, and active participants in republican, regional and city events, organize various cultural events to preserve the national identity of the Moldovan diaspora, contribute to the creation of inter-ethnic relations and the strengthening of friendship between peoples. At the same time, Moldovans from Kazakhstan have the opportunity to study in Romania, because good relations have been established with the Embassy of Romania in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
On August 19-20, this year, the Moldavian Diaspora Days were held in Chisinau. Among the guests was the Kazakh delegation led by the president of the Moldovan-Romanian Cultural Society “Dacia” from Karaganda N. Plushkis. The performance of the Kazakh delegation with the interpretation of Kazakh and Moldovan songs aroused a positive reaction among the guests and participants of this Forum.
Our peoples are very close, multinational, tolerant and very hospitable. I feel very good in the Republic of Moldova, I really like Chisinau, a green city where people have an active lifestyle. At the same time, Moldovans are very hospitable and friendly. I also started learning Romanian, which I like very much, it is a melodious language.
MOLDPRES: As a diplomat, what professional experience did you get for the first time in the Republic of Moldova?
Almat Aidarbekov: For me, the Republic of Moldova is a unique country. From what I have seen, young people with education taking into account and the Country actively the country internationally. They are very open to innovation, new projects, which indicates a huge potential. The public environment here is also very open and still evolving.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, I want to congratulate all the citizens of the Republic of Moldova on the occasion of the approaching new year and wish them peace and prosperity.
MOLDPRES: Mr. Ambassador Almat Aidarbekov, thank you for your kindness in granting this interview to our agency.