The European Union is an important strategic partner of Kazakhstan

"The European Union is an important strategic partner of Kazakhstan" 
We are justly proud of diplomatic successes of our great ancestors. They skillfully defended the interests of the country in difficult historical times. But with 
independence of the republic's foreign policy is also quite recreated in difficult conditions. We had no experience of modern foreign policy and diplomatic missions abroad, there was an acute shortage of qualified personnel. With the active participation of human diplomat working in the structure of the Soviet Foreign Ministry, experienced politicians in the country - now the veteran of the diplomatic service, we were forced to deal with in an expeditious manner complex issues of foreign policy of the new sovereign state. 
President Nursultan Nazarbayev as far back as 1992 identified the main foreign policy objective, which is "an enabling environment for sustainable development on the basis of political and economic reforms." It was the first president is the author of a multi-vector foreign policy of RK, including well-known international initiatives that have received further recognition and support from the international community. Achieved impressive successes become apparent evidence of consistency and wisdom of the leaders of Kazakhstan's foreign policy. 
In 1991, Kazakhstan became an independent subject of international relations. At this time, it was necessary to determine the place and role of Kazakhstan in contemporary international relations, to identify priorities in foreign policy of the state given the geopolitical location at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, economic and military-political interests and the existing potential.

Strengthening of Kazakhstan's position in the global community is important, since the main objective of the foreign policy of Kazakhstan information and maintenance of a favorable environment for the successful implementation of developed   President Nursultan Nazarbayev of the Strategy becoming and development of Kazakhstan as a sovereign state. 
  
In light of the development of trade relations between the EU and Kazakhstan, we look forward to Kazakhstan's accession to the WTO. Economic cooperation in the modern era the world dictates a new relationship based on universal standards of international trade, set out the relevant multilateral agreements. 
Development of bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union is given a special place. The development of political, economic and cultural relations of the EU and the countries of Western Europe is a priority in Kazakhstan's foreign policy. 
EU - one of the main trade partners of Kazakhstan. In 2010, the volume of bilateral trade reached U.S. $ 38 billion.  
 The European Commission has opened an office in Kazakhstan in 1994. In 1995, the EU and Kazakhstan signed an Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which finally came into force in July 1999. The agreement is not only a political framework for relations between the European Union and the Republic of Kazakhstan, but also serves as a tool for the evolution of political and economic cooperation. It aims to support democratic institutions in Kazakhstan and the acceleration of integration into the global economy. 
    This Agreement provides the political and economic dialogue between the EU and Kazakhstan, allowing both sides to deepen the relationship and to be informed of the progress made in all areas. PCA also serves as a warning of possible component problems in trade, economy and politics. The agreement expands economic cooperation in the field of industry and cross-border provision of services. The EU supports the transition of Kazakhstan to market economy based on democratic principles and the rule of law, with integration into the regional and the international community, while preserving the political and economic stability. In this sense, the PCA provides a framework for further development of economic and political cooperation between the two parties, both on the basis of bilateral action, and in the form of technical support from the EU through the TACIS. 
  
  Taking into account the geographical position of Kazakhstan, the nature of his neighbors, and natural resources of the country's population, the EU is committed to supporting conservation as ethnic and economic stability in the international and regional levels. In this regard, the EU action in Kazakhstan should be considered in general the regional aspect. The EU maintains a healthy relationship with Russia, China and the neighboring Central Asian states and considers them very important. In addition to the protection of the environment, development of communications and transport infrastructure are key areas to assist Kazakhstan in achieving them such a level that would ensure stability.  
Securing international agreements the longest land borders in the world with surrounding countries, Kazakhstan has built friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation with its neighbors and major countries. Today, our republic has established diplomatic relations with 138 countries. Kazakhstan has more than 70 diplomatic missions abroad, has a sufficient staff of professional diplomats. As a result of active cooperation with other countries in various fields were signed more than 3 thousand international agreements interstate, intergovernmental and interdepartmental levels. 
  Partnership and cooperation agreement - was a major bilateral agreement aimed at developing political, economic and cultural ties between the ROK and the EU. 
 
Socio-economic achievements of Kazakhstan ¬ mill consolidated basis of foreign economic relations - economic diplomacy, which priorities are to create a favorable external background to attract foreign direct investment and new technologies in order to realize industrial innovation program of the country. 
As one of the engines of integration and globalization, the European Union is on the international scene in many respects as a single entity with the generated single market with common economic and monetary system and the single currency - the euro. 
 
Thanks to a balanced and multi-faceted policy the Head of State during the years of Independence in the Kazakh economy attracted more than $ 130 billion, per capita income exceeded nine thousand dollars. Kazakhstan - the recipient of more than 80% of all foreign investment in Central Asia. Everyone realized investment project - a pledge of our nation and the welfare of every citizen. Investment and innovation - the driving forces of the new Kazakhstan in the new millennium. Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to promote the hard work in attracting investments into the domestic economy, innovation and new technologies to increase well-being of our people. 
The undoubted achievement of the foreign policy of the President of RK is the development of allied relations with Russia. Today, the main successes of cooperation with Russia are in the plane of regional integration, as well as expanding trade and economic cooperation. Tandem two states become strong factor for stability and development in the vast Eurasian space. 
 During all the years of Independence active political dialogue with the European Union. Through the implementation of state program "Road to Europe" Kazakhstan has been able to withdraw co-operation with key powers of the Old World to a higher level of large-scale partnerships. Joint European countries are now major trading and investment partners of our country in the world. RK undoubted achievement was to attract the best equipment and technology from the EU member states to implement the Strategy of industrial-innovative development of the country. 
Kazakhstan remains a reliable and responsible energy partner for the EU. 
RK is the third after Russia and Norway's largest energy supplier to Europe from the countries that are not members of OPEC. European partners invited to jointly develop and adopt a multilateral or bilateral Energy Charter "Kazakhstan - EU: 2020." Our multi-faceted cooperation with European countries should be reflected in the new basic agreement between the ROK and the EU. 
 
 What are the basic principles of trade between the EU and Kazakhstan? 
  
In accordance with the PCA, the parties grant each other preferential treatment in all areas of commerce. And while there are some exceptions for textile and steel industries, in general, other products can be delivered from Kazakhstan to the European market without any restrictions. 
  
With regard to issues relating to quotas for textiles and Kazakhstan have become, it must be stressed that the EU adheres to the principle of fair competition in the European market for all suppliers from around the world. For example, the EU must make sure that in Kazakhstan, all requirements relating to environmental protection. Otherwise, European and Kazakh producers will be at a disadvantage due to different production costs. 
  
After the first meeting of the Cooperation Council between EU and Kazakhstan, conducted in July 1999, meeting of the Committee on Cooperation held in November 1999, the European Union and Kazakhstan signed an agreement in December on the steel industry, which came into force in January 2000. In December 1999, has also been extended for another three years of the Agreement on Textile Industry, initialed in October 1993 in Brussels. 
  
Since 1993, the EU anti-dumping duty on imports of ferrosilicon from Kazakhstan and Russia. Investigation on the abolition of these duties had been completed only recently. At present there is discussion in the EU Council, and the final decision will be made before the end of this year. 
  
 At the same time, it should be noted that in March 2000 the EU lifted anti-dumping duties on imports of ferrochrome. 
  
 In order to extend a special regime of "market economy" for Kazakhstan, the European Council in October 2000, introduced a resolution in addition to anti-dumping. Now anti-dumping investigation will be based on the situation prevailing in Kazakhstan, and will not be linked to the situation in third countries. Were also revised and the criteria of "individual approach". The new regime will allow manufacturers and importers to prove in each case that their costs of production and their prices are influenced by the state, and therefore their "normal value" is calculated based on actual production costs and prices. In the absence of evidence of the "normal value" will be calculated on the basis of costs and prices prevailing in other comparable third country with market economy. The new regulation came into force on 12 October 2000. 
  
 Despite these successes, there are some problems associated with trade between the EU and Kazakhstan. There are restrictive measures on access Kazakh caviar and other fish products to EU market. These measures are more technical in nature. They are related to the requirements of sanitary and hygienic standards of the EU for imports of food products, since there is a difference between Kazakhstan and European standards. Of course, all the Europeans in the market would like to see more fish and eggs from Kazakhstan, but there is also another aspect related to the ecology of the Caspian Sea. This issue should be resolved in cooperation with all the littoral states of the Caspian Sea. 
  
 And yet, the European Union is ready to buy from Kazakhstan agricultural products for humanitarian aid to third countries, which are located in this region and in dire need of it. However, for several reasons, these intentions were not realized until the EU. 
 
The successes achieved in the European sector, contributed to the decision to strengthen the Asian vector of foreign policy of the country. This requirement is contained in the Message of President Nursultan Nazarbaev of Kazakhstan dated 28 January 2011. 
During the years of independence, Kazakhstan has approved its position in Central Asia. RK has invested heavily in the regional economy, a policy to bring together the Central Asian states to jointly confront global challenges and threats. The focus of our attention - the problem of security, rational use of water and energy resources, labor migration and other important issues of life in the region. 
  
Foreign policy and diplomacy have always been a barometer of the potential and power of the state. We are proud to present internationally the interests of our vibrant multi-ethnic state. 
  
During all the years of independence, Kazakhstan has an important place to the relations with the CIS states, including in multilateral integration interaction. Back in 1991, President Nursultan Nazarbayev stressed that "the basis for future relations between independent states will be based on the spiritual unity of nations, fostered by many generations of our ancestors." At the initiative of Kazakhstan approved by the CIS Development Concept and outline plan for its implementation. These documents define the priority areas of cooperation for the long term and are designed to "revive" the activities of the Commonwealth. 
 
The European Union is registered with the United Nations. This means that he has received diplomatic recognition. At the UN, he was granted observer status and as such is actively involved in some committees of the UN. It is subject to all provisions of international law,  it is subject and object of international law. 
For the conduct of diplomatic negotiations and signing of agreements with third countries on behalf of the European Union created the so-called triple, then there is at present acting chairman of the European Union (and it is the Head of State or Government of EU member countries, who took this position on rotation for six months) future President of the European Union and chairman of the EU Commission, as well as representatives of governments of EU member states. On the mandate issued by the Council of Ministers, the Commission may negotiate and conclude agreements with third countries by us. In the case where the issues discussed at the negotiations beyond the area of ​​the mandate, the Commission requests additional authorization from the Council of Ministers. 
 
During the years of independence, Kazakhstan has become an important partner of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Central Asia. Currently, the country actively uses the mechanisms of cooperation with NATO in order to strengthen security. Successfully developed in cooperation with NATO civil emergency planning, science and public diplomacy. 
  
Kazakhstan is interested in mutually beneficial partnerships with the Council of Europe, taking into account its high international prestige and leadership in European democracy. Our country actively participates in the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) of the Council of Europe - an advisory body on constitutional law. 
Dynamically developing cooperation between the Parliament of the RK and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on the basis of the Cooperation Agreement of 2004. 
  
  
Kazakhstan, in whose territory such an environmentally dangerous areas, like the Aral Sea and the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, uses foreign policy instruments to address environmental issues and conservation of global climate change. As chairman of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, the country with the countries - the founders of the fund is actively initiated the development of the Programme of Action to assist countries in the Aral Sea basin in 2011-2015. 
RK joined the Copenhagen agreement on climate change and has undertaken significant quantitative commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 
  
RK joined all 13 international conventions on the universal fight against terrorism. Our country faithfully carry out the decisions of the Security Council and the annual national reports on progress in the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee. 
Modern domestic diplomacy comes into contact with almost all areas of the state and its citizens. Today it is hard to imagine a politics, economy, transportation, medicine, culture, sports, science, education and other spheres of life without the participation or support of diplomacy. All of this requires us to excellence, extensive knowledge, experience, hard work and patriotism. 
  
Often, the consuls have to act as advocates, as well as to assist their compatriots in the event of emergencies - natural disasters, technological disasters or during operations in hot spots. 
  
At present, signed the agreement on exemption from visa requirements for holders of passports from 15 countries of the RK. On a permanent basis shall be consulted on visa facilitation with the consular services of the European Union. 
 
Summing up over 20 years, it's safe to say that the foreign policy, led by President Nursultan Nazarbayev, was extremely fruitful and successful. But foreign policy is not static, it is oriented to the future. In the framework of further implementation of the emphasis on the transition to a multi-layered and multi-dimensional foreign policy. That is the perspective direction of development of Kazakhstan's diplomacy for the benefit of the state and every citizen. 
  
Should think about opening institution of higher education under the auspices of the European Union, which would cover the entire Central Asian region, preparing personnel who will work under new conditions, namely in terms integration and globalization. 
 
Meeting between the ROK and the EU should take place not only at the governmental level but also at the level of scientists and students to exchange views on scientific and educational fields.