Kazakhstan and Jordan to strengthen bilateral relations – Kazakh Ambassador to Jordan

But after visit of President Nursultan Nazarbayev to Jordan in 2006 and return visit of King of Jordan Abdullah II Bin Hussein in 2007 the relations became to develop in an active way.

Mr. Ambassador, what are relations between Kazakhstan and Jordan at present? What spheres do both countries cooperate in?

 Following the results of the visit the President urged the Government to develop cooperation. At present the sides give special attention to the following lines of cooperation. They are: agriculture, energy, pharmaceutical industry and tourism. For example, pharmaceutical industry has a possibility to create joint enterprises on production of different medical supplies on the territory of Kazakhstan. Pharmaceutical industry is well-developed in Jordan. Separate large enterprises in this country enter the ten best large enterprises of the world. Jordan has gained a certain experience in this field. Therefore we are interested in development of cooperation with Jordan in pharmaceutical industry.

Jordan is interested in import of agricultural production from Kazakhstan and firstly, in grain import. Jordan use about 700 thousand tons of grain annually and totally about 1.5 mln tons of grain. High transportation expenses are the main obstacle for development of cooperation in this field. The solution to a problem is in creation of joint enterprise on production of agricultural production on the territory of Kazakhstan. It will produce flour and other products to be imported by Jordan.

The political cooperation is the most important one in relations between our countries. Kazakhstan and Jordan have no any political problems between each other. On the contrary, in many topical international issues our positions are close enough. This gives a possibility to support each other in the political arena. For example, we lent support to the candidature of Jordan when the headship of the World Tourist Organization was elected. In our turn, we always feel support from the part of Jordan's leadership. Jordan takes an active part in international events which take place in our country; its ministries and other official bodies of high rank participate in the events.

Has the trade turnover been increased since 2006? What is the state of cooperation in energy and particular, in nuclear power?

 The trade turnover is increasing. For example, the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Jordan in 2007 amounted to USD 35 mln. In 2008 this index reached USD 73 mln. Of course, it is not a high growth. But we can say the progress is obvious. I think, the growth will be continued. For Jordan the development of own energy including the nuclear one is of high importance. This country signed a lot of agreements with international companies in the field of nuclear power. Jordan intends to launch its first nuclear power plant in 2015.

What results do you expect from upcoming visit of the President to Jordan? What issues will be considered at first instance in the course of negotiations between two countries?

 Certainly, the upcoming visit of the Head of our State will give a new impulse to bilateral relations. At present, about 13 agreements in different spheres have been signed between our countries. This time we plan to sign agreements between the tourism ministries of both countries as well as between Akimat of Almaty and Administration of Amman city. This will increase the trade turnover at the inter-city level as well as give a possibility to develop cooperation in other spheres.

We plan to hold two events in the course of the President's visit. The first one is the Day of Culture of Kazakhstan in Jordan. Last year such Day of Culture was held in Kazakhstan. Now we should hold Day of Culture in Jordan. The second event is connected with exhibition of traditional applied arts, concerts with participation of masters of art within the Day of Culture. We also plan to hold the third session of the Kazakhstan-Jordan Council of Entrepreneurs on the threshold of the visit. The Council was established during the visit of King of Jordan Abdullah II Bin Hussein to Kazakhstan in 2007. A group of businessmen will come from Kazakhstan to find interface points in business.

What are the relations between the Heads of both countries?

 The Heads of both countries have good, trust-based and close relations between each other. I can give an example: King Abdullah II was three times in Kazakhstan - in 2005, 2007 and 2008. He was one of the heads of state who participated in commemoration of the 10^th anniversary of Astana city. This tells a great deal. Kazakhstan is one of the countries to be preferred in external policy of Jordan.

Thank you for the interview. We wish you success in your work!