Orenburg Governor Chernyshev: Border does not separate us

 Mr. Chernyshev, in the near future Orenburg will host the Summit of Russia and Kazakhstan Transfrontier Cooperation. What did the city prepare for this event? What is the preliminary program of meetings of the two countries' presidents?

Kazakhstan is a strategic partner of Russia which first of all conditioned by the transfrontier situation - the Orenburg area of Russian-Kazakh border is the longest in the country and stretches to 1,876 kilometers. It is not by a chance that the 6^th Russian-Kazakh forum with participation of the presidents will take place in Orenburg. I am convinced this event will give a new impulse to the development of partnership between the regions and our countries.

We conduct big organizational work. We have set up an inter-agency work group under the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation. The main subject will be partnership in energy field which is quite an important issue, and we are actively working with Kazakhstani colleagues in this direction. In particular we plan to create a joint enterprise under the Orenburg gas chemical plant which will ensure increase of Karachaganak gas procession output.  All the facilities that are supposed to receive the high guests are ready.

 Orenburg region is a largest region of the border-zone which actively cooperates with Kazakhstan.  What are the main spheres where our countries actively interact and what are the future prospects of cooperation?

Kazakhstan is the major economic partner of Orenburg region. 10 % of foreign trade between Russia and Kazakhstan fall on our region. During last years we have observed steady growth of foreign trade. Since 2000 it has grown 4,5 times and reached USD 1.8 billion in 2008.  Of course, the world recession did affect the volumes, however we believe it is temporary.

There are 34 enterprises with participation of Kazakhstani capital are registered in Orenburg region, therefore, partnership with Kazakhstan is mutually beneficial, and we strive for closer interaction despite the border.

A lot of Kazakhs live in Orenburg region since the old times. Could you tell about the state support of our countrymen in their social and cultural activity? How do international relations develop in the region?   

Orenburg is a region of many nations and confessions. There are representatives of 119 ethnic groups are living in here. According to the last census there are 125,500 Kazakhs living in the region and they hold the third place and make 5.8 % of the region's entire population.  We should not forget that Orenburg was the first capital of Kazakhstan (when it was Kyrgyz ASSR) in the years 1920-1925. Ethno-political stability is one the priorities of our region's state policy.  In 2008-2009 the Kazakh language is taught at schools, as well in 40 educational institutions through various workshops, elective courses. Annually festivals of national culture take place in here, and the transfrontier regions of Kazakhstan, such as Aktobe, West-Kazakhstan and Kostanay take active part.

     - Thank you for the interview.