Together we overcome challenges, Kazakh Representative in EU and NATO

  You have said that Kazakhstan will be developing its partnership with the NATO in 3 directions: information security, fighting terrorism and operations of emergencies liquidation. Could you please tell about it in detail? 

 There is a block of questions concerning information security, which is connected with fight against terrorism and cyber-criminality. NATO has got good experience in this field, well-adjusted schemes. As you know, cyber-criminality can cause a big harm to a national security, and be connected with different attacks. Kazakhstan intends to learn this experience and introduce interesting technologies.

 As for emergency situations, we have relevant trainings "Steppe Eagle" going on, where we consider the complex of important issues concerning emergency situations. The trainings are held to form tactical cohesiveness of divisions, operational compatibility, to perfect practical skills of commanders and command staffs in troops' management while interaction with divisions of armed forces of other states.

 This is the block of matters, which enables us to react together with the UN, and other relevant international organizations and NATO.

 Thirdly, military block. We have a good experience in compatibility and defense planning. That activity, which was conducted in Iraq by our forces, shows quite big experience.

 We collaborate not only with the NATO EAPC, but also with European agencies, jointly implementing two large programs: the Program of Borders Management of Central Asia and the Program of Drug Distribution Prevention in the Central Asia, which have been implemented in our region for several years. There would be also joint projects in this direction within the NATO and European institutes' cooperation.

 What joint campaigns of Kazakhstan and NATO are planned for this year?

 There will be "Steppe Eagle" exercises and strengthen fruitful cooperation with of the Ministry of Defense. I think, these are a good manifestation of our common approaches towards relevant directions.

 The SCO delegation took part in the EAPC Forum for the first time. How do you see the interaction of these two structures?

 While meeting with Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, the NATO Secretary General, he told that the situation in Afghanistan requires complex approach. He reiterated that we should use the potential of the SCO, as China and other member-states play a big role. It is not just military actions, but the matters of humanitarian and economical content.

 Participation of the SCO Secretary General in the Forum shows that the situation in Afghanistan requires joint approaches. That was the first meeting, it has never happened before. I think that understanding of common challenges and dangers, which exist, makes it possible to use the potential of the two organizations. NATO is not just a military organization, but political one. The SCO has the similar tasks in this sphere: interest in stability in Afghanistan and reduction of drugs' traffic.

 What do you think about the talks that NATO fights for influence in the Central Asia against Moscow?

 I wouldn't say it is a severe problem, which needs any discussion in such a context. I think that pragmatism and our policy show that we test such formats of collaboration, which are acceptable and more suitable to conditions of nowadays.

 How do you evaluate the results of the Security Forum in Astana?

 There were discussions in all four sections of the Forum. This Forum and its holding in Kazakhstan show that situation in Afghanistan, energy sector, regional and global problems are common. We listened to many prominent speakers, especially form the European Union and regional organizations and all conclusions made for joint efforts which needed to overcome all current challenges.