Astana's presidency in OSCE, SCO and OIC speaks volumes about authority of Kazakhstan in world
Civic Development Party Chairman Ali Aliyev:
"Foreign policy activity of Kazakhstan inspires respect and attracts attention. At the same time Kazakhstan practices advance...
On the other hand, the fact that numerous initiatives of Kazakhstan do not lead to destructive consequences is positive and characterizes Astana in the international arena only on the positive side.
Kazakhstan is a strong and young state. It is a multi-ethnic state. The country reached internal consensus and shows its opportunities to the world."
Deputy of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan Rassim Mussabekov:
'Taking into account the size of the territories and energy resources, Kazakhstan is the biggest power in Central Asian region. Therefore Kazakhstan has great impact on the processes that take place in the region. Kazakhstan is a peaceful country that conducts a wise foreign policy. Besides, Kazakhstan is a multiethnic country. All these facts are only promoting the image of Kazakhstan in the international political arena.
On the other hand it is difficult to say that Kazakhstan's presidency in the SCO or OSCE altered the influence of these organizations on international processes so much. The point is that political processes are defined mostly by superpowers - members of these organizations not by the organizations themselves.
Speaking of the OIC, we can for certain state that there is some solidarity in this organization. The presidency of Kazakhstan in the OIC and all the other international organizations is very important for Azerbaijan, in view of our strong relations we rely on the support of Astana regarding voting processes. For instance, Kazakhstan as a presiding in the OIC country could help Baku during the UN voting on the resolution on 'The Situation in the Occupied Territories of Azerbaijan'. Azerbaijan will need votes from the OIC member states.
Political scientist Rasim Agayev:
'The fact that Kazakhstan plays an important role in foreign policy: presidency in the OSCE, SCO and OIC speaks volumes about the authority of Kazakhstan in the world and about economical and political potential accumulated in this part of Eurasia. This is what gives Astana a special status in Central Asia. It is the only country of the post Soviet space that is stable in terms of internal and foreign policy. It is truly notable for its relations with other countries especially its neighboring states.
Besides, we have to remember that Kazakhstan is a country where Kazakhs and Russians - two state forming nations peacefully co-exist. Kazakhstan can be easily considered as an example in this regard for neighboring Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan.
Touching upon the presidency of Kazakhstan in the OIC we can say that it is quite new for the country and Astana will have to adapt for a while. It is mostly because Kazakhstan has never been a fully Muslim country and the influence of a Muslim factor has never been so strong as in neighboring states.
Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are tightly bound with historical and cultural ties and relations. Presently it is also large-scale economic projects. Besides, Kazakhstan is of a key interest for Azerbaijan in a geopolitical project 'Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan' oil pipeline.
Moreover, Kazakhstan is the only Caspian Sea country that Azerbaijan has never had any problems with. Our countries have so much in common and hardly have anything to argue about.