Kazakh-Afghan Intergovernmental Commission held session

The Commission discussed the prospects of the trade and economic cooperation in different spheres of economy, participation of Kazakh companies in realization of donor projects in Afghanistan, raw materials field development, mechanisms of selection of Afghan aspirants to education in Kazakhstan and opportunities for extension of the bilateral legal frameworks.

Kazakh Deputy Minister of Industry and New Technologies Nurmukhambet Abdibekov who headed the Kazakh side noted that Kazakhstan advocates involvement of Afghanistan to integration processes in the region. The activity of the Intergovernmental Commission plays an important role in this dimension.

86 joint Kazakh-Afghan enterprises function in Kazkahsan. Their activity is the key factor in extension of the trade and economic contacts.

The cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres is active as well. Our country prepares Afghan specialists in the field of economy, industry, finances, transport and education.

The parties noted that Kazakhstan render assistance to Afghanistan. In 2008 the Kazakh Government financed construction of a hospital, school and road within the activity plan on assistance to Afghanistan for 2007-2008. Kazakhstan-OSCE Action Plan on reconstruction of Afghanistan providing USD 1.5 mln was signed in March, 2010.

Educational program for Afghan students providing education of one thousand Afghan students in Kazakhstan from 2010 till 2020 was adopted by the commission of the Kazakh President. The total cost of the program makes USD 50 mln.

The representatives of the Afghan delegation expressed gratitude for rendered grant aid to the Afghan people and noted that Kazakhstan's support is very important for the country in tough social and economic situation.