Kazakh Ambassador, WCO Secretary General met in Brussels

The diplomat told about the main provisions of ?Path to Europe? government program, which envisages introduction of advanced technologies and modern international standards in Kazakhstan. He suggested signing a joint action plan for development of initiatives and priorities on introduction of international standards, including the European ones, aimed at further upgrading of the customs system, provision of security and simplification of international trade, in Kazakhstan. Mr. Kunio Mikuriya expressed readiness for further cooperation with our country as he considers Kazakhstan as a regional leader consistently conducting reforms, particularly in the sphere of customs affairs. The parties reached an agreement on participation of the organization?s experts in the European Union's Border Management Program in Central Asia (BOMCA-CADAP) as well as arrangement of a conference-exhibition devoted to the achievements of Kazakhstan in interaction and cooperation with international organizations. The Kazakh diplomat invited the Secretary General to Kazakhstan in the second half of 2009 to get acquainted with the process of modernization of Kazakhstan?s Customs Service and take part in the opening of the World Customs Organization?s regional training center in Astana. Besides, he presented Mr. Mikuriya a book titled ?Kazakhstan ? European Union: results and horizons of cooperation? devoted to the 15th anniversary of bilateral cooperation.