Kazakhstan plays an important role in international arena - Argentine Ambassador Pablo Tettamanti

Ambassador Tettamanti presented credentials to Kazakh Secretary of State Adilbek Dzhaksybekov in the Akorda's presidential residence in Astana this Tuesday (October 7). Mr. Ambassador, to begin with, please allow me to congratulate you on your appointment and wish you success during your tenure in Kazakhstan. How do you estimate the current state and prospects of relations between Argentina and Kazakhstan? Thank you! First of all, I am truly honored to represent Argentina in Kazakhstan. I am glad I have presented the credentials to the Kazakh side. Yesterday I delivered a lecture at the Nazarbayev University and said that Kazakhstan and Argentina have a lot in common: vast territories and relatively small population. Being ambassador in Kazakhstan means I have a lot to do. There is this huge potential for development and strengthening of bilateral cooperation, but so far we know little about each other. And for this reason I'm sure that if we get to know each other better, our countries will get closer. Kazakhstan and Argentina will introduce a mutual visa-free regime on November 1. What do you expect of this step as a diplomat? The agreement on visa-free regime between our countries will indeed come into effect on November 1. We've been told that this is the first agreement on visa-free regime concluded between Kazakhstan and the Latin American country. This is also the first time Argentina concluded such agreement with the Central Asian state. From now on Kazakhstanis can stay in Argentina for a certain period of time, as well as citizens of Argentine can enjoy their stay in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan's symphony orchestra will be the first to enjoy the visa-free regime with Argentina. Their tour kicks off in Argentina this November. In your opinion, what are the most promising areas of bilateral Kazakhstani-Argentinian cooperation? I believe that currently Kazakhstan as is Argentina is trying to expand its international ties. It is a well-known fact that our countries boast vast mineral wealth. We see that Kazakhstan's industrial potential is seeking access to foreign markets. I was quite impressed yesterday when I was told about the research done at the Nazarbayev University. Argentina also develops high technologies in the sphere of nuclear power and space. I'm confident that our countries will develop relations in economic, scientific, humanitarian and cultural spheres. I hope that our nations will enjoy diversified relations in the long term. Both countries are well-known agricultural producers. Both Argentina and Kazakhstan possess ample energy resources. We are currently looking for ways to export those resources and new energy resources that will be discovered in our territories. This will enable us to set up joint ventures in Kazakhstan and Argentina, or in the third countries. To make that happen, we need to make the first and the most important step towards each other. We need to get to know each other better, define further plans on bilateral cooperation. Since attaining independence Kazakhstan has become not only the regional leader, but also the promoter of many global initiatives. What is Kazakhstan's current role in the international arena? Argentinian Minister of Foreign Affairs visited Kazakhstan this May. This was the first visit of the Argentinian Foreign minister to your country. First of all, Argentina is thankful to Kazakhstan for its stance on the issues concerning our interests. And we are grateful that Kazakhstan supports the point of view that Argentina and the UK should seek a peaceful solution to their territorial dispute. On August 29 Argentina celebrated the International Day against Nuclear Tests. And we all know that it was Kazakhstan's initiative to observe this holiday internationally. We will support Kazakhstan in its bid over temporary seat on UN Security Council in 2017. We also back Kazakhstan's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). These examples show the important role Kazakhstan plays in the international arena today. Would you like to share your impressions of Astana? This is my second visit to Astana. The first time I visited your capital was in May 2014 when I accompanied the foreign affairs minister of Argentina. This is a wonderful city and a good example of what a man can do, what results can be achieved, if he makes an effort. My spouse is an architect. And after my first visit to Astana I told her a lot about the capital of Kazakhstan. She didn't believe me. But this time she is here with me and she is thrilled. She was really surprised to see such beautiful and modern architecture. Thank you!