Kazakhstan's FM Idrisov: Ukrainians are architects of their own fortunes

In December 2013 Kazakhstan celebrated its 22nd anniversary. In the context of this date, Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister Yerlan Idrisov expressed his vision of the prospects of Kazakhstan, relationship with Ukraine and the integration processes in the post-Soviet space in an interview with Ukrinform. Mr. Minister, what is your estimate of the current level of Ukrainian-Kazakh relations? Recently, I have participated in a meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, which was held in Kyiv. My good friend, Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara was also in Kazakhstan not so long ago, two months ago. He visited Kazakhstan as OSCE Chairman-in-Office and as head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. During these meetings, we noted a very high level of our political and economic cooperation. However, I am sure there is a much greater potential for such bilateral cooperation. We are natural markets and partners to each other. Our countries have a common history, common views on our future development. We are united by our peoples. Many Kazakhs are of Ukrainian origin, and it is a bridge between our two countries. Ukraine is a big economy, an important state in Europe. Therefore, we will always pay close attention to our relations with Ukraine. A modern Kazakhstan is known for success in its own social and economic development. Maybe you have recommendations in this regard for Ukraine? Ukraine is a large, self-sufficient state, which has a wonderful history and a wonderful human capital asset. I think that no one should give Ukraine advices on how to develop and what to do in your own home. Al the same, we, as partners, will always be happy to lend our friendly shoulder at a time when you consider it necessary. And again I want to note that the level of our partnership is high. We know that Ukraine is at an important stage of its development. And Kazakhstan sincerely wishes that your country has found its own way, which will bring it long-term dividends and development. Ukraine continues its efforts to draw closer to the European Union. How the European integration of Ukraine may influence its bilateral relations with Kazakhstan? Even at the OSCE Ministerial Council we emphasized that it is up for Ukraine to decide and Ukrainians are themselves the architects of their own fortunes. I would like to note that our space - the former Soviet Union - it is natural markets, and seeing our future without these markets, in my opinion, is hardly possible. At the same time, Ukraine does not live in a confined space, there are directions to the east, north, west and south. From an economic perspective, it is natural to create a future that will be based on Ukraine's comprehensive relations with economic partners in all geographic areas. Everything will depend on the balance of interests. I believe that all this will be based for Ukraine on its national interests. The times of some closed structures are fading away. The world is becoming globalized, and the main trend of the current stage of development of the world is regionalization. We see an example of the Customs Union, integration within the Eurasian Economic Space. It is a natural movement, I think all these things should be considered as a single package. In any case, the integration efforts of Ukraine to the south, north, east or west will not affect our bilateral relations. I stress again, Ukraine is a long-time, long-term partner of Kazakhstan, with whom we share both political and economic, and human (cultural) aspects. I am convinced that Ukraine faces a great future. In 2015, the Eurasian Economic Union is to reportedly start working. Kazakhstan and your partners are ready to move to this broader form of integration? Heads of the Customs Union member states - Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan - have set the timeframe: the beginning of January 2015 is outlined as a landmark for the formal launch of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). Now the three governments are actively working in this direction, there is almost daily, hourly work in progress. The Eurasian Economic Commission is actively operating. We are talking about a large amount of work, in particular, the technical one. Of course, taking into account all aspects of the process, because the creation of a new form that will be also provided with supranational functions is a very difficult job for all the three states. Therefore, all departments of the three states are involved in the process, there is a regular exchange of views on all these issues. We have a clear timeframe, what needs to be done by industries. Now there is an active development of a founding treaty of the EEU. This is a complex, difficult document because it covers all areas of economic life of our countries. All the same, I want to note that none of us is in the clouds and no one expects that from January 1, 2015 there would be a complete euphoria. I think it is an important political milestone to start and really move in a new integration format, integration in the new field. Therefore, we, on our behalf, are solid supporters of the process, and try to contribute to preparing the launch of the new formation. As you know, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev initiated the current Eurasian integration processes. Obviously, the Kazakh side has its own understanding of these processes and their prospects? The leader of our state proceeded from simple economic laws: we are geographical neighbors, our economies have significant resource potential. Russia, moreover, is a global economy, a larger, capacious in terms of size market with developed industry, science, transport infrastructure. And having united we want our potentials not only to complement each other, but also get an incentive for further development. After all, Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus do not exist in a closed world. We are dealing with a global economy and we want to get all the benefits of participation in this global economic process, using our strengths. That is the whole point of integration steps. Of course, Russia can afford itself the functioning in an individual mode. I emphasize once again that it is the global economy. We also probably will not collapse, and that can be also said about Belarus. But the union of potentials - it is a natural response in the era of globalization and regional trends. We simply combine and complement our own capabilities and facilitates, and simplify the free movement of so-called four economic freedoms. Consequently, we are becoming a more attractive market for foreign partners and develop a common policy in dealing with these external partners. Here we find the essence of integration - to get the maximum benefits for ourselves and for the partners in this union. I recall that March of the next year will mark 20 years since President Nursultan Nazarbayev has proposed the idea at the Moscow State University. But then, this idea did not receive immediate support ... You know how they say, "the great is seen from afar". From a historical perspective, it did not take much time. I think it is good that within the past 20 years, this idea has begun to materialize. It is clear that a step from idea towards implementation - this is a great effort. It is very uneasy, if you look at the scale of the Russian economy, the scope of our territories. Therefore, grinding and fine-tuning of the accurate, well-functioning mechanism will be a challenge. It will take time, but I believe that with the spirit that is present, without excessive politicization, with a pragmatic attitude we can achieve very good results. Which sectors do you think are the most promising for the development of Ukrainian-Kazakh cooperation? Your industrial potential, your scientific potential, space, including our resource potential, and our mutual agriculture capacity, our mutual human potential. In addition, transit and transportation. Here, I have outlined some areas where we can cooperate effectively. Mr. Minister, I should note that it is impossible not to admire Astana. Sure, thousands of Ukrainians would like to see it through their own eyes ... I can advise such people only one thing: buy tickets and come to Kazakhstan. We have not only Astana, former capital Almaty is also beautiful, there are great places in the east and south, resorts on the Caspian Sea, unique historical sites are scattered throughout the territory of Kazakhstan. Therefore, Kazakhstan is a very broad tourist destination. Visit us and invite Kazakhs to travel to Ukraine as much as possible. As I have already mentioned, Kyiv is a gorgeous, beautiful city. And the whole of Ukraine is a magnet in terms of tourism.

Source: Ukrinform.ua