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Heads of state comment on President Nazarbayev and modern Kazakhstan
“An outstanding leader of our days”
Bruce George, former president of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, June 8, 2003
“Dear Mr President!
Under your leadership, Kazakhstan has become one of the world’s leaders in non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The United States is grateful for Kazakhstan’s steadfast friendship and solidarity in the Global War on Terrorism, particularly the outstanding service of the KAZBAT detachment in Iraq”. (Extract from the letter addressed to Mr. Nazarbayev on Kazakhstan’s Independence Day, December 2004)
George W. Bush, President of the United States
“Due to joint efforts of Jiang Zemin and Nursultan Nazarbayev, relations between China and Kazakhstan are marked with positive trends towards expansion. Mutual trust reached an unprecedentedly high level”. (Extract from Jintao’s speech at a meeting with Mr. Nazarbayev in Beijing, December 24, 2002).
Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China
“I highly appreciate the idea of a Eurasian Economic Community (EuroAsEC) proposed by Mr. Nazarbayev. Such an initiative can be an example of prolific cooperation of states.
I want to congratulate (the president) on… creating a new international organization.”
(Extract from a speech during an official visit to Kazakhstan, October 2000)
“Deep and comprehensive analysis of the country’s development over the last decade cited in your Address to the Nation illustrates the large-scale reforms and multi-faceted work carried out by you in this realm. Kazakhstan’s practices are worth the most careful study.
We praise the multi-directional cooperation and interaction in all spheres being maintained between Russia and Central Asian states. We are interested in every possible strengthening of such cooperation on a bilateral and multilateral basis, within the frameworks of the CIS, Eurasian Economic Community, Common Economic Space, Collective Security Treaty Organization and Shanghai Organization for Cooperation and Central Asia Cooperation Organization. I strongly believe that our countries will remain active and consistent proponents and participants of these integrations”. (Extract from a letter to President Nazarbayev, March 2005)
Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation
“I wish I could be present with you today; I am writing to pass on my congratulations on the occasion of significant achievements in oil exports from the Karachaganak oil & gas fields. The success of this project will be extremely beneficial for both countries. Completion of the second phase at this mammoth oil field is an important milestone. I welcome close and effective cooperation between the Consortium, Kazakhstan’s government and KazMunaiGaz. I am particularly glad that the BG Group and other British companies play a major role in the oil & gas industry of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan has a bright future. Britain intends to strengthen relations between the two countries in the years to come”. (Extract from a congratulatory letter addressed to Mr. Nazarbayev, August 5, 2003)
“Since independence, Kazakhstan has achieved significant economic progress. For the time being, development of a transparent and open market-oriented investment climate is of utmost importance. This will consolidate the results already achieved by Kazakhstan and set a primary example to Central Asia… British companies appreciate their investments into Kazakhstan’s economy and are searching for new investment opportunities”. (Extract from the letter addressed to President Nazarbayev, April 2005)
Tony Blair, former Prime-Minister of Great Britain
“It is with great pleasure that I recollect our meetings… France views the changes that have taken place (in Kazakhstan) since 1991 as significant and crucial. Under uncertain conditions, your country (has built) up a nation which.. has been committed not only to its values and history, but to fundamental principles of democracy... Kazakhstan has become a state with stable institutions and a dynamic economy. It has become a member of the international community, recognizing its responsibilities both at regional and international levels.. to maintain dialogue among religions and cultures.
Kazakhstan has all the rights to be proud. I am pleased to see your commitment to make Kazakhstan a modern state and realize its ambitions in the international arena.
As you have stressed, in the socio-economic realm, especially in view of accession to the WTO, Kazakhstan must keep on opening its economy, removing administrative barriers, struggling against corruption, and has to ensure access to high-quality education for its citizens as well as social protection.
It is no less important that in the realm of political reforms you want the Constitution… to.. set up political pluralism, guarantee gradual decentralization of state power, support civil society, strengthen independence of judges and ensure freedom of media.
One of the major points of your Address to the Nation is that prosperity and stability of Kazakhstan (rest on) regional cooperation within Central Asia.. equitable and mutually beneficial relations.
Kazakhstan leadership can – as always – rely on France for support…please, accept my assurances of my highest esteem to you, Mr President”. (Extract from a letter addressed to President Nazarbayev, March 2005)
Jaques Chirac, former President of the Republic of France
“Kazakhstan is a key country in the region. President Nursultan Nazarbayev has contributed to making Kazakhstan a stabilizing factor in Central Asia. Germany supports Kazakhstan's efforts to ensure stability in the region, in particular in the framework of the Conference for Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Kazakhstan and Germany share common views on many issues of foreign policy. Germany supports Kazakhstan's bid for OSCE chairmanship in 2009”. (Extract from the speech delivered at a business forum in Astana, December 5, 2003).
“Kazakhstan is a stabilizing factor in volatile Central Asia – in economic, culture and political realms. Your president has been committed to multi-lateral cooperation which has been successfully developed here due to efforts exerted by Kazakhstan”. (Extract from an interview with Khabar agency, December 6, 2003).
Gerhard Schroeder, former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany
“I have been deeply impressed by the Republic of Kazakhstan and its president N. Nazarbayev. Greece intends to expand trade and economic ties. The brightest prospects for cooperation are in such promising spheres as energy, shipbuilding, communications, tourism and completion of a transit corridor to link Europe and Asia”.
Konstantinos Stefanopulos, former President of Greece
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