Astana calling no.444

1. A WEEKLY ONLINE PUBLICATION / WWW.MFA.GOV.KZ
ISSUE NO. 444 / FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2016
PresidentNazarbayevReviews
AlmatyUniversiadePreparations
SixPartiesRegisteredforElection,
Int’lObservationBegins
Also InThe News
TeamKazakhstanWinsBronzein
Country’sFutsalEURODebut
In Focus:
Foreign Policy Priorities
FMIdrissov:UNSupports
Nuclear-Weapons-Free
WorldConcept

2. PresidentNazarbayevReviewsAlmatyUniversiadePreparations
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Kazak President Nursultan Nazarbayev during a recent meeting in
Almaty instructed the government in collaboration with the 2017
World Winter Universiade organising committee and Almaty’s akimat
(city administration) to take all necessary measures to prepare for the
2017 World Winter Universiade, the press service of the President of
Kazakhstan reported Feb. 16.
“Conducting the Universiade shall give a new impulse to developing
the city, improve its architectural appearance, and raise the level of
service in hotels, restaurants, public transport, and sports objects. This
all will stimulate small and middle business, increase the volume of
services and create new jobs,” said the President.
The President noted that a number of preparation projects need a
quicker finishing.
“The Medeu ice rink, Shymbulak ski resort and Baluan Sholak sports
and culture palace [cause some] concern. Moreover, it is [important]
to think how to use those facilities after conducting the games. The
strain on the budget should be minimal while the sports facilities
should be available to the public,” Nazarbayev stressed.
The President also said citizen safety needs to be increased before
the games and instructed the city to install video cameras and street
lighting, according to the report.
The head of stated also noted that Almaty plays an important role in
the nation’s and region’s economy.
“The city has formed as a large economic centre; it is a donor of the
national budget and provides one-fifth of the gross domestic product
as of today. Almaty is also a leading educational centre; almost 40
percent of higher educational institutions are here. There is a big
scientific potential that includes 86 scientific research institutes and
11,000 research workers who should make a significant contribution
to developing of the innovation knowledge and intensive sectors of
economy,” Nazarbayev said, the press serive reported.
The President reminded about measures on additional support of
and maintaining of financial stability, which were announced at the
government’s enlarged meeting.
“The main task that I set to the city is attracting investment and
creating new jobs. The work assessment of akim and his apparatus
will depend on this. Actively introducing public private partnerships
is necessary. The Akim reported that this type of work was already
started …” said the President.
The head of state also instructed the akimat (city administration)
to work on attracting investment for implementing big projects
in the city. The president drew attention to the need to increase
the representation of innovative, design and service enterprises in
Almaty’s business environment.
“A modern city needs an innovative economy. … As of today, 150
companies are involved, 42 higher education institutions, including six
national and one third of all students are in Almaty,” said the head of
state.
In this regard, Nazarbayev set a task on creating conditions for young
scientists and students to implement their ideas and introduce new
developments by instructing Kazakh Minister of Education and
Science Yerlan Sagadiyev to take the fulfilment of this instruction
under special control, the report said. Moreover, the President urged
local executive bodies to be involved in supporting small and medium
business.
Nazarbayev also draw attention to further developing housing
construction.
“For housing construction 47 billion tenge (US$132 million) will be
allocated,more than 3,000 apartments will bebuiltaspart of theNurly
Zhol programme. The cost of 1 square metre for accommodation
for Almaty will not exceed 200,000 tenge (about US$561.4),” the
President stated, the press service reported.
Head of the Presidential Administration Nurlan Nigmatulin, Chair of
the National Bank Daniyar Akishev, Deputy Head of the Presidential
Administration Kumar Aksakalov as well as heads of ministries, local
executive bodies, law enforcement authorities, representatives of
business and scientific circles took part in the meeting.
Kazakh Minister of Investment and Development Asset Issekeshev
and Minister of Culture and Sports Arystanbek Mukhamediuly and
Akim (Mayor) of Almaty Bauyrzhan Baibek also spoke during the
meeting, the report said.

3. FMIdrissov:UNSupportsNuclear-Weapons-FreeWorldConcept
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Last year, Dec. 7, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal
Declaration for the Achievement of a Nuclear-Weapons-Free World
suggested by President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev three
months before.
Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov called the adoption
“a landmark for the entire international community,” in an interview
with The Astana Times.
It was especially important for citizens of Kazakhstan, a country that
has suffered greatly from the humanitarian consequences of nuclear
weapons,toseeNazarbayevpromotemakingaworldwithoutnuclear
weapons humanity’s ultimate goal in the 21st century from the UN
podium, Idrissov said. “Adopting the Universal Declaration for the
Achievement of a Nuclear-Weapons-Free World is a new, important
step in realising this goal. … I believe that the general principles and
obligations established in the document, already supported by the
community of nations, can and must become a bridge between
different and sometimes opposing views on the future shape of a
world without nuclear weapons.”
However, not all countries are ready to disarm. “Despite the fact that
the Universal Declaration was developed as a consensus document
based on universally accepted principles and earlier agreements, it is
evident that at this stage, not all countries are ready to support it,”
Idrissovacknowledged.Nuclearweaponscountriesandtheirdefence
allies are not ready to renounce their weapons. More work is needed.
“In the coming years, we expect a long process of universalising the
declaration. It is particularly important to conduct targeted work with
thosecountriesthatdidnotsupportthedeclaration,toconvincethem
to change their position.” Reconfirming the resolution every three
years and creating a reporting mechanism for states to the UN and for
the UN Secretariat to the General Assembly on the implementation
of the goals has been suggested, Idrissov said. Reconfirming the
declaration’s principles will help keep the international community
focused on the declaration and keep the idea a nuclear-weapon-free
world on the UN agenda.
Nuclear countries have objected in particular at establishing time
frames for disarming. “The logic is simple – without defining time
frames for the elimination of nuclear weapons, they will be there
indefinitely. … Nuclear countries think that it is unrealistic to set time
Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov
frames for nuclear disarmament. At the same time, non-nuclear
countries completely disagree with such approaches and demand
concrete time frames to save humankind from nuclear weapons,”
Idrissov explained. “The declaration reflects a balanced and realistic
approach. Recognising the necessity of having a structured nuclear
disarmament process, it does not set concrete time periods, which is
unrealistictoday,butatthesametimeacknowledgesthattimeframes
for nuclear disarmament must be agreed upon with countries.”
The declaration notes the humanitarian consequences of nuclear
weapons as one of the most important reasons for abolishing them,
Idrissov said. Another reason is that such weapons are obsolete,
rooted in a Cold War mentality that has no relevance to today’s world.
“The only guarantee of security is total and universal nuclear
disarmament,” said the foreign minister. “Continuing to invoke the
importance of nuclear weapons and their indefinite preservation
will only make them spread further. If we do not start to disarm,
the number of nuclear-weapon possessors will rise dramatically. …
Today, when the world has become multipolar, nuclear weapons are
increasingly used as an argument to solve regional problems, become
a factor of regional deterrence, a means of promoting political and
geopolitical interests. All this increases the risk of using nuclear
weapons.”
It is not only governments who can support the movement to a
nuclear-weapons-free world, Idrissov said. “Today, civil society, social
movementsandpublicopinioningeneralhaveasignificantimpacton
certain political decision-making processes. … Civil society has played
a significant role in bringing environmental issues, climate change
and sustainable development to the forefront of the global agenda. It
can make nuclear disarmament a priority for governments.”
“Adopting the Universal Declaration for the
Achievement of a Nuclear-Weapons-Free World is a
new, important step in realising this goal. … I believe
that the general principles and obligations established
in the document, already supported by the community
of nations, can and must become a bridge between
different and sometimes opposing views on the future
shape of a world without nuclear weapons.”
- Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov

4. SixPartiesRegisteredforElection,Int’lObservationBegins
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Preparations are underway in Kazakhstan for the country’s
parliamentary elections set for March 20, with the Central Election
Commission (CEC) releasing early information about candidates and
international organisations readying election-monitoring missions.
In a Feb. 12 briefing on the election of Mazhilis (lower house of
Parliament) and maslikhat (regional legislatures) deputies, CEC
chairman Kuandyk Turgankulov said that all six submitted party lists
had been registered, election.gov.kz reported. According to CEC, out
of7,885candidatesfortheseatsintheorgansoflegislativeauthorities,
political parties nominated 1,942 candidates (24.6 percent), public
organisations nominated 12 persons (0.2 percent) and 5,931 people
(75.2 percent) were self-nominated. Among the candidates are
representatives of 40 ethnic groups. Women make up 28.6 percent
of candidates, men 71.4 percent. Approximately 72.3 percent have
higher education; the average age is 43. Candidates include public
officials, , employees of commercial structures, representatives of
political parties and nongovernmental organisations, pensioners and
unemployed persons.
A Feb. 16 drawing to determine the order of political parties on the
MazhiliselectionballotresultedinanorderofNurOtanfirst,followed
by the Communist People’s Party of Kazakhstan (CPPK), the Ak Zhol
Democratic Party of Kazakhstan, the Birlik Party, the Nationwide
Social Democratic Party (NSDP) and the Auyl Social Democratic
Party.
At a Feb. 17 press conference in Astana, first among a number of
international observer missions expected, representatives of the
Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Office
for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR)
announced the official start of their mission for Kazakhstan’s
parliamentary elections.
According to head of the mission Boris Frlec, the mission consists of
39 experts, who will be deployed throughout the country in teams of
two and will start work Feb. 23. Another 400 short-term observers
from OSCE states are expected to arrive just before the elections.
“We are here by the invitation of Kazakhstan’s authorities. … We are
grateful that we have received the invitation in such timely manner.
This allows us to observe the entire process of the elections according
to our standards. Also, we would like to stress we have arrived here
without preconceived ideas or fixed agendas,” Frlec said during the
press conference. He also stressed that the same standards and the
same methodology are applied to all OSCE member states.
The mission will assess the elections’ compliance with OSCE
commitments and other international obligations and standards for
democratic elections, as well as with national legislation. Experts will
monitor candidate and voter registration, campaign activities and the
work of the election administration and relevant government bodies.
They will observe the opening of polling stations, voting, the counting
of ballots and the tabulation of results, and watch over legislation and
its implementation, the resolution of election-related disputes, and
media coverage of the campaign.
The mission will meet with state authorities, political parties,
candidates and representatives from civil society, the media and the
international community.
The mission will issue one interim report, and a statement of
preliminary findings and conclusions will be released at a press
conference March 21. A final report on the entire electoral process
will be issued eight weeks after the end of the mission.
Kazakhstan is committed to competitive, transparent and fair
elections, Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov said at a
meeting with Frlec Feb. 17.
“I am convinced that the upcoming parliamentary elections are
another step towards strengthening the independence of our
country,” Idrissov said. “We attach particular importance to how the
upcoming parliamentary elections will take place and we intend to
ensure 100 percent public confidence through the organisation of the
elections in accordance with the highest democratic standards. Our
Constitution and electoral laws clearly define the requirements for
candidates and the election rules.”
It was earlier reported that international experts from 11 international
organisations and CEC representatives from 19 countries had been
invitedtoobservetheupcomingelections.TheShanghaiCooperation
Organization last month confirmed it would send a mission. Some
other organisations that delegated observers to past elections in
Kazakhstan include the Commonwealth of International States,
Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Cooperation Council of Turkic
Speaking States, parliamentary assemblies of the OSCE, Collective
Security Treaty Organization, and the Turkic Speaking Countries.
“I am convinced that the upcoming parliamentary
elections are another step towards strengthening the
independence of our country. We attach particular
importance to how the upcoming parliamentary
elections will take place and we intend to ensure 100
percent public confidence through the organisation
of the elections in accordance with the highest
democratic standards.”
-Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov
Recent meeting between representatives of the OSCE ODIHR and Kazakh diplomats. Photo by Ilyas Omarov

5. TeamKazakhstanWinsBronzeinCountry’sFutsalEURODebut
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Kazakhstan caused a sensation at its European Futsal Championship
(Futsal EURO 2016), winning bronze in the competition held in
Belgrade from Feb. 2–13. In the third-place match the team defeated
the competition hosts, Serbia, 5:2 to earn their medal and in doing so
reached the top 10 in the FIFA rankings, The Astana Times reports.
Speaking after the end of the tournament, Kazakhstan forward Pavel
Taku said, “Am I happy with bronze in the European Championship?
Previously, we could only dream to qualify for the tournament!”
Kazakhstan’s team began the tournament with a loss to Russia (1:2),
but went on to defeat Croatia 4:2 to gain a spot in the quarterfinal
against Italy. Kazakhstan was not expected to climb further, but they
upset the reigning European champions, 5:2.
Against their next opponents, six-time European champions and two-
time world champions Spain, Kazakhstan showed some fighting spirit,
but were outperformed by the Spanish players’ experience and skill.
Kazakhstan was also hindered by the loss of two key players, Chingiz
Yessenamanov and goalkeeper Higuita. Kazakhstan lost 3:5; Spain
went on to defeat Russia to win the tournament, and Kazakhstan to
the bronze medal match with Serbia.
In the third-place-match, the first half was a crowd-pleaser, with
plentyofattacksandnoclearadvantage.Theteams’goalkeeperswere
on top form, and it wasn’t until the last minute of the first half that
Douglas Jr. scored for Kazakhstan. Then, Serbian goalkeeper Miodrag
Aksentijević could not hold the ball after another strong shot from
Kazakhstan’s side.
In the second half, all questions about who would win were settled
with goals by Serik Zhamankulov and Douglas Jr. for Kazakhstan.
Zhamankulov became one of the best snipers of the tournament,
scoring six goals. The striker had several opportunities to excel during
the match, but hit the bar three times and had another two attempts
saved by the Serbian goalkeeper.
Higuita was the author of one of the most beautiful goals of the
championship: having saved a strike at his goal, he then immediately
sent the ball into Serbia’s empty net. A few minutes later, Douglas Jr.
scored a fifth goal for Kazakhstan. Serbia managed to score twice, but
it wasn’t enough, and Kazakhstan snatched the bronze from them in
their debut.
“I have neither the strength nor the emotions to celebrate. We’re just
happy for our team! Thanks to all our fans for your support! It spurs us
toachieveourgoals!OnceagainIcongratulateallofus,”Zhamankulov
said in response to a question about how Kazakhstan’s players will
celebrate the historic victory.
Much of the credit for Kazakhstan’s success must be given to Ricardo
Camara Sobral, better known in futsal as Cacau. With the arrival of the
42-year-old Brazilian as head coach of Kazakhstan’s team, the quality
of the game of Kazakhstan’s team has improved.
“I have been working in Kazakhstan for nine years – five as a player,
four as a coach. I won two big tournaments with Kairat [Almaty’s futsal
team], but today is a special day in my career. Perhaps someone has
doubts about our game, but today once again Kazakhstan has shown
their best football. I am proud of my players,” Cacau said of the victory.
“I think we properly represented the Kazakhstan team in the
international arena, and now many know about us,” said the captain
of Kazakhstan’s national team Dinmuhambet Suleimenov. “We are
happy to make history. One of my dreams has come true. Winning
the bronze medal of the European Championship is a great honour.
And my second dream is of course, the World Cup. There will still be
playoffs, and we’ll need to try very hard to make it in the World Cup.”
In March, Kazakhstan will play Poland for the right to go to the
FIFA Futsal World Cup, which will be held from Sept. 14 to Oct. 2, in
Colombia.
Futsal is a variant of soccer played indoors on
a smaller field. Kazakhstan’s past record of
success in the sport is associated with AFC Kairat
Almaty, which won the UEFA Futsal Cup among
professional clubs in 2013 and 2015
Serik Zhamankulov (centre) of Kazakhstan celebrates with Chingiz Yesenamanov and Douglas Jr. (right) after scoring their second goal during the UEFA European
Futsal Championship 2016 quarterfinals. Photo credit: uefa.com

6. In Focus: Foreign Policy Priorities
Strengthening UN & Int’l Security
Statement of the FM Idrissov on outcomes of ISSG meeting
KazakhstanwelcomestheoutcomeofthemeetingoftheInternational
Syria Support Group (ISSG) held in Munich on Feb. 11- 12.
“We consider the decision to open humanitarian access to besieged
areas and defining during one-week cessation of hostilities
throughout the state as a significant and encouraging breakthrough in
resolving the conflict in Syria, as well as a decisive step in overcoming
the humanitarian catastrophe in the country.
We believe that consistent and unconditional implementation of
the agreements reached by all the participants of ISSG in the spirit
of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 will contribute to an early
end to the bloodshed in Syria and the restoration of normal life in this
country,” the Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s statement from Feb. 13 reads.
(mfa.gov.kz)
Kazakhstan Supports Adoption of UNGA Resolution on Plan of
Action to Prevent Violent Extremism
During the plenary session on Feb. 12, the UN General Assembly
unanimously adopted a Resolution on Plan of Action to Prevent
Violent Extremism, proposed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-
moon.
The delegations of more than 60 UN member states supported the
secretary-general’s initiative, including Kazakhstan. In the statement
of the delegation of Kazakhstan, strong support was expressed for
the UN efforts and Action Plan to Prevent Violent Extremism, the
importance of rigorous and coordinated actions at the regional
and international levels and more active engagement of regional
organisations in combating violent extremism and terrorism was
emphasised.
Read full text here: http://mfa.gov.kz/index.php/en/last-news/5854-
unga-unanimously-adopts-resolution-on-plan-of-action-to-
prevent-violent-extremism
Hosting Astana Expo 201
India Sings Agreement on Participation in EXPO 2017
A Kazakh delegation headed by the First Deputy Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Kazakhstan, EXPO 2017 Commissioner Rapil Zhoshybayev
paid a visit to the Republic of India on Feb. 12.
In New Delhi, Zhoshybayev held meetings with Additional Secretary
of External Affairs of India Ajay Gondane, Chairman of the India
Trade Promotion Organisation, Commissioner of the Indian National
SectioninEXPO2017L.Goyal,andrepresentativesofIndianbusiness
circles.
Zhoshybayev and Goyal signed the Agreement on Participation of
India in EXPO 2017.
Read full text here: http://www.mfa.gov.kz/index.php/en/last-
news/5845-india-sings-agreement-on-participation-in-expo-2017
Leading Belgian Companies to Participate in EXPO 2017
Leading Belgian Companies to Participate in EXPO 2017
A Kazakh delegation headed by First Deputy Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Kazakhstan, EXPO 2017 Commissioner Rapil Zhoshybayev
paid a working visit to the Kingdom of Belgium on Feb. 15-16.
Calling
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Within the visit, meetings with the leadership and representatives of
business circles of the Walloon region were held.
During the negotiations with Vice President of the Walloon
Government, Minister of Economy, Education, Commerce and
New Technologies of Walloon Jean-Claude Marcourt, the parties
discussed prospects for further strengthening bilateral relations
between Kazakhstan and Belgium. Zhoshybayev also informed about
the preparation process to EXPO 2017 and invited Belgian business
people to attend the international exhibition.
Read full text here: http://www.mfa.gov.kz/index.php/en/last-
news/5857-leading-belgian-companies-to-participate-in-expo-2017
Welcoming Investment
Government Directs Additional Investment into Economy
The results of socio-economic development for 2015 were summed
up, and further measures to ensure economic growth were identified
at a government meeting on Feb. 10.
The head of state noted that one of the key areas of work as part of
the Anti-Crisis Action Plan for 2016-2018 is maintaining financial
stability.
“TheNationalBankshouldensureaneffectivemonetarypolicy,while
maintaining the level of free floating exchange rate, avoiding sharp
exchange rate fluctuations and continuing with de-dollarisation.
There are no restrictions on the receipt of liquidity by banks. I believe
that the National Bank is pursuing a correct policy in the current
circumstances. It is necessary to carry out daily monitoring of the
financial situation and together with the government promptly take
appropriate measures,” the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan
Nazarbayev said.
Read full text: http://www.akorda.kz/en/events/akorda_news/
meetings_and_sittings/participation-in-extended-session-of-
government
‘Khorgos-Eastern Gate’ Plans to Process 200,000 Containers in
2016
The Khorgos Dry Port on the border with China plans to update its
operations to better attract investment to the region, reported the
press office of the Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) National Railway
Company.
It is required to improve the structure of procedures and processes,
starting from the date of application for registration and ending with
a delivery of a product, its officials believe. For instance, this year the
dry port plans to process about 200,000 containers, and by 2020,
reach 500,000 containers annually.
“All conditions are done for transit growth. The Khorgos-Eastern
Gate Special Economic Zone is crucial for the entire transport and
logistics sector of Kazakhstan. Therefore, we cannot slow down
tempos,” said President of KTZ Askar Mamin.
Read full text: http://astanatimes.com/2016/02/khorgos-eastern-
gate-intends-to-create-favourable-business-environment-for-
investors/

7. Also InThe News...
• President discusses the nuclear disarmament with poet Olzhas
Suleimenov
President Nursultan Nazarbayev held a meeting with famous
Kazakh poet and a leader of the Nevada-Semipalatinsk antinuclear
movement Olzhas Suleimenov Feb. 12. During the meeting, the
sides discussed key areas of Kazakhstan’s activities in the field
of disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. In
addition, they reviewed the issues of preparation for the upcoming
events in the framework of the 25th anniversary of closure of
the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. Nazarbayev stressed the
importance of promoting the principles of peace and security at the
international level. Suleimenov in turn drew attention to the need
to combine efforts of states, non-governmental organisations and
civil initiatives in the global anti-nuclear movement. (akorda.kz)
• Nineteen thousand jobs to be created by Kazakh, China
industrial and investment cooperation
According to Chairman of the Board of the National Agency for
Export and Investment KAZNEX INVEST Borisbiy Zhangurazov,
about 19,000 jobs will be created within the framework of the
programme of industrial and investment cooperation between
Kazakhstan and China.“Now, we have a programme of industrial
and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and China.
There is a list of 52 projects with a high degree of elaboration
in the amount of 24 billion dollars. The programme includes a
variety of projects in sectors such as agriculture, chemical industry,
mechanical engineering,” Zhangurazov said. Zhangurazov noted
that under the agreement with KAZNEX INVEST, China will search
for and preliminarily structure projects. “Funding will be provided
by the Chinese side. Projects in various sectors of the economy in
various fields will be considered. Almost all regions will be engaged
by this programme,” Zhangurazov said. (primeminister.kz)
• Kazakhstan creates athletes anti-doping commission
An independent anti-doping commission (AIC) has been
created in Astana. The main purpose of this independent entity
is to prevent doping scandals and to protect the country’s honest
athletes. This authority will work in full cooperation with the World
Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Composed of representatives
from various institutions, non-governmental organisations and
sports functionaries, the NOK plans to later include international
level anti-doping movement experts in this authority. Currently,
the commission is focusing its work on the review of the current
activities of the national anti-doping laboratory located in Almaty.
ThedelegationofthenewlyestablishedKazakhAICvisitedtheAnti-
Doping Norway (ADNO) and Norwegian Anti-Doping Laboratory
in their headquarters in Oslo to gain a better understanding of how
the anti-doping programme helped in Norway. (astanatimes.com)
• Azerbaijan Prime Minister, Kazakhstan First Deputy Prime
Minister discussed trade in Baku
First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Bakytzhan Sagintayev
recently held talks with Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Artur Rasizade
in Baku. The parties discussed bilateral trade and economic
relations, as well as implementation of joint projects. Sagintayev
and Rasizade noted the importance of the development of
the Trans-Caspian international transport route, stressing the
increase in number of participants of the project by bringing
transport companies from China, South-East Asia, Central Asia,
Caucasus and Europe. Sagintayev proposed to strengthen mutual
cooperation on the Caspian Sea ports between Kazakhstan and
Azerbaijan. According to him, this will further reduce the handling
time and create additional convenience for customers. During the
meeting, with First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Yagub
Eyyubov, the two sides discussed partnership in implementing
joint industrial projects, strengthening cooperation in the field of
transport and transit. In addition, Sagintayev got acquainted with
the work of seaports in Alat and Baku. (primeminister.kz)
• Government moves holiday from March 5 to March 7
In order to create favourable conditions for people and rationally
use working time, the government of Kazakhstan adopted a
resolution to postpone the holiday from Saturday March 5 to
Monday March 7. In accordance with the legislation, work on this
day is compensated. (primeminister.kz)
• Astana to host the 2016 AIBA Women’s World championship in
May
More than 300 professional female boxers will have a chance to
take part in the 2016 AIBA Women’s World championship in the
Kazakh capital May 19-27. The competition will be held in one of
the most stunning places of Astana, Barys Arena. “The 2016 AIBA
Women’s World Boxing Championships are set to light up Astana, a
beautiful city with vast experience of hosting major sporting events,
in particular a successful 2013 AIBA World Boxing Championships
in Almaty,” said AIBA President Ching-Kuo Wu. President of the
tournament’s Organising Committee Bolat Abdrakhmanov says
this event is going to be one of the most memorable events on
the sporting calendar this year, adding that the sport has become
more popular since being included in the 2012 Olympic Games
and that it will be good for Kazakhs to see stars compete. AIBA
and Kazakhstan’s Boxing Federation have strong ties such as the
World Boxing Academy, which is a sports-study complex, built
over 29,500 square metres of land in an environmentally friendly
zone of Almaty. The academy is the first sports-study complex to
possess everything necessary for the organisation of quality training
processes that meets the most modern preparation requirements
of boxers. (astanatimes.com)
• Short film by Kazakh director to be shown at Cannes Film
Festival
“Tragiometry,” a short film by Kazakh director Tatyana Kim, will
participate in Short Movie Corner (The Court Metrage) within the
69th annual Cannes Film Festival. The event will be held May 11-22.
The film’s main character is an undertaker named Albert Vizor,
portrayed by Clayton Nemrow, whose life is as cold and heartless
as the bodies of the dead people with whom he works. One day
he discovers Mr. Moore, a man who awakens from a lethargic
sleep. To Vizor’s surprise, the man is utterly unhappy about being
brought back to life and desperately wishes to die again and go to
the gates of Hades. The unexpected meeting of the two opposites
leads to a revision of values and may even save their lives. The short
received a positive review from Tmff.net, the online film festival and
screenplay competition. (astanatimes.com)
• Astana Pro Team rider wins La Méditerranéenne
Astana Pro Team rider Andriy Grivko won the overall standings
of the stage race La Méditerranéenne, which recently took place
on the roads of Spain, France and Italy. The 32-year-old Ukrainian
national took the lead after the third stage, which he won. In the
fourth and last stage, he did not lose the leader’s yellow jersey.
Second place in the overall standings went to Frenchman Matthieu
Ladagnous of the FDJ team and third went to Belgian Jan Bakelants
of AG2R La Mondiale. This is the first victory for the Astana Pro
Team in a multiple stage bicycle race in the new season. “I am very
happy about this victory and I would like to dedicate it to my family
and to my teammates. Everything went as expected. My team did
a terrific job of controlling the race, starting from the start until the
last kilometres, leading the group throughout the entire route,” will
said Grivko. (astanatimes.com)
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