KazAID and MASHAV discussed cooperation prospects in official development assistance

Nur-Sultan, January 28, 2021 – Rapil Zhoshybayev, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, held an online meeting with Eynat Shlein, Head of MASHAV, Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation.

The parties discussed the prospects of Kazakh-Israeli cooperation in official development assistance (ODA), including the implementation of joint projects in Central Asia and Afghanistan.

The representative of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry spoke about the establishment of the Kazakhstan Agency for International Development, KazAID, and the ongoing work to improve the national ODA legislation. Israel was invited to consider the joint implementation of projects on water resources, agriculture, healthcare, education, etc.

The Head of MASHAV stressed the relevance and importance of KazAID in light of the global spread of coronavirus, and expressed confidence that Kazakhstan's activities in this regard will contribute to strengthening stability and security in the region.

MASHAV representatives also made a detailed presentation on the activities and mechanisms of implementing ODA in Israel. Having commended the practical institutionalization of Kazakhstan's ODA system, Israel noted that MASHAV was also created before Israel became a developed country.

During the conversation, Kazakhstan invited MASHAV to sign a cooperation agreement between the agencies of the two countries in the future, which will upgrade bilateral relations in ODA.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue ODA cooperation, including the exchange of experience and knowledge, the implementation of joint projects aimed at women's economic empowerment in Afghanistan, promotion of youth entrepreneurship in the region, etc.