Students of Diplomatic Academy in Slovakia get to know Kazakhstan better on eve of 30th anniversary of independence

BRATISLAVA, November 26, 2021 – The results of the development of sovereign Kazakhstan over 30 years of independence and the prospects for its development in the future, as well as the state and future of its cooperation with Slovakia and the international community were in the focus of the lecture of Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Slovakia Roman Vassilenko held today for students of the Diplomatic Academy in Bratislava.

“The 30th anniversary can be considered an instant by historical standards, but I would guess people in Slovakia understand well that for an independent Kazakhstan these years were equal to a whole historical era... Assessing the path traveled, Kazakhstan today is implementing a program of systemic modernization of the country aimed at unlocking the potential of human society, economy, culture, promotion of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law,” noted the diplomat.

During the lecture, held online due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, Ambassador Vassilenko also presented an overview of the achievements and priorities in the foreign policy of Kazakhstan, outlined by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the recent expanded collegium of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.

Speaking about cooperation between Kazakhstan and Slovakia, Ambassador Vassilenko stressed both countries maintain common views and positions within international and regional organizations on many topical issues on the international agenda.

“Today Kazakhstan is a promising trade and economic partner for Slovakia in the heart of Eurasia, and Slovakia is a reliable and interesting partner for Kazakhstan in the heart of Europe,” the ambassador said, expressing confidence in the further progressive development of bilateral cooperation and the full realization of its potential.

Speaking about cooperation with the European Union, the diplomat stressed that “the EU is our largest foreign investor, accounting for 160 billion USD out of 380 billion USD invested in Kazakhstan since independence. Annually, about 40-45% of our foreign trade is done with the EU, while about 6,000 companies or joint ventures with European companies do business in Kazakhstan. The importance of our relationship with the EU is underlined by the visit of President Tokayev to Brussels on November 25-26, where he is meeting with the leadership and discusses further strengthening our interaction within the framework of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement covering 29 areas.”

During the event, students received answers to a wide range of questions – from the reasons of attracting such a serious amount of investment and priorities in this work at a new stage to the specifics of conducting diplomatic and business work during a pandemic. The audience was interested in the development of the Astana International Financial Centre, trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Slovakia in various industries, primarily in the defense industry, tourism, education and culture. Taking into account a major role of nuclear energy in the energy sector of Slovakia (65% of the needs are met by the operation of two nuclear power plants), the students, noting the huge potential of natural uranium mining and the role of Kazakhstan as its largest exporter in the world, were also interested in Kazakhstan’s future plans regarding the development of a peaceful atom. During the lecture, Kazakhstan’s contribution to the cause of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and the country’s consistent role in resolving various international conflicts and establishing a dialogue at the international level, including between the West and the East, were especially noted.

The Diplomatic Academy is a joint initiative of the Comenius University and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia. Among its graduates are current Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia Ivan Korčok and other heads of the ministry, government agencies and private Slovak companies.