Members of the Kazakh Parliament and EP Delegation meet in Kazakhstan

Members of the Senate and the Majilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, headed by Mukhtar Kul-Mukhammed, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Defense and Security, met with members of the European Parliament visiting Kazakhstan.

In his welcoming speech, Mukhtar Kul-Mukhammed noted that cooperation with the European Union is one of the key areas of Kazakhstan's foreign policy. 

"We are ready for the open and constructive dialogue with the deputies of the European Parliament on a wide range of questions, including the sphere of democratization, ensuring the rule of law and human rights. Kazakhstan is now at a new historical stage. At the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, we are implementing important political and democratic reforms. Over the last two years, the President has initiated four packages of reforms aimed at implementing step-by-step political reforms," he said.

Also, Senator Kul-Mukhammed told MEPs about initiatives and laws adopted in Kazakhstan in 2019. In particular, he said that laws "On the Commissioner for Human Rights", which complies with the standards of the Venice Commission, and on the complete abolition of the death penalty were adopted. After the tragic events of January, the Head of State set a goal to build a "New Kazakhstan" by voicing reforms aimed at modernizing and transforming the country.

"Among them are the final transition from a super-presidential form of government to a presidential country with a strong Parliament, reformatting the order of formation and functions of the Senate, increasing the status and role of the Majilis, simplifying the registration procedure for political parties, appointing regional mayors on an alternative basis, increasing the competitiveness of the media and much more," said Senator Kul-Mukhammed.

Besides, during the meeting with the MEPs, the parties discussed issues of human rights and rule of law, resolutions of the European Parliament on Kazakhstan, etc. 

Summing up the meeting, the deputies emphasized that the Parliament of Kazakhstan considers the European Parliament as an important partner for the promotion of democratic values and rule of law, is strongly committed to its human rights obligations, and is open to dialogue and cooperation with international NGOs and members of the European Parliament.