Achievements of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 30 years of Independence were discussed at the Clingendael Institute

November 12, 2021, The Hague - The Embassy of Kazakhstan in the Netherlands and the Netherlands Institute of International Relations "Clingendael" held an international conference in a hybrid format dedicated to celebrating of the 30th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The conference was attended by renowned experts, representatives of scientific, business and academic circles of the two countries.

In his welcoming speech, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerlan Alimbayev noted that under the leadership of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Elbasy Nursultan Nazarbayev, three decades of Independence became an era of economic progress and sustainable development for Kazakhstan. At the same time, the Kazakh diplomat outlined the key reforms initiated by the Head of State, which are aimed at implementing important democratic processes in our state.

Y.Alimbaev noted that the Netherlands is one of our key trade and economic partners in Europe and the largest foreign investor in Kazakhstan. He also stressed Kazakhstan's readiness to cooperate with the EU in achieving the goals and objectives of the European Green Deal.

The main topic of the expert session, which was moderated by the former Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kazakhstan Hans Driesser, was "Seizing the moment: EU Green Energy Diplomacy towards Kazakhstan."

In her speech, Louise Van Schaik, Head of Unit EU & Global Affairs at the Clingendael Institute, noted that the relationship between the EU and Kazakhstan has historically been dominated by oil and natural gas trade. In this regard, she explored the tools that the European Union could use to enhance beneficial cooperation between the EU and Kazakhstan in renewable energy.

As Rob de Wijk, founder of the Hague Center for Strategic Studies and professor at Leiden University noted, Kazakhstan's huge potential in the renewable energy sector can become a new springboard for bilateral cooperation, including in the development of hydrogen energy.

In turn, Bakhyt Yessekina, professor, member of the Council for "Green Economy" under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Director of the Scientific and Educational Center "Green Academy" presented the directions of decarbonization of the economy in Kazakhstan.

Gani Bekenov, Head of the Representative Office of the Foundation of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in London, informed the participants about the activities of the international discussion platform "Astana Club", organized by the Institute of World Economy and Politics (IMEP) and the Nursultan Nazarbayev Foundation. He also proposed to establish closer cooperation between IMEP and the Clingendael Institute, while inviting representatives of the Institute to take part in the next Astana Club meetings.

In conclusion, there was a substantive exchange of views on the issues of energy transportation and alternative opportunities for cooperation in the green energy sector.

On the eve of the celebration of the Day of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan the book published by British author Rupert Goodman, "Father of the Nation: Man of Peace. A Record of Leadership" about the First President of Kazakhstan N. Nazarbayev was also presented.

Clingendael – the Netherlands Institute of International Relations is a leading independent think tank and academy on international relations. Ranked #25 in the world and #3 in Western Europe.