The innovative modernization of Kazakhstan and the noble initiatives of its leadership are highly evaluated in South Africa
PRETORIA, 3 December 2019 - The course towards the innovative modernization of Kazakhstan and the noble initiatives of the country’s leadership in world politics aimed at ensuring global and regional security and stability were highly evaluated by the guests of the Diplomatic Reception, organized by the Embassy of the Republic in Pretoria, South Africa on the occasion of two significant holidays – the Day of the First President and the 28th Anniversary of Independence.
The event was organized in the ‘Pretoria Country Club’ on 3 December. The representatives of the Presidential Administration and the Government of South Africa, including the Departments of International Relations and Cooperation, Trade Industry, local authorities, public and cultural figures, heads of the foreign diplomatic corps accredited in South Africa (Ambassadors and High Commissioners), representatives of business and academic circles, leading mass media, and the Kazakh diaspora participated in the celebration.
In his welcoming address, H.E. Kanat Tumysh, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to South Africa noted: “Today's successes in Kazakhstan have been achieved thanks to H.E. Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, our First and Founding President, who has transformed our country into a stable and reputable state with a growing economy. Today our Kazakhstan is well-known to the whole world as the leading driving force in building a world without nuclear weapons, violent conflicts and terrorism by the United Nations Centenary in 2045. Current President H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, elected this year, is determined to increase the achievements of Independence by taking the country to a qualitatively new level of development through ensuring the continuity of the policy of the Leader of the Nation and implementing systemic reforms. In this context, he outlined five main tasks for the modernization of the state through building a constructive public dialogue as the basis for the stability and prosperity of Kazakhstan.”
Ambassador Tumysh also dwelled on the following points: “I would like to emphasize the high level of relations between the two countries and the positive dynamics in their development. We have much in common - a similar structure of national economies, multinational and multi-confessional composition of the population, well-recognized experience of active work in the UN Security Council, promoting the priorities of the interlinkages between development and security; and the revamped regional approach. The total volume of our trade has been growing for the third year in a row and is gradually approaching an annual level of one billion rand. ”
A similar opinion was shared by H.E. Dr. Monde Tom, Director-General of the Department of Trade and Investment of South Africa, appointed by his country’s Government as the Guest of Honour to the reception. According to him: “Our friendly young countries in a relatively short period managed to create a qualitatively new modern model of interstate relations, which takes into account the unique experience and traditions of both peoples. We are impressed by the success of landmark initiatives in the field of international and regional security belonging to the wise politician Nursultan Nazarbayev. As a state that has voluntarily dismantled nuclear weapons, we are particularly impressed by the initiatives of His Excellency to ban and eliminate weapons of mass destruction. We are also delighted that your country has provided a unique and effective platform for resolving complex problems, such as Syrian peace process. ”
Then, Dr. Tom emphasized the following: “We hope that after the transit of power in both countries held this year, South Africa and Kazakhstan in the coming years will reach a qualitatively new level of interstate relations and will sign in the future an Enhanced Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. We really want to do this at the initial stage of the tenures of Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Cyril Ramaposa, who are seriously focused on carrying out structural economic reforms and attracting investments. In this regard, we look forward to the 7th round of bilateral consultations in Nur-Sultan, scheduled for the first half of 2020, as well as exchange visits at the highest and high levels. "
The partnership between Kazakhstan and South Africa was appreciated not only by politicians and diplomats, but also by major South African businesspersons. So, as part of the reception, a video was presented on the relations between Kazakhstan and South Africa, prepared jointly by the Kazakhstan Embassy and the Honorary Consulate in Johannesburg. “Kazakhstan has very wisely opened the doors for investors from all over the world, including South Africa. In this regard, you are inspiring many states. In general, there are many points on which both countries could succeed, learning from each other, developing joint investments, trade, tourism and ensuring cultural exchanges,” said Dr. Ivor Ichikovits, one of the leading South African businessmen, Founder and Executive Chairman of Paramount Group, Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in the largest South African city.
As part of the reception, its guests were able to feel the warm hospitality of Kazakhstan and enjoy dishes of national cuisine.