On June 22, 2012, the Polish Institute of International Affairs together with the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Warsaw hosted the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kazykhanov, who delivered a lecture on "Priorities of Kazakhstan's Foreign Policy." The meeting was moderated by Marcin Zaborowski, director of the Polish Institute of International Affairs.

In his speech, the Minister presented the main directions of Kazakhstan's foreign policy. He discussed issues of bilateral relations of Kazakhstan with major partners: Russia, China, USA and the EU. He also presented the international involvement of Kazakhstan in the Customs Union and Common Economic Space of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus, the Turkic Council, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

According to the minister Kazykhanov Kazakhstan’s cooperation with Russia as well as integration into the joint international organizations with the Russian Federation and Belarus have first of all economic significance. They give Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country, the access to the seas, necessary for economic development of the country. The largest investor in Kazakhstan are the United States. However the largest economic partner of Kazakhstan is Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC). China is investing in Kazakhstan. It is also an important destination for Kazakhstani hydrocarbons. Currently trade route from China through Kazakhstan to Russia and Europe is being developed, which is reflected in development of rail and road system (including the construction of the motorway linking Chinese and Russian border).

According to Minister Kazykhanov, common membership of Kazakhstan, Russia and China in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is exceptionally important. It is the only organization dealing with international security problems – apart from the United Nations – including the PRC. As noted by the Minister Kazykhanov, Russia seeks to expand the organization and include India and Pakistan. Kazakhstan supports this idea, but recognize the difficulties of international issues that divide these countries. Iran, although it seeks membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, can not be accepted. Status of the organization does not allow the participation of the state on which the UN sanctions were imposed.

Minister Kazykhanov stated that Kazakhstan's WTO membership is possible before the end of 2012. Nevertheless the process of accession to this organization is hampered by the fact that Kazakhstan must negotiate separately - not together with Russia under the Customs Union. This is due to WTO rules, which grants membership only states, not international organizations.

Minister Kazykhanov raised the issues of cooperation of government in Astana with NATO countries in transportation of cargo for ISAF forces in Afghanistan. He emphasized that Kazakhstan plays an important role as a key transit country as well as country helping in the reconstruction and modernization of Afghanistan. Kazakhstan is involved in training of the Afghan administration and programs of development assistance aiming improvement of the infrastructure (bridges construction etc.)

In the opinion of the minister, Poland and Kazakhstan are important partners. The government in Astana sees our country as the largest country in the CEE region. Polish companies are active in Kazakhstan, especially in the petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. President Nursultan Nazarbayev's visit to Warsaw,  planned for autumn this year, will be evidence of the importance of relations with Poland for Kazakhstan.

by: Konrad Zasztowt