Kazakhstan, Astana, June 6 / Trend , K.Konirova/
Azerbaijani Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Kazakhstan Latif Gandilov spoke with Trend in an exclusive interview.
Trend : Mr. Ambassador, as you know, it was planned to hold a regular meeting of the Azerbaijani-Kazakh intergovernmental commission in April-May. Why was it postponed? And will the meeting take place this year?
Latif Gandilov: A date of the intergovernmental meeting is determined by mutual agreement between the parties. To ensure that the meeting will take place, it is necessary to match schedules of both countries' governments. This is a standard procedure. And I would not dramatize the fact that the intergovernmental meeting was postponed to a later date.
This, most likely, indicates that both sides are preparing more thoroughly for the meeting, as a number of the discussed issues grow year by year. We do not intend to be limited, as it was before, with only the issues of cooperation in energy and transport. Today there are new opportunities for our cooperation.
Please pay attention: the growth of trade turnover between our countries is growing year by year. And this is one of the main indicators of development of bilateral relations. Five years ago, the figure barely reached up to $200 million, but in 2008, it already reached half a billion dollars. And we face the task assigned by the presidents of two states, - to raise trade turnover between our countries up to $1 billion. And the current level of our relationship makes it clear that this is quite an achievable goal.
So, there is no reason for concern. Judge for yourself, by 2004, it was held only one intergovernmental meeting, but after 2004 it became an annual event. Besides, only five months of this year have passed, there is still enough time for the next meeting.
Q: How can you assess the current relations between our two countries?
A: They are at a very high level. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are strategic partners. Over the past four years, we have signed four important documents, which define the nature of our interaction.
We together participate in several major international projects in energy and transport. And our relationship in these areas has the integrated character.
At present, the world community approaches Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan with great hope in ensuring energy security of Europe.
And, as we know, a unique energy bridge - the Kazakh Caspian transportation system will be built between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. This project aims to bring the Caspian oil to international markets. So, our cooperation will last in future, as well.
Q: At present, under the financial crisis, it is often heard opinion that the TRASECA project may be frozen...
A: I don't agree with that. Neither Azerbaijan, nor our neighbor Turkey is going to put off the implementation of this project, which is of world importance. This project is important not only for those countries on whose territory it would run, but for other states. The West and East are equally interested in this project.
The project will help overcome the crisis as TRASECA will substantially reduce the distance between western and southern countries, and thus will give more savings that are important.
Q: Kazakhstan will provide its own food security. What are Azerbaijan's contributions to this issue?
A: Kazakhstan is a country with rich opportunities. A state is really independent when all goes well, first of all, with its own food security. And the current policy of your country to develop agriculture along with the oil sector is very true.
With regard to Azerbaijan's contribution, we are neighbors. Our borders cross. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan had close ties, while since Soviet times there was division of labor among the federal republics.
Kazakhstan has always needed in fresh vegetables and fruits, while Azerbaijan has a strong base for processing of agricultural products. So Kazakhstan is one of the best markets for Azerbaijan.
Q: You mentioned the long-standing ties between our countries and Kazakhstan became the native land for many Azerbaijanis. What can you say about Diasporas?
A: Relevant changes have been taking place in the life of Diasporas in Kazakhstan. Azerbaijanis formed a strong Diaspora in Almaty, which was Kazakhstan's capital before. However, your Diasporas succeeded to root in other central parts of Kazakhstan after opening of your embassy in our country. First, the Diaspora in Astana becomes more extended as people are going to the new capital.
Secondly, Kazakhstan is a large country and redeployment of capital to the center of the country, our embassy was able to get to know about the life of the Azerbaijani Diaspora of the northern Kazakhstan. For example, Azerbaijani cultural centers are functioning in Petropavlovsk and Karaganda.
A Consulate General was opened in Aktau by the initiative of Azerbaijani Embassy in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijani Diaspora. The Consulate is working actively among Azerbaijanis living in the west and north-western regions of Kazakhstan
Our Embassy maintains very close contact with all Diasporas in regions. I would like to stress that Kazakhstan is really tolerant country, where representatives of other nations, including Azerbaijan, feel at home and live in peace and harmony with all other peoples and nations. Our fellows living here become part of the Kazakh people.