Kazakhstan, Astana, Sept. 26 / Trend D. Mukhtarov /
As part of his visit in New York, Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan Idrisov took part in the opening of the general debate and high-level political forum on sustainable development at the 68th session of the UN General Assembly.
During the General Assembly session, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. The sides discussed a wide range of issues on bilateral cooperation. Idrisov stressed a great potential in trade and the economic sphere between the two countries and urged Qatar to participate actively in the implementation of investment projects in the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of agriculture and livestock, oil and gas and mining, as well as infrastructure and transport.
The Kazakh foreign minister also held a meeting with the US First Deputy Secretary of State William Burns, during which the sides discussed issues of bilateral cooperation, global and regional security and other pressing issues in international relations. The parties highlighted the launch of a Joint Commission on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between Kazakhstan and U.S. this year.
Burns thanked Kazakhstan on behalf of the U.S. administration for the efforts of Kazakhstan in assisting the normalisation of life in Afghanistan and negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme.
In addition, Idrisov discussed the state and prospects of bilateral relations with his foreign counterparts and in particular with the foreign ministers of Djibouti - Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Guyana - Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Cyprus - Ioannis Kasoulides, Liberia - Augustine Ngafua, Monaco - Jose Badia, Tunisia - Othman Jarandi, as well as with the President of the 67th UN General Assembly Vuk Jeremic.
During a meeting with the Monaco Foreign Minister, the Kazakh diplomat stressed the upcoming visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Monaco and expressed interest in a transfer of technology and the active involvement of the Monegasque partners to innovative reforms in Kazakhstan. It is first of all, about the Monegasque companies in the construction industry, environmental protection, renewable energy, tourism, pharmaceuticals and information technology.
A key theme of bilateral negotiations was the issue for the promotion of Kazakhstan's candidacy to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2017-2018. This issue is one of the most important foreign policy issues for the country. The activity of Kazakhstan at the UN Security Council, while taking part in important decision-making processes in the field of security, will allow equal participation in global political issues at global and regional levels, in compliance with national interests.
Kazakhstan's experience in strengthening security and stability including those obtained during the presidency in the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation could give additional impetus to the UN to dynamically and adequately respond to current threats and challenges. Kazakhstan intends to bring new ideas and approaches to the work of the UN to make effective decisions in the area of food, water, energy, and nuclear security.
Idrisov's speech in the general debate of the UN General Assembly is scheduled for September 28.
In addition, during the session he is expected to make a speech at the plenary session of a high level meeting on Nuclear Disarmament, Alliance of Civilisations Group of Friends ministerial meeting and others, as well as a number of bilateral meetings with the leadership of the United Nations and international partners.