Speeches and Interviews of the Permanent Representative

Statement by Alexander Lukashevich, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation,

at the 1154th meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council

In response to the report by the Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana

13 July 2017

Mr. Chairperson,
We thank Ambassador György Szabó for his interesting report.
The work of the Office in Kazakhstan remains an example of smooth-running co-operation with the host authorities, sensitivity to their needs and focus on providing assistance in those areas where it is in greatest demand. We believe that it is right for the Office to take the greatest account in its programme activities of the long-term priorities of national development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In the long run, this approach – by strengthening co-ordination with the host country – enables the field presence’s resources to be concentrated on really pressing matters.
The Office’s project portfolio is well-balanced. We welcome the involvement of the programme activities in areas such as combating terrorism and radical extremism, and preventing the drug threat and trafficking in human beings. The Office does important work in helping to strengthen the capabilities of the country’s law enforcement bodies, particularly the Border Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the active capabilities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, including its canine unit.
There are also interesting projects in the second dimension. We note the co-operation in simplifying cross-border trade, combating corruption, money laundering and the financing of terrorism and the promotion of a green economy. We also take note of the constant attention paid by the Office to supporting the ongoing reform of the country’s criminal justice and judicial system.
We welcome the extensive contacts with international structures and organizations present in the region to which Kazakhstan belongs. In that context, we once again call for greater co-operation with the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. In our opinion, such co-operation would further enhance the OSCE’s potential and reduce the danger of duplication of work.
Mr. Chairperson,
The Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan are connected not only through their relations as close and long-standing neighbours but also by the alliance in strategic matters. We are building up the Eurasian Economic Union together, bringing a new quality to integrative relations in the region, and are ensuring our common security through the CSTO. Russia has always been a close and reliable friend of Kazakhstan, and we wish it sustained socio-economic progress and progressive development towards democracy. We hope that the OSCE Programme Office in Astana will also work towards these goals.
Thank you for your attention.