Enhancing Inter-Parliamentary Collaboration Between Kazakhstan and Hungary in PACE Settings

Updating the Kazakh Connection:

Kazakhstan deepens its diplomatic ties, especially in the realms of parliamentary dialogue, humanitarian aid, and international collaborations. As part of this pursuit, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu recently hosted a Hungarian delegation on May 6, shedding light on several key elements.

The visiting delegation, led by chair of the Kazakhstan-Hungary Parliamentary Cooperation Group, Sándor Fazekas, engaged in in-depth discussions about boosting their inter-parliamentary dialogue and expanding humanitarian cooperation. Additionally, the duo focused on strengthening their collective impact within international organizations, such as the Council of Europe (CoE) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

Specifically, the CoE has emerged as a prime focus for Kazakhstan. Nurtleu's conversations underscored his confidence in cooperating closely with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to bolster the rule of law, human rights, and democratic principles. This commitment to dialogue is a testament to the broader partnership between the two regions - Europe and Central Asia.

A significant development in this partnership is the Neighborhood Cooperation Priorities (NCP) program for Kazakhstan. With a focus on human rights advocacy, domestic political development, and rule of law improvements, the 2024-2027 program aligns with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's reform initiatives.

Delving deeper into the partnership, Zsolt Németh, a member of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy of PACE, held discussions with Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko. These conversations revealed the potential for strengthening cooperation, while Vassilenko shared a comprehensive overview of Kazakhstan's wide-ranging political and socio-economic reforms aimed at building a Just and Fair Kazakhstan.

Eager to take their collaboration a step further, Vassilenko expressed interest in acceding to additional instruments of the CoE. This move could prominently contribute to enhancing Kazakhstan's political modernization and economic development. Moreover, Vassilenko emphasized the fruitful collaboration with the Venice Commission, which acts as an expert partner in the ongoing reform of Kazakhstan's legal institutions.

As the discussions unfolded, the value of active participation in PACE sessions emerged as essential. This participation serves as an excellent avenue for knowledge-sharing and disseminating accurate information about Kazakhstan's ongoing reform initiatives.

With OSCE engagement also in the picture, Kazakhstan has participated in field operations that focus on age- and gender-sensitive rehabilitation practices, supporting cross-regional dialogues, and conducting workshops to eliminate administrative barriers. These initiatives underpin Kazakhstan's role as a proactive leader in the heart of Central Asia.

In sum, the Kazakh-led discussions reiterate Kazakhstan’s dedication to ongoing reforms, regional and cross-regional collaborations, and the promotion of democratic and humanitarian values. The future of these partnerships holds immense promise for all involved, bolstering international relations and enhancing overall cooperation across the globe.

The Hungarian delegation, led by Sandor Fazekas, met with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, focusing on dialogues that could enhance inter-parliamentary relations and humanitarian cooperation, as well as bolster their collective impact within international organizations in 2024, such as the Council of Europe (CoE) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Zsolt Nemeth, a member of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy of PACE, held discussions with Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko, expressing potential for strengthening cooperation and learning about Kazakhstan's political and socio-economic reforms aimed at building a 'Just and Fair Kazakhstan'.
Kazakh diplomacy shows eagerness to join additional instruments of the CoE, which could significantly contribute to enhancing Kazakhstan's political modernization and economic development, as well as facilitate cooperation with the Venice Commission – an expert partner in the ongoing reform of Kazakhstan's legal institutions.
As Kazakhstan participates in OSCE field operations for age- and gender-sensitive rehabilitation, cross-regional dialogues, and workshops to eliminate administrative barriers, it solidifies its role as a proactive leader in Central Asia, fostering international collaboration and promoting democratic and humanitarian values worldwide.