Kazakhstan to Host OSCE Chairperson-in-Office's Visit
Finnish Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, Tours Kazakhstan
Gear up, Kazakhstan! Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, the current Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Elina Valtonen, is all set to touch down on June 10th, for a whirlwind tour of our nation. Our Foreign Ministry shared the scoop during a June 9th press conference.
Valtonen's itinerary includes high-level meetings with the Kazakh President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Senate Chairperson Maulen Ashimbayev, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu. She'll also drop by at the OSCE Program Office in Astana for a sit-down with civilian advocates.
But wait, there's more! The current OSCE Chairperson has demonstrated a keen interest in bolstering bonds between Kazakhstan and the OSCE in the economic and environmental sectors[1]. In fact, Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko and OSCE Coordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) Bakyt Dzhusupov have already shared their commitment to this collaboration.[1]
A Helping Hand for Kazakh Students at Harvard
In a turn of events, our Foreign Affairs informant, Aibek Smadiyarov, has addressed the matter surrounding Kazakh students at Harvard University following the Trump administration's move to revoke the school's right to admit foreign students[2].
“All students who study under state programs will receive support from the relevant ministry[2],” shared Smadiyarov. Moreover, if students studying privately find the conditions unsuitable, they may exit the agreement and continue their studies elsewhere[2]. In that context, our government cannot interfere, says Smadiyarov.
Upcoming Summits with China and India
Mark your calendars! Chinese President Xi Jinping is next in line to pay an official visit to Kazakhstan in June[3]. Get ready for the Central Asia-China summit this summer, along with some bilateral meetings[3]. Stay tuned for further details.
Meanwhile, following Minister Nurtleu's visit to New Delhi on June 5-6 for the fourth Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the India-Central Asia Dialogue, discussions about a higher-level dialogue have surfaced[3]. India expressed a keen interest in intense collaboration with Central Asia, and vice versa[3]. At present, no official dates have been scheduled.
So, there you have it! Buckle up for an exciting rendezvous as Finland's Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, graces Kazakhstan with her presence, fostering ties and strengthening partnerships. Let the good vibes roll in!
References:[1] Eurasianet.org[2] Telesurtv.net[3] Theastanatimes.com
Policy-and-legislation discussions between Finland's Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, and Kazakh authorities are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in the economic and environmental sectors. Politics surrounding Kazakh students at Harvard University due to the Trump administration's move to revoke the school's right to admit foreign students have also been addressed by Aibek Smadiyarov, a Foreign Affairs informant.
