Askar Shokybaev, who earlier headed the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Dubai, has been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Qatar. TWO HALF YEARS OF ITS STAY IN DUBAI WERE REMEMBERED OF THE SCALE BUSINESS ACTIVITY AND THE CONSTANT PRESENCE IN THE INFORMATION SPACE. WE MET BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE TO A NEW PLACE OF SERVICE TO THANKS FOR THE FRUITFUL WORK AND WISH NEW SUCCESSES.
Askar Zhenisovich, what did you remember about your trip to Dubai?
Askar Shokybaev: First of all, I understood why people from all over the world love Dubai so much. This is a city with great potential and opportunities for the implementation of projects. I met a lot of wonderful and friendly people here - both among the leaders of the country, and among colleagues in the diplomatic service and our compatriots. Of course, I will miss Dubai, and first of all the people with whom I worked and talked.
I am glad that I managed to achieve almost all of the goals set - both in protecting the rights of the Kazakhstanis living here and in strengthening cooperation with the leadership of Dubai and the Northern Emirates, local financial institutions and large companies. I hope that this work will be continued by the new Consul General.
I suggest recalling the milestones in the development of relations between Kazakhstan and the UAE over the past period.
Askar Shokybaev: Throughout the entire period, an active exchange of visits took place. In September 2012, we held a business forum under the auspices of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a delegation of the Dubai Exports Corporation visited Kazakhstan, and the mayor of Dubai recently visited Almaty. Negotiations are underway to conclude a twinning agreement between Dubai, the second most important emirate, and Almaty, our southern capital.
In July of this year, a pilot project for visa-free entry for citizens of 10 countries was launched, designed for a year, within which citizens of these countries will be able to stay in Kazakhstan without a visa for 15 days from the moment of entry into the country.
Among them are citizens of the UAE: thanks to this initiative, today we are already witnessing a significant increase in the tourist flow from the Emirates to Kazakhstan. In September, Flydubai Airlines launched flights to Almaty and Shymkent. Thus, the total number of flights increased from 30 to 36 per week. Direct flights by Air Astana, Air Arabia, Etihad Airways and Flydubai directly linked Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi with Almaty, Astana and Shymkent. Thanks to this, we also expect growth in trade and economic cooperation.
What experience could Kazakhstan learn from Dubai?
Askar Shokybaev: We are strengthening cooperation in many areas, but tourism development remains one of the main priorities. Kazakhs are a peaceful and benevolent people, we have an atmosphere of friendship and fraternity between representatives of all 130 nationalities living in the country. For those who are going to Kazakhstan on a tourist trip, I would recommend visiting our new capital Astana, which I call Northern Dubai, the southern capital of Almaty and the famous ski resorts Medeo and Chimbulak, as well as one of the oldest cities in our country - Turkestan.
With what feeling do you go to the place of new service?
Askar Shokybaev: First of all, with a sense of responsibility. I am going to apply the experience and knowledge gained in diplomatic work and on foreign business trips. With Qatar, we have great plans and hopes. We will work on the development of commercial and industrial potential. While we do not have direct air transportation, however, in November a railway line from Kazakhstan to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas will be launched, which will connect our region with the Gulf countries by sea.
What do you wish your follower?
Successes. Work in Dubai is a great opportunity to expand your horizons and circle of acquaintances, to work more closely with the rulers and all state structures of Dubai and the Northern Emirates. It must be remembered that Arab partners value primarily sincerity, decency and new interesting ideas.
