Deputies of the Senate and the Majilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, headed by the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, Defense and Security Mukhtar Kul-Mukhammed met with members of the European Parliament.
In his welcoming speech, Mukhtar Kul-Mukhammed noted that cooperation with the European Union is one of the key areas of Kazakhstan's foreign policy.
"We are ready for the open and constructive dialogue with the deputies of the European Parliament on a wide range of questions, including the sphere of democratization, ensuring the rule of law and human rights. Kazakhstan is now at a new historical stage. Important political and democratic reforms are being implemented in the country at the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Over the last two years alone, the President of the Republic has consistently initiated four packages of reforms aimed at implementing step-by-step political reforms," he said.
Also, Senator Kul-Mukhammed told MEPs about initiatives and laws adopted in Kazakhstan last year. In particular, he said that laws "On the Commissioner for Human Rights", which complies with the standards of the Venice Commission, and on the complete abolition of the death penalty were adopted. After the tragic events of January, the Head of State set a goal to build a "New Kazakhstan" by voicing reforms aimed at modernizing and transforming the country.
"They include the final transition from the super-presidential form of government to a presidential republic with a strong Parliament, reformatting the order of formation and functions of the Senate, increasing the status and role of the Majilis, simplifying the registration procedure for political parties, appointing regional akims on an alternative basis, increasing the competitiveness of the media and much more," said Senator Kul-Muhammed.
Besides, during conversation with parliamentarians of the European countries the parties discussed issues of human rights and supremacy of law, resolutions of the European Parliament on Kazakhstan and other issues.
Summing up the meeting the deputies emphasized that the Parliament of Kazakhstan considers the European Parliament as an important partner for promotion of democratic values and rule of law, and is strongly committed to its obligations in the field of human rights and open for dialogue and cooperation with international NGOs and members of the European Parliament.
(Senate Press Service, 74-72-27. Photo by N. Baibulin)
