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PRIORITY DIRECTIONS OF THE FOREING POLICY of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the assessments of the French expert community
R.Zhanbulatova, K.Zhiyenbayev, A. Ilyassova L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Karaganda State Technical University
Zhanbulatova_rs@mail. ru
This article examines the assessments and comments made by the representatives of the French expert community on the priority areas of the foreign policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The authors note the concern of leading French research centers and universities to the problems of Kazakhstan's foreign policy as it was demonstrated in their analytical publications.
Keywords: Republic of Kazakhstan, Kazakh - French relations, bilateral cooperation, analytical centers, multi - vector policy, Central Asia.
It is necessary to emphasize that Kazakhstan has clearly outlined its foreign policy priorities. This is evidenced by the noticeable interest in our country of the French expert community. It is no accident that the French expert on Central Asia, A. Deletro, in an interview with Deutsche Welle, a German publication, notes that "Kazakhstan has the most ambitious foreign policy, if compared with the countries of the region. And Kazakhstan's diplomacy is quite successful "[1].
It should be noted that this interest is mutual and is conditioned, first of all, by close relations between Kazakhstan and France. Unconditionally, both sides are interested in developing an "advanced partnership". For Kazakhstan, first of all, France is important as a major investment and trading partner. In addition, French technologies are important for us in the context of modernization of the republic. In turn, the energy sector of Kazakhstan is area of great interest of French companies, for example Areva and Total, and others working in the region for more than two decades. In general, today the share of France in the Kazakh market continues to increase, and it positions it in the top three of both large investors and major trading partners of our republic among the EU countries.
Of course, cooperation with key European Union countries, in particular France, which has great economic potential, a high level of representation in global international institutions, which has rich experience and traditions of integration, acquires special significance for Kazakhstan at the present stage.
It should be emphasized that the French academic community has its own approaches to the study of Kazakhstan. Among the topics that have been given special attention by French researchers over the past two years, and thus formulated as a topical topic, can be called the election of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for 2017-2018, the French- the participation of Kazakhstan in the
integration processes in the post-Soviet space, relations with the Russian Federation, the PRC and other countries. Important for us are the French studies characterizing international relations in Central Asia (CA), the geopolitical processes associated with Central Asia, and work related to the analysis of relations between the states of the region, primarily Kazakhstan, with world and regional players. It should be noted that experts link all these directions with Kazakhstan as a key republic in the region, emphasizing the importance of the country for the EU, primarily as a source of energy resources.
The researcher of the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) C. Aris believes that sustainable economic growth, promoted by the demand for natural resources, as well as a relatively stable political climate, provides Kazakhstan with the most favorable position among the Central Asian republics. Astana, no doubt, sees itself as the leader of the region. The high status of Kazakhstan, as the researcher estimates, is the result of the multi-vector foreign policy of the republic [2].
As already mentioned, the French expert A. Deletro emphasizes the success of Kazakhstan's diplomacy, as a result of which "Astana was given the right to chair the OSCE several years ago, now it is the right to fight for a place in the Security Council." At the same time, he assesses membership in the UN Security Council as "a huge political lesson at the world level and a huge impact." "Imagine, they will be treated with problems, for example, Colombia, the Central African Republic and the countries of the same Central Asia," the expert explains. A. Deletro relates the desire of the Republic of Kazakhstan to be a member of the UN Security Council with image potential [1].
It can be clarified that the Republic of Kazakhstan on June 28, 2016 was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Representatives of 138 states voted for the RK in the Asia-Pacific Group, while Thailand received only 55 votes. Kazakhstan officially became a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council on January 1, 2017 and will implement them until December 31, 2018.
The reviewer of the Le Mond newspaper Benois Witkin writes that N. Nazarbayev has learned to masterfully maneuver side by side with his unpredictable neighbor (Russia). And, despite strong allied ties with Moscow (he founded the Eurasian Union with her), he manages to develop relations also with China, Europe and even the USA [3].
In addition, the French authors focus their attention on the problem of Kazakhstan's participation in the processes of Eurasian integration, analyzing the existing threats and challenges, as well as the opportunities for integration cooperation for the country. B. Lo, an expert at the French Institute of International Relations, analyzing Russia's geopolitical interests as part of its competition in the Central Asian region with other global and regional players, argues that the Central Asian states, especially Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, have ceased to be passive objects of great-power diplomacy and act as increasingly determined participants in international processes. The most important of the Central Asian states for Moscow is Kazakhstan, not only because of the most important bilateral relations, but also as the cornerstone of Putin's concept of the unity of the entire Eurasian continent. For example, without the active support of Nazarbayev, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEC) would not have been created. The French expert believes that Kazakhstan is able to maintain its three-vector foreign policy with great skill (Russia, China and the West) [4]. IFRI expert T. Kastueva-Jean, believes that the events in Ukraine slowed down the practical (in contrast to the institutional) impulse of the EAEC and accelerated the reorientation of Kazakhstan to external forces [5].
In particular, as noted in "Le Mond" by journalist Boris Vitkin, the difficulties of Eurasian integration are, first of all, geopolitical in nature. "Russian aggression in Ukraine
was alarmingly alarmed by the leadership of Kazakhstan, where Russians make up almost a quarter of the population" [6].
The Strategic Research Foundation (FRS) in 2016, edited by P. Verluy, published a monograph "The Foreign Policy of Russia and Its Environments," one of whose chapters is devoted to Kazakhstan. According to E. Russlo, one of the authors of the publication, an analyst of the Center for Turkish, Ottoman, Balkan and Central Asian Studies (EHESS / CETOBAC, Paris), there are fears in Kazakhstan that joining Russia creates obstacles for the country's development. In particular, Kazakhstan is subject to increased competition from goods from Russia due to the revision of tariffs. President of the country N.Nazarbayev initiated integration projects for the last 20 years. According to Nazarbayev, the Customs Union has brought significant economic benefits to the country. However, the political part of the Eurasian Union causes concern in Kazakhstan, especially since the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine in the fall of 2013 [7].
The French expert notes that the main economic partners of Kazakhstan are China and the European Union, whose share in Kazakhstan's foreign trade is growing. According to the expert, the main investors for Kazakhstan are the Netherlands, China, Canada and France [8].
From the point of view of the French researcher, the possibilities of Eurasian integration can be used by the border regions of Kazakhstan and Russia. At the national level, the form of cross-border cooperation is reflected in the annual forum for regional cooperation with the participation of two countries Presidents. However, such a positive example should not obscure such risks of Eurasian integration as significant structural distortions and imbalances (for example, territorial-demographic, the difference in GDP volume) between two neighboring countries. According to E. Russlo, because of these asymmetries, it is difficult to reach a consensus, which affects the mood of Kazakhstan's business community [8].
In this context, as Anne de Tanguy points out, the expert of the Center for International Studies (CERI), the professor of the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Cultures (INALSO), Kazakhstan and Belarus, the member states of the EAEC, are not "enthusiastic Eurasians." This is evidenced, according to the French expert, a number of points. Kazakhstan, becoming a member of the WTO since December 2015, responded by strengthening its multi-vector policy. In December 2015, Kazakhstan consolidated its relations with the European Union by signing a new Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation. The Republic also stands for cooperation between Central Asia and the United States. Kazakhstan maintains ties with Ukraine, like Belarus, and refused to join Russia's counter-embargo against the West. [9]
In contrast to the influence of Russia, from the point of view of the French expert-academic community, the role of the PRC is growing in Central Asia. Speaking at a conference in Nice University with an analysis of the geopolitical ambitions of the PRC, Professor of the University Nice Sophia Antipolis (UNSA), Deputy Director of the Center for Macroeconomic Research and International Finance (CEMAFI), Jean-Paul Guichard noted that China's new economic projects in Central Asia can have a number of negative consequences for the states of this region. Undoubtedly, the Eurasian space occupies an important place in China's foreign economic strategies as a new market and sources of raw materials, a transit corridor. Due to this, the SCO and ESP can be considered as a long-term direction of China's foreign economic strategy. The main risks for Kazakhstan, according to Professor Zh-P. Gishara, are associated with the penetration of Chinese business into the country, as the growth of Chinese enterprises means the implementation of a gradual process
of peculiar colonization. This applies to Kazakhstan, but also to Russia, because both of these countries have many natural resources and the same time are sparsely populated. The French scientist believes that there is a danger for Russia to lose control over Siberia. Based on these risks, Kazakhstan and Russia have common interests. In addition, he emphasizes that in this geopolitical context for Kazakhstan and Russia relations with the European Union are important, which can become an ally.
Professor Zh.P.Gishar notes that Kazakhstan is an important element of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This country has huge natural resources: agricultural, energy, raw materials; many of its firms are currently controlled by Chinese companies. The government of Kazakhstan, realizing the danger, is trying to expand and consolidate the state-controlled sector [10, p. 54].
E. Goffy, an expert at CESA (Center for Aerospace Strategic Studies), believes that Kazakhstan, as well as other Central Asian countries, can turn into an "economic protectorate" of two "grants" for which the Central Asian countries are only their "periphery" [11, p. 469470].
In January 2017, Kazakhstan and France celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Francis Etienne, Ambassador of the French Republic to the Republic of Kazakhstan, in an interview emphasizes that "it is very important to show how successful our cooperation is. And we have developed a logo for the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The logo is designed in the form of a flower, in which the colors of Kazakhstan and France are present. It symbolizes friendship, as well as the prosperity of cooperation between the two countries. France is the first country in Europe to recognize the sovereignty of Kazakhstan. To date, the volume of French investment in the economy of the country is more than 13 billion dollars" [12].
One of the authors of this publication was lucky to take part in the international scientific and practical conference "Modernization of public consciousness: the model of Nursultan Nazarbayev", which took place on October 17 in Paris at UNESCO headquarters. During the conference, in which Kazakhstani and foreign experts took part, it was repeatedly emphasized that adaptability and competitiveness, which are presented in the article of the President as the main guidelines, can become such not only for the Kazakhstani but for the entire world community. In particular, the French professor A. Fischler notes that "it is not just about Kazakhstan integrating successfully into the global cultural environment, but also preserving its own identity, its traditions." French scientists K. Philip, E. Dupi, D. Arshambo highly appreciated Kazakhstan's efforts to ensure international stability and security, peace and international cooperation in various fields. They stressed the positive contribution of the RK to the settlement of the crisis in the Middle East, a huge work in the humanitarian cooperation of the peoples of the world.
E. Dupi, president of the Institute for European Perspectives and Security, drew attention to the model of "modernization of Kazakhstan's identity," which, in his opinion, should include three elements: exemplary and international humanism, new technologies and the country's attractiveness to the world community. "Speaking about exemplary and international humanism, I set as an example what your President and country achieved in the last ten years, including in terms of getting rid of nuclear weapons, starting with the Semipalatinsk Treaty of September 8, 2006," the European expert said. [13].
We would especially like to point out that the content analysis of media materials and analytical publications of leading French research centers shows: publications and conclusions related specifically to Kazakhstan demonstrate a fairly positive tone when assessing the foreign policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
It should be noted that for today there is a certainty that both sides, both Kazakhstan and France are mutually interested in further development of strategic relations. The main problem, in our opinion, is to increase the effectiveness of joint projects and expand the range of interaction. Important is the assessment by the French academic community of the level of cooperation between the two countries as a relationship with great potential in all areas of cooperation.
Sources
1. The foreign policy of Kazakhstan was called the most ambitious // [URL]: https://tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/vneshnyuyu-politiku-kazahstana-nazvali-naibolee-ambitsioznoy-244347/
2. S. Aris. L'OCS : poste d'observation sino-russe "Russie.Nei.Visions", n° 34, septembre 2008, p. 24. // [URL]: https://www.ifri.org/fr/publications/enotes/russieneivisions/locs-poste-dobservation-sino-russe
3. Benoît Vitkine. Un_cinquieme mandate pour Nazarbaev //
[URL]: http://www.letemps.ch/Page/Uuid/6665f4c2-ec4f-11e4-a4c3-
0255b4a09538/Un_cinqui%C3%A8me_ mandat_pour_Nazarba%C3%AFev
4. B. Lo. La Russie a-t-elle une stratégie en Asie centrale? "Russie.Nei.Visions", n 82, janvier 2015. //
[URL]: ifri.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/ifri_rnv_82_central_asia_bobolo_fra_janvier
5. T. Kastoueva - Jean. Les facteurs intérieurs de la politique étrangère russe "Russie.Nei.Visions", n° 84, avril 2015 //
[URL]: https://www.ifri.org/fr/publications/enotes/russieneivisions/facteurs-interieurs-de-politique-etrangere-russe
6. Benoît Vitkine. Un_cinquieme mandate pour Nazarbaev // [URL]: http://www.letemps.ch/Page/Uuid/6665f4c2-ec4f-11e4-a4c3-0255b4a09538/Un_cinqui %C3%A8me_mandat_pour_Nazarba%C3%AFev
7. Hélène Rousselot. Le Kazakhstan et l'Union eurasiatique : quels sont les enjeux de l'adhésion ? [URL]: http://www.diploweb.com/Le-Kazakhstan-et-l-Union.html
8. Hélène Rousselot.: Géopolitique de la Russie et de son environnement // [URL]: file:///C:/Users/Acer/Desktop/MarepHanbi/geopolitique_russie_012016-2-2.pdf
9. Regards sur l'Eurasie - L'année politique 2015. Les Etudes du CERI. - № 219-220. [URL]: http://www.sciencespo.fr/ceri/sites/sciencespo.fr.ceri/files/Etude_219-220.pdf
10.^-n. Tnmap. Chinese party - country and multinational companies. FIDJIP-EUROTALENT-CONCORDE, 2016, vol. 5, p. 114.
11. Pierre Chabal (dir.) L'Organisation de coopération de Shanghai et la construction de « la nouvelle Asie » Éditeur: Peter Lang Collection: Enjeux internationaux / vol. 36, 2016, p. 469-470.
12. Ambassador of the French Republic François Etienne. // [URL]: http://kazakh-tv.kz/ru/view/news_kazakhstan/page_180709_
13. Presentation of "Rukhani Zhanghury" program at UNESCO was commented by expert // [URL]: lenta.inform.kz/ru/prezentaciyu-programmy-ruhani-zhangyru-v-yunesko-prokommentiroval-ekspert_a3077373
