Radical religious terrorism, a challenge to all countries, says Kazakh envoy designate

Kazakhstan and India are unified that terrorism and extremism is a major global challenge and needs to be countered effectively and efficiently with all tools available, said Kazakh envoy designate Bulat Sarsenbayev.

In an exclusive interview given to ANI on the sidelines of an event to mark the 23rd anniversary of "The Day of the First President of Kazakhstan", Ambassador-designate Sarsenbayev, who is to formally present his credentials to President Pranab Mukherjee on December 9, said, "It is a challenge to all countries, not only to India and Kazakhstan, it's a new challenge in our world, Radical religious extremism, and our position is very clear, we are against such kinds of extremism."

"And, we will use all our means to fight this, to protect our country, to protect our people. I think India and Kazakhstan in this are in a very similar position," he added.

On collaboration in defence ties, collaboration in information technology, collaboration in space research, and other issues, Ambassador-designate Sarsenbayev said, "Yes, for example, on 7th of December, a big military delegation is coming to India, the chief of staff of the Kazakh Army is coming to have negotiations with Indian colleagues here."

"The visit will be between 7th to 12th December, so next week we are expecting a big delegation," he added.

He said he definitely did see bilateral defence ties between the two countries growing and going forward.

On the issue of Kazakhstan being supportive of India becoming a member of the UN Security Council, and India supporting Kazakhstan's candidature for membership in various international and multi-lateral for a, he said, "Yes, we try to support each other, India has already sent us official support for our candidature for becoming a non-permanent member of the Security Council for 2017. We are very grateful to India for such kind of support."

"India has expressed the interest to become a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and Kazakhstan will provide assistance to India to become a member of this big organization," he added.

Kazakhstan regards India as a country endowed with a glorious past, having a vibrant presence and blessed with a bright future. Leaderships of both countries have had regular exchanges, but there is still a feeling on both sides that the full potential of this partnership is yet to be realized.

Since 2008, leaders of both nations have raised the bar on interactions at the political level. India's Vice President, M H Ansari, visited Kazakhstan in April, 2008. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev was the chief guest at India's 60th Republic Day Celebrations in January 2009.

Foreign Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh visited Kazakhstan in April 2011, providing a much needed fillip and impetus to bilateral engagement.