Kazakhstan’s National Voluntary Presentation:
National Report on the Achievement of Kazakhstan’s strategic priorities to 2030
in the light of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
Statement made by H.E. Dr. Zahir Tanin,
Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations
Mr. President,
Let me begin by congratulating H.E. Deputy Foreign Minister, Nurlan Danenov, for his presentation and for sharing Kazakhstan’s experiences and progress made towards the implementation of its national development strategy with a view to achieving the MDGs. This presentation is especially interesting and opportune for Afghanistan which has launched its own National Development Strategy (ANDS) during the recent Paris Conference of June 12.
Mr. President,
We are pleased that Kazakhstan has developed a national development strategy -”Kazakhstan-2030. Prosperity, security and improved living standards for all Kazaks – This strategy identifies its development priorities and outlines sectoral programmes to achieve them. We are impressed by the progress made by Kazakhstan since the adoption of their National Development Strategy towards eradicating poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education as well as in the field of sustainable development.
Through its National Development Strategy, Kazakhstan nurtured a favorable environment for investment, stimulating high rates of economic growth which have increased the income of the citizens of Kazakhstan 6.5 times and enabled the government to meet MDG1. Kazakhstan is transforming these economic resources into social development and equitable advancement of its human potential. Kazakhstan has achieved MDG2 by providing primary education for all children, and we welcome its efforts in further guaranteeing free secondary education in State schools and moving towards more sustainable development.
Mr. President,
We would like to draw your attention on the importance of regional cooperation, especially among landlocked countries, as a core strategy for achieving the MDGs.
Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the United Nations
Document prepared by the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the United Nations

Afghanistan and Kazakhstan are both landlocked countries facing common challenges in terms of trade opportunities. In our shared aim to achieve the MDGs, the need for an integrated and coherent approach to development must include regional initiatives such as development of transport infrastructure, regional energy cooperation, trade facilitation and border cooperation. These initiatives will provide wider development options through greater access to resources and markets, address shared problem that stretch across borders and take advantage of opportunities for sharing knowledge.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of Kazakhstan for its involvement in infrastructure, energy, trade, investment and humanitarian projects in Afghanistan, specifically the construction of the Terrmez – Kabul rail road that would contribute to excellent trade opportunities in the region.
Afghanistan occupies a key strategic location linking Central Asia with South Asia, providing China and the Far East with a direct trade route with the Middles East and Europe. The Regional Economic Cooperation Conference held in Delhi in 2006 recognized the strategically important location of Afghanistan as playing an eminent vital role to the growth prospects of the region as well as increased investment and trade opportunities. It has also acknowledge the importance of a strategy of development specifically for Afghanistan based on cooperation with its neighbors, as a tool to reduce poverty and achieving the MDGs in the whole region. The Delhi Conference further noted the crucial role of Afghanistan in providing a focal point for facilitating greater economic cooperation and integration.
The Afghan Government’s vision is to contribute to regional stability and prosperity and facilitate the enabling conditions for Afghanistan to translate its historic role of land bridge between global and regional actors which will serve mutual interests and benefit from increased trade and export opportunities and create a “win-win” situation for all.
Our free market oriented economy and non protectionist policy environment for global and regional partners contribute to create an environment favorable for attracting investment and empowering Afghanistan to become an integral part of the regional economy. Afghanistan aims to continue to pursue dialogue with neighboring states to enhance and sustain its integration into the regional economy and markets.
Mr. President,
Kazakhstan has progressed significantly and we hope to use their lesson learned in development to achieve our development goals. Kazakhstan sets up a role model for LLDcs on how the national development strategy empowered by prudent and efficient use of natural resources could make great impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
Thank you for your attention