SpecialEurasia attended a round table on constitutional reforms in Kazakhstan

May 28, 2022 SpecialEurasia News, Central Asia

Meeting Kazakhstan Embassy — The meeting at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Rome (Credits: Posol’stvo Respubliki Kazahstan v Ital’janskoj Respublike).

As part of the SpecialEurasia project “Geopolitika Evrazija“, we attended a round table at the Kazakh embassy in Rome to get acquainted with the constitutional reforms and the upcoming referendum held in Kazakhstan on June 5^th, 2022.

On May 27^th, 2022, Giuliano Bifolchi, SpecialEurasia Research Manager, attended a round table dedicated to constitutional reforms in Kazakhstan held in the building of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Italian Republic.

H.E. Yerbolat Sembayev, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Italy, informed the participants about the upcoming republican referendum on amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In particular, the priority areas of political reforms will impact the systemic transformation of Kazakhstan and define a new paradigm for the long-term development of the state.

“The amendments to the Basic Law are of crucial importance for our country. The changes will affect a third of the articles of the Constitution. Our Constitution will receive a completely new dimension,” E. Sembaev stressed.

It was also noted that constitutional changes would bring the country to a new qualitative level of development in the face of modern global challenges and will improve the well-being of the Kazakh people.

At the end of the event, a friendly conversation took place. The parties discussed essential areas of bilateral cooperation on the eve of the 30^th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Italy and possible joint projects dedicated to the anniversary date.

Kazakhstan, a strategic partner for Italy

Since in recent times, Italy has intensified its activities and relations with Central Asian republics. Due to its strategic position in the region as a logistic hub, energy resources and connection with the Belt and Road Initiative, Kazakhstan has arisen as one of the main targets of the Italian foreign policy (Italy intensifies cultural dialogue with Caspian littoral Turkmenistan and the Kazakhstan). In this regard, Kazakhstan overcame a domestic political crisis and protests in January 2022. The upcoming referendum might be interpreted as another step that marks the path of modernisation and democratisation of the Kazakh society (Protests and state of emergency in Kazakhstan).

Reaching democratic standards and promoting the country’s modernisation are essential goals to guarantee domestic stability and reassure foreign entrepreneurs who have invested in Kazakhstan. Indeed, Italy is Kazakhstan’s “first partner” among the countries of the European Union. According to the statistics of Kazakhstan, since 2018, Italy has been the first destination for Kazakh exports and is in third place in the ranking on a trade exchange, after Russia and China.

Among the Italian companies present in Kazakhstan, there are Ferrero, Iveco, Saipem, Maire Tecnimont and Valvitalia (technologies for energy plants), Tenaris (pipes for the oil industry), Medexport Italia (pharmaceuticals). The oil and gas sectors are the main drivers of Italian investments in Kazakhstan, even though the Central Asian republic is trying to diversify its economy and foreign direct investments (FDIs).

Tags: Central Asia constitutional referendum Italy Kazakhstan SpecialEurasia Yerbolat Sembayev

The Interplay Between Artificial Intelligence and Geopolitics

The global landscape is undergoing rapid transformation fuelled by the ascent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a phenomenon that bears profound implications for international relations and the distribution of power among nations.

Financial Markets and the Geopolitical Risk

This report scrutinises the multifaceted impact of geopolitical risk on financial markets, offering invaluable insights to guide stakeholders through this persistent challenge.

Islamic State’s Threat to Europe and Italy: Risk Assessment

The resurgence of the Islamic State poses a significant threat to Italy and Europe, leveraging geopolitical events to bolster propaganda and recruitment efforts. The evolving landscape of terrorism, characterised by decentralised online radicalisation, presents challenges in surveillance and counteraction.

Secular Uzbekistan’s Struggle with Islamic Terrorism

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Islam has played a new role in the nation-building process in the Central Asian Republic of Uzbekistan. The region is witnessing a rising popularity of radical Salafi Islamism, marked by its fervent pursuit of overthrowing secular governments.

Italy-Tajikistan Strengthened Cooperation in Different Fields

President Emomali Rahmon’s recent official visit to Italy signifies a significant step forward in Tajikistan’s diplomatic relations, underlining the nation’s strategic engagement with Italy across various domains, including political, economic, trade, cultural, humanitarian, and security spheres.

Assessment Report: British Foreign Secretary’s Visit to Central Asia

The visit of David Cameron, the British Foreign Minister, to Central Asia, marks a significant development in relations between the UK and the region. With a focus on the geopolitical implications, this report examines Cameron’s visit and offers insights into the potential risks and opportunities it presents for both the UK and the Central Asian states.

Kurdistan Tourism Sector Analysis

The Kurdistan Region has recently witnessed a significant surge in tourism, with over 1.5 million visitors arriving in the past three months. Ambitious plans unveiled by the Kurdistan Tourism Board aim to attract 20 million tourists annually by 2030, aligning with the government’s economic diversification agenda.

The Geopolitical Dynamics Behind Israel-Iran Recent Escalation

Amidst the palpable shortcomings of international diplomacy, the longstanding, albeit restrained, conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated, prompting apprehension within the global community regarding a broader conflagration throughout the Middle East.