Reiner Shlageter, ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kazakhstan

I am already a year in the capital of Kazakhstan. The first impressions are connected with infinite repair work on roads and fuses… But today these troubles are behind, and before us is a majestic Astana in the beauty and the pleasure from it has eclipsed current difficulties. Even during my first brief visit Astana has made the impression of entertaining city upon me, and, first of all that old city on the right bank of Ishim and new city on the left one created a various and very interesting picture. This architectural experimental field possesses the greatest appeal till today. Today Astana is the city not only beautiful, but also very comfortable. There have appeared much greater firm shops and boutiques, it is a lot of opportunities for pleasant pastime - museums, exhibitions, concerts, restaurants…. The city has got a character of city-megacity. But, nevertheless, Astana has also kept such places where it is possible to make promenade. For example, quay along Ishim or park…
  In July, 2007 I have started the carrying out of the duties as the Ambassador of Germany in Kazakhstan. In October I have handed over the accrediting letter to Nursultan Nazarbayev. I shall tell frankly, it was not only important for me, but also exciting moment to talk to the person who in the solving image has defined a political, economic and public way of the country. From a very difficult stage, from the beginning of independence till today which the country on very many political and economic parameters can be proud.

The Federal Republic of Germany has established diplomatic relations with Kazakhstan soon after declaration of independence of your republic and thus has expressed support of a new state. Since then our relations have grown till close cooperation in many spheres. We have supported a nominee of Kazakhstan on a post of the country-chairman of OSCE in 2010, at the entering WTO. Now it is the expectation of the further steps on a way of democratization, in economic area through strengthening of trade and investments of the German firms in Kazakhstan, in the cultural-educational policy through activity of Institute after Goethe and the German service of the academic exchanges. And still - opening of the Kazakhstan - German university in Almaty. The partnership between Germany and Kazakhstan is also shown in visits on high and a highest level - President Nazarbayev to Berlin in January of the last year, and in the forthcoming year visit of Federal President Keller to Astana and to Almaty. That is why the interest to Kazakhstan in Germany is very great, including owing to a plenty German people -natives of Kazakhstan. President Nazarbayev in the reference has very fairly recognized as their alive bridge between Germany and Kazakhstan they have brought the big contribution to mutual understanding. With the moving of the German Embassy from Almaty to Astana in October, 2007 and the opening of General consulate in Almaty has become simpler the procedure of submission of applications on reception of visas.

The ambassador should get acquainted with a host country and outside of capital. I try to do it probably more often, making trips on various areas and meeting with responsible persons, visiting the important industrial and agrarian enterprises. So today I have a lot of occasions to be pleased, that I am and work in Kazakhstan. I live in its fine capital in Astana.

With all my heart I congratulate inhabitants of Astana with its 10-years anniversary and I wish all the best!