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EU Ambassador on a diplomatic career and strengthening cooperation between the European Union and Kazakhstan

04.12.2024

EU Ambassador on a diplomatic career and strengthening cooperation between the European Union and Kazakhstan

The European Union is the largest investor in Kazakhstan. Aleška Simkić, the EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, shared insights on the active areas of collaboration, including transport, trade, education, and environmental initiatives.


Aleška Simkić, city — Astana, EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, @euinkazakhstan

Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Kazakhstan

About myself

I am from Slovenia and currently serve as the Ambassador of the European Union to Kazakhstan.

During high school, I developed a passion for traveling. At the time, I lived in the former Yugoslavia, where travel was not as accessible. Nevertheless, I was fascinated by other countries and started learning English at a young age. Back then, I even dreamed of starting my own travel agency, but I eventually decided to study economics.

When Slovenia gained independence — the same year as Kazakhstan — the country faced a shortage of civil servants, including diplomats, economists, and lawyers. To address this, the Slovenian government provided scholarships to students in these fields. I received a grant for my studies and joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after graduating. I have now been working as a diplomat for 26 years.

About my work

My first job after university was as a secretary to a department head. I vividly remember writing letters of gratitude to 190 countries that supported Slovenia’s bid for a seat on the UN Security Council. Back then, before Google, finding contact information meant relying on a hefty directory.

My first diplomatic role was in the UN Security Council’s working group on issues in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Subsequently, I worked in the office of Slovenia’s Foreign Minister, organizing meeting schedules, preparing materials, and coordinating programs.

The European Union and Kazakhstan

Later, I moved to Vienna to work with the OSCE as a diplomat in the Slovenian delegation. From Vienna, I transferred to New York to serve in Slovenia’s mission to the United Nations. After that, I worked in Warsaw as an advisor to the OSCE’s Director of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

In 2009, I first visited Kazakhstan as an advisor to the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, helping the country prepare for its 2010 OSCE Chairmanship.

From 2011, I spent three years back at Slovenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, collaborating with the OSCE and the Council of Europe. Following this, I joined the Prime Minister’s Office as a foreign policy advisor. Between 2015 and 2018, I served as Deputy Head of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine. I then worked in Moscow as the EU Deputy Ambassador for three years. Before arriving in Astana, I was based in Brussels, working with the EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management.

About Central Asia

During my first visit to Kazakhstan in 2009, I was struck by landmarks like the Bayterek Tower, Ak Orda, and the under-construction Khan Shatyr. Many buildings were still being built, and from the Bayterek, I could see the two golden towers near the House of Ministries surrounded by vast steppe. I heard about grand development plans and was curious to see the outcome.

Five years later, I returned and saw some changes in the cityscape. But when I came back this year after 11 years, I barely recognized Astana.

Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Kazakhstan

I first visited Almaty 15 years ago but spent only two days there, with little time to explore. My only memory was a statue of The Beatles in a park. Recently, I participated in the Almaty Marathon, running 10 kilometers and enjoying the beautiful mountains that reminded me of Slovenia, which I miss dearly.

I was also fortunate to visit Bayanaul National Park upon arriving in Kazakhstan, and its beauty left a lasting impression.

I plan to explore as much of Kazakhstan as possible. At the end of this month, I’ll travel south to Turkestan, Shymkent, and Taraz. In winter, I hope to visit northern Kazakhstan.

About working in Central Asia

The European Union is the leading investor in Kazakhstan’s economy, followed by China and Russia.

Trade is our primary area of cooperation. The EU consists of 27 countries with businesses in various industries, making trade a cornerstone of our partnership. While we don’t engage in direct business, we work with Kazakhstan’s government to improve the investment climate.

The second major area is transport. Kazakhstan’s strategic location between Europe and Asia, along the historic Silk Road, is key. As the largest country in Central Asia, Kazakhstan’s development, prosperity, and stability are crucial for the region. Our transport projects go beyond building roads and railways; they focus on fostering effective communication. Last week in Ashgabat, we signed a significant transport agreement with all Central Asian countries.

Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Kazakhstan

The third area is education. Through the Erasmus program, many European universities offer opportunities to Kazakhstani students. With a young population, Kazakhstan’s future depends on its youth, so we organize various university events.

The fourth area is ecology and environmental protection, a critical focus. Whether discussing transport or trade, we prioritize sustainability. We’re interested in Kazakhstan’s energy transition plans and are ready to support wind and solar energy projects. We’re also exploring initiatives in water resource management.

Each September, as part of the global “EU Beach Cleanup” campaign, we organize clean-up events. This year, we cleaned the banks of the Karasu River, collecting plastic and other waste. A recycling company supported us by processing the collected waste. Over 300 participants, including diplomats and local youth, joined us, which was very encouraging.

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