Kazakhstan seeks to boost tourism

    By Torika Tokalau
    FIJI is looking to boost diplomatic relations with Kazakhstan, which include a visa arrangement between the two countries.
    The Republic of Kazakhstan’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Fiji, Beibut Atamkulov, met with Fiji’s Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola in Suva last week to discuss avenues that would boost diplomatic relations between the two countries.
    Kazakhstan, one of the 15 independent states seceded from the USSR in its dissolution in 1991, is keen to look at opportunities for co-operation within the Asia Pacific region.
    "First, we need to ease Kazakhstan and Fiji nationals access to either country. By that, the two countries will be looking at a reciprocal visa arrangement.
    "In this way, Kazakhstan and Fiji nationals will be free to visit each other without any worries about visa requirements," Ratu Inoke said.
    Mr Atamkulov said he was appreciative of the visit to Fiji because it was an opportunity for him to learn about the country and witness its beauty.
    "I am most happy to be here and to witness the beauty of nature in Fiji," Mr Atamkulov said.
    He stated a group of Kazakh businessmen would be invited to come to Fiji to look at possible business prospects, especially in the tourism sector.
    Mr Atamkulov is also keen to study Fijis aviation sector after discovering Fijis national airline now offers three weekly flights to Hong Kong. "For the 500,000 Kazakh tourists that leave their country for warmer places during winter, the news about these weekly flights is indeed promising," Mr Atamkulov said.
    Kazakhstan recently played an important role in regards to both trade and world markets because of its oil and natural gas reserves. Within the next decade, Kazakhstan is projected to become one of the worlds’ largest oil producers and exporters, according to the Fiji Times Online.