Members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) have recognised the advancements made by Kazakhstan in various domains, including human rights, democracy, and collaboration with the Council of Europe.

A declaration issued by several PACE members on Wednesday commended Kazakhstan’s strides, as reported by our correspondent from Kazinform.

The joint statement acknowledged the 20th anniversary of the Cooperation Agreement between the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

It expressed appreciation for the significant progress achieved in democratic and political reforms within Kazakhstan, considering them integral to the nation’s journey towards a fairer society.

Particular attention was drawn to the efforts of the Kazakh Parliament in effectively executing the provisions outlined in the aforementioned agreement.

Of note was the decision by Kazakh authorities to abolish the death penalty in alignment with Kazakhstan’s Constitution, a move welcomed by PACE members.

The declaration also underscored the close collaboration between Kazakhstan and Council of Europe institutions, viewing Kazakhstan as a key regional partner.

Notably, the Committee of Ministers’ adoption of priority areas for neighborly cooperation with Kazakhstan for the period 2024-2027 was positively received.

The year 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the Cooperation Agreement between the Parliament of Kazakhstan and PACE, highlighting the evolution of a robust and constructive partnership between the two entities.

Over the years, Kazakh parliamentarians have actively engaged in PACE’s plenary sessions and committee work, while PACE deputies have reciprocated by participating in observation missions and serving as rapporteurs on Kazakhstan.

The collaborative efforts have resulted in the preparation of two country reports, emphasizing the substantial potential for Kazakhstan’s collaboration with the Council of Europe amidst ongoing democratic transformations within the country.

Plans are underway to produce another report on Kazakhstan, further demonstrating the commitment to strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation.

In addition to bilateral engagements, Kazakhstan’s involvement in various Council of Europe bodies is noteworthy.

As a full member of the Venice Commission and an observer in advisory councils such as those for European prosecutors and judges, Kazakhstan actively contributes to discussions on legal matters and judicial efficiency.

Furthermore, Kazakhstan’s request for observer status at the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures (Moneyval) has been under consideration since April 2023.

In February of the current year, Kazakhstan applied for accession to the Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure, and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime and on the Financing of Terrorism (Warsaw Convention, No. 198), signaling a commitment to combating financial crimes.

Membership in the Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO) further underscores Kazakhstan’s dedication to upholding transparency and integrity.

A progress report on the implementation of GRECO recommendations following two rounds of evaluation was presented in March of this year, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance anti-corruption measures within the country.

Looking ahead, the initiation of Priorities for Neighborly Cooperation with Kazakhstan for 2024-2027 is planned for 2024.

This initiative aims to further align Kazakhstan’s national legislation with European standards, fostering greater harmony and collaboration between Kazakhstan and the Council of Europe.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) consists of a number of individual representatives from each member State.

About PACE.

Whilst in the Committee of Ministers each member State has one vote, in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe the number of representatives and consequently of votes is determined by the size of the country.

The biggest number is eighteen, the smallest two. As there are an equal number of representatives and substitutes, the total number of members of the Assembly is therefore 612, plus 30 Observers and 30 Partners for democracy.

In order to facilitate the process of accession of the countries from Central and Eastern Europe, the Assembly introduced in 1989 a so-called special gueststatus, applicable to all national legislative assemblies of European non-member states, which had signed the Helsinki Final Act (1975) and the Charter of Paris for a New Europe.

The status is now open to parliaments of states which have applied for membership of the Council of Europe.

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