KAZAKHSTAN: FM TOKAYEV ON VIP VISIT

UNCLAS ALMATY 001403 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/CEN (J. MUDGE) PLEASE PASS USTR (BURKHEAD) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON ETRD EFIN PREL KZ SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN: FM TOKAYEV ON VIP VISIT ¶1. (SBU) Summary: The MFA is carefully reviewing a list of potential activities related to the upcoming VIP visit and will work to ensure implementation of the most feasible ideas, according to FM Tokayev. The MFA is also pursuing the idea of hosting a TIFA Council meeting as discussed with A/S Boucher. Tokayev expressed appreciation for the invitation to visit Washington and meet with the Secretary this summer. He told the Ambassador that he had low expectations for the upcoming CIS ministerial in Moscow due to lack of organizational reforms and conflicts within the group. Tokayev promised to help ensure resolution of the AIG settlement issue. End summary. ¶2. (SBU) In an April 17 meeting with the Ambassador to discuss issues related to the upcoming VIP visit to Kazakhstan, FM Kasymzhomart Tokayev said that the MFA was "carefully analyzing" the list of ideas presented by A/S Boucher (septel). The GOK understands that the list does not constitute an agenda for the visit, but thinks that it provides useful background for the upcoming discussions in Astana and Washington. He indicated that, while a few points were "unexpected," the list was generally acceptable. The MFA will work to ensure implementation of the most feasible ideas. Tokayev proposed to meet with the Ambassador the last week of April to review progress. ¶3. (SBU) The Ambassador updated Tokayev on the Department's thinking regarding the proposed TIFA Council meeting in Kazakhstan. We believe a three-part event would be valuable: a seminar on financial services, the TIFA Council meeting, and a discussion of broader economic cooperation. Tokayev expressed the hope that the events could be completed in two days or less. He added that based on the agreement reached during A/S Boucher's visit, the MFA was circulating a letter to all ministries and agencies involved in TIFA to seek agreement on a way forward. ¶4. (SBU) The Ambassador conveyed the Department's invitation to Tokayev to visit Washington in June or July to meet with the Secretary and prepare the ground for President Nazarbayev's expected fall visit. Tokayev indicated that Amb. Saudabayev had already alerted him to the invitation, which he very much appreciated. He was seeking Nazarbayev's formal permission to make the trip. Tokayev said that July 3-6 would work best for him. The Ambassador cautioned that the Independence Day holiday might make that timeframe difficult, and encouraged Tokayev to have Amb. Saudabayev work directly with the Department to identify mutually agreeable dates. ¶5. (SBU) Tokayev told the Ambassador that he would attend the CIS ministerial on April 21 in Moscow. He took a pessimistic view of the organization's future potential, given poor progress on reforms and the lack of a "commonwealth" spirit due to the numerous conflicts among member states. Kazakhstan recognizes that the CIS will continue to be an important "club" for presidents and ministers, however, and for that reason is seeking to reduce the bureaucracy and the costs. ¶6. (SBU) Turning to AIG, the Ambassador informed Tokayev that he had spoken to Deputy PM Masimov and Justice Minister Baliyeva about the fact that the GOK had still not paid the agreed settlement. Tokayev said that he felt very "awkward" about the situation given that he had personally committed to Secretary Rice that it would be resolved. He said that he would remain personally involved to ensure that the matter was settled before the May 3 deadline and the upcoming VIP visit. ORDWAY