As Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the OPCW, H.E. Mr. Kairat Abdrakhmanov spent the past five years strengthening bilateral ties, advancing strategic initiatives, and contributing to global security. Previously serving as OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, he brought to The Hague a deep commitment to quiet diplomacy and conflict prevention. In this farewell interview, Ambassador Abdrakhmanov reflects on the achievements of Kazakhstan–Netherlands cooperation, his work at the OPCW and OSCE, and his vision for Kazakhstan’s future.
Interview with Kairat Abdrakhmanov, former Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Netherlands & Permanent Representative to the OPCW (2024–2025), former OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (2020–2024)
You are completing your diplomatic mission in the Kingdom of the Netherlands after five years in various positions. Starting with bilateral relations, how would you describe the cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Netherlands?
Diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands were established on 10 September 1992. Since then, the partnership has grown steadily, grounded in trust, mutual respect, and shared aspirations for progress. Today, cooperation spans a wide spectrum: regular political dialogue, robust trade and investment, cultural and educational partnerships, and innovation. Our two countries also work closely within international organizations such as the UN, OSCE, and OPCW, and highly value their longstanding cooperation on global peace, disarmament, and sustainable development.
I also had the privilege of interacting with outstanding Dutch diplomats during Kazakhstan’s recent successful non-permanent membership at the UN Security Council. Beyond trade, cultural diplomacy has become a vital bridge of friendship, with joint exhibitions, concerts, festivals and educational initiatives flourishing between our societies.
How do you see bilateral trade and economic cooperation evolving? While energy remains the dominant sector, do you expect agriculture, renewable energy, and other industries to grow in importance?
The Kazakh–Dutch economic and investment partnership is strong and continues to grow. The Netherlands remains one of the largest investors in Kazakhstan, accounting for over 30 percent of total foreign direct investment, with cumulative inflows exceeding USD 125.2 billion. Bilateral trade reached USD 5.4 billion in 2024—an increase of 25 percent compared to 2023. This positive trend continued in 2025, with trade reaching USD 2.4 billion in the first half of the year—18 percent more than during the same period of the previous year.
Key sectors include energy, agriculture, transport and logistics, critical raw materials, healthcare, green technologies, and high-tech industries. The Netherlands–Kazakhstan Business Council—meeting in Astana (October 2024) and The Hague (January 2025)—has played an important role in strengthening business-to-business cooperation. Regular forums, trade missions, roundtables, and active engagement from business associations continue to open new opportunities for partnership.
Dutch expertise in greenhouse technology, water management, and seed production is globally recognized. Are these sectors becoming more active in Kazakhstan?
Absolutely. These fields are priorities for Kazakhstan, and cooperation is developing rapidly. Water management, in particular, has become a centerpiece of collaboration. Following major floods in Kazakhstan two years ago, the Netherlands deployed a Dutch Risk Reduction (DRR) Team mission to help assess the impact—a gesture for which we are deeply grateful.
Since then, dialogue among relevant authorities has intensified, with the Deltares Institute and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Astana playing active roles. We appreciate the continued support of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), and municipalities such as Westland. We are confident that this cooperation will lead to mutually beneficial outcomes.
As Permanent Representative to the OPCW, Kazakhstan proposed the establishment of an International Agency for Biological Security. Could such an institution effectively coordinate global efforts, and what benefits would it bring?
Biological threats are transboundary and cannot be addressed by any country alone. Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish an International Agency for Biological Security (IABS) seeks to create a universal platform uniting states, international organizations, and scientific institutions. Its goals include coordinated prevention, monitoring, and neutralization of biological threats, fostering transparency and trust, and establishing a global rapid-response mechanism.
Kazakhstan is actively advancing this initiative, guided by the belief that the IABS could provide global value—much like the OPCW has become indispensable in the field of chemical security.
Could you briefly outline the vision of Kazakhstan’s leadership for the country’s future?
Kazakhstan is currently implementing large-scale democratic and political reforms as part of the transformation toward a Just and Fair Kazakhstan under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. In his recent State-of-the-Nation Address, the President outlined an ambitious agenda under the theme “Kazakhstan in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.” Key priorities include:
- – Major reforms in transport, transit, and aviation to position Kazakhstan as a Eurasian hub
- – A stronger focus on green energy, nuclear power, and digital governance
- – The development of Alatau City as a regional innovation hub
- – The creation of a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development
- – Modernization of the financial sector, including a new Banking Law and a State Digital Asset Fund
- – A comprehensive investment attraction system supported by a Regional Investment Attractiveness Index
These priorities align with areas where Kazakhstan and the Netherlands already collaborate—innovation, agriculture, logistics, and green technologies. Educational and scientific partnerships are also expanding, linking universities and research centers in both countries.
Before becoming Ambassador to the Netherlands, you served as OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. How would you summarize the results of your work in that capacity?
It was an extremely responsible mission, shaped by a complex international environment and heightened expectations regarding the effectiveness of global institutions. I was also the first representative from Central Asia to hold this high office, which placed additional responsibility on my work.
The HCNM has a unique mandate focused on preventing conflicts. It is not a human rights body; rather, its strength lies in quiet diplomacy—building trust, addressing sensitive issues discreetly, and seeking balanced solutions. My work was rooted in this philosophy.
During my tenure, I sought to bridge the divide that had widened between states east and west of Vienna, giving equal attention to both. I encouraged dialogue, explored new initiatives, and highlighted Central Asia’s best practices in promoting interethnic harmony, intercultural dialogue, and resilience. I also placed strong emphasis on youth, gender equality, and the links between climate change and security.
What initiatives from your time as High Commissioner stand out most?
Together with my team, we initiated several important “firsts” for the OSCE:
- Signing a memorandum of understanding with all key Ministries of Education of Central Asian countries and Mongolia on multilingual education—demonstrating their commitment to multiculturalism and multilingualism.
- Undertaking the first official visits by an HCNM to Andorra, Finland, Norway, and Mongolia to highlight the experiences of ethnic and religious minorities in these states.
- Signing an MoU with UNHCR and pledging active efforts to eliminate statelessness.
- Launching the 10th set of HCNM recommendations: Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Social and Economic Life.
- Expanding cooperation with multilateral organizations—including the UN, Council of Europe, EU, OIC, and OAS—through joint initiatives, study visits, and high-level events.
- Marking the 30th anniversary of the HCNM mandate with conferences and dialogues across the OSCE region, concluding with a high-level conference in The Hague attended by all living former High Commissioners.
These initiatives strengthened dialogue, enhanced visibility of the mandate, and reinforced the relevance of conflict-prevention mechanisms amid today’s diplomatic challenges.
Did you maintain ties with Kazakhstan during your time at the OSCE?
Yes. I am grateful for the consistent support of Kazakhstan—particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Mission in Vienna, the Embassy in the Netherlands, and other Kazakh diplomatic missions. However, as required by the mandate and ethical standards of international civil service, I did not receive any instructions regarding the substance of my work or decisions. My independence was fully respected.
Kazakhstan provided special funding for a commemorative photobook and seconded a qualified diplomat to support my office—contributions I acknowledged in my reports to the OSCE Permanent Council.
My final year coincided with the 100th anniversary of Max van der Stoel, the first and longest-serving High Commissioner. It was symbolic that another distinguished Dutch diplomat, Ambassador Christophe Kamp, was appointed as the new High Commissioner in 2024. I wish him every success.
I hope that, in the future, the efforts of my team and me—focused on dialogue, bridge-building, and the promotion of peace—will be recognized as part of the evolving legacy of this vital OSCE institution.
