From the history of mutual cooperation of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the states of Central Asia (1991-2000)

Considering the real historical events that have taken place, the first measures aimed at jointly overcoming the deep political, economic and other stagnation that has occurred in the Central Asian countries since the beginning of the collapse of the Soviet Union began to be implemented. In particular “taking into account these conditions in 1990, the foundations of multi-ethnic and bilateral relations of the Middle East Republic began to be formed, at the initiative of Kazakhstan in Almaty, the leaders of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan met and signed an agreement on economic, scientific-technical and cultural cooperation” [12]. However, these agreements did not achieve their goals due to the lack of full support from the Center. At the same time, the agreement did not consider the transition of the republics to market relations and the ways to establish direct economic international relations were not specified. That is, the main content of the agreement could not go further than relations within the Union. With these words, “the emergence of territorial issues in relations with neighboring states (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan) could also pose a threat to the territorial integrity of the Republic in certain circumstances” [16]. Therefore, the first step in solving the problems facing the states of the region was to establish bilateral relations with each of them. For this purpose, bilateral relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and neighboring Central Asian fraternal states have been established and implemented since the beginning of 1992. In addition, diplomatic relations between the republics of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan were established in 1992. On June 24, 1992, an agreement on Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual assistance was signed between the two republics.

Special attention was paid to the development of economic cooperation. For this purpose, the two countries committed to create more favorable conditions for each other in trade, as well as to promote the development of mutually beneficial economic and trade relations at all levels, improve the climate for direct investment, and create joint ventures. The treaty also states that political issues, in particular, the territorial integrity and inviolability of the existing borders of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, are recognized and respected, and any encroachment on these borders is denied. The treaty also provides for ensuring economic security. Taking into account the global nature of the environmental disaster in the Aral Sea and the Aral region, the parties agreed to take the necessary measures to prevent environmental pollution, as well as to combine and coordinate efforts to restore the Aral Sea ecological system [14]. Special attention was paid to relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic, which became an independent country in a short time. It is because “Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are natural strategic partner countries with common historical destinies, geographical neighbors, similar cultures and languages, with different socio-political directions” [17]. In particular, “Diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic were established on October 15, 1992. Geographical proximity, deep historical roots, common language, culture, and traditions are a reliable basis for a new effective cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic. Bilateral relations are built in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and mutual assistance concluded in 1993. In the treaty, each of the parties guarantees generally recognized civil, social, economic and cultural rights and freedoms to citizens of the other party residing in its territory. The document pays special attention to the expansion of trade, economic, cultural, scientific and technical and other ties, ensuring environmental safety' [14].

Agreements and cooperation in various directions in the light of such mutual benefit “To deepen political relations between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, the economy, science and technology reflected in the agreements, intensive deepening of bilateral relations, the formation of relations in accordance with the new geopolitical reality established in Central Asia, the settlement of the remaining issues of bilateral cooperation meets the vital interests of both states and the entire Central Asian Region” [18]. “The importance of multivector development was the cooperation of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in the framework of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA (CAC)), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Customs Union (CU (TC)), and the Turkish summit, which determined the large-scale aspects of their positions on international issues. During the working meetings and discussions, joint steps of the parties to cooperate in the CIS, the Central Asian region, the military and political situation in Tajikistan, the situation in Afghanistan, and the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) framework were justified. Close political interaction between the two countries determines specific joint steps within the framework of the United Nations (UN), NATO, the CIS, and Tajikistan ... It also led to the foundation of the peace Battalion “Centrazbat” in Tajikistan” [17].

At the same time, relations of the Republic of Kazakhstan with neighboring countries were also established. For example, diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan were established in 1993. In the same year, President of Tajikistan E. Rakhmonov paid an official visit to Kazakhstan, as a result an agreement on basic relations between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan was signed. Priority areas of cooperation between the two countries are mining, non-ferrous metallurgy, mechanical engineering, agro-industrial complex, energy, light industry, transport and communications [19]. The establishment of relations between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan in the early 90s of the XX century was also important. It is because “Turkmenistan has a very favorable geopolitical situation and land rich in natural energy resources. Favorable investment climate with rich oil and gas, cotton growing, main oil and gas pipelines, transport communications has raised the country to the level of strategic partnership with Kazakhstan. In general, “The legal framework of Kazakh-Turkmen relations consists of more than 45 documents. Among them, the Treaty on friendly relations and cooperation of May 19, 1993 and the Declaration on further development of cooperation of February 27, 1997 have been fundamental documents” [20]. The first official meeting of the two heads of state at the highest level revealed the importance of cooperation. For example, “In May 1993, during the official visit of the president of Kazakhstan N.A. Nazarbayev to this country, the foundations of bilateral relations were laid. The practical transit potential of Turkmenistan is of great importance for Kazakhstan. This state is a natural partner of Kazakhstan, as it is one of the coastal countries of the Caspian Sea. Moreover, the two countries have a common border of 426 kilometers on the coast” [21].

Thus, the Republic of Kazakhstan established bilateral multilateral relations with neighboring and historically rooted Central Asian states, which gained independence in the late 90s of the XX century. However, it became clear that it is necessary to jointly solve large-scale and serious problems facing these states at the regional and global levels. For example, they include joint regional coordinated economic cooperation, coordinated trade relations, joint recovery of the damaged environmental situation, external migration, border issues, cultural ties, joint defense policy, the fight against terrorism,drug trafficking, and others. That is why the president of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.A. Nazarbayev, having announced his proposals in this direction from the first period of independence of the country, took an active part in its practical implementation. The head of state noted the importance of this initiative at the global and regional levels, having put the initiative in the discussions of the states of the region. The head of State announced for the first time about the cooperation of the Central Asian states, its importance and implementation plans during his official visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in February 1992. For example, at the civic reception in Lahore on February 26 this year, he stated that “If we focus on our policy in the Asian region, we will focus on economic cooperation, the preservation of peace and stability, as well as the cessation of interethnic conflicts in all the tensest regions of the Asian continent. We cannot stay away from other issues that concern the rapidly developing people of the East. These are the formation of a new economic requirement, the problem of cooperation between the people's economy, the work on the development of Science, the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes” [22]. Thus, he outlined the upcoming tasks in this direction.

During this period, the head of Kazakhstan drew the attention of the world community, declaring the need for a joint solution of particularly complex problems at the continental and world levels facing the new sovereign states of Central Asia. For example, in his speech at the 47th Session of the UN General Assembly on October 5, 1992, he said that “Among the most difficult issues of present is the water problem in the Central Asian region, which is formed in the middle of the ancient continent, which will eventually become the beginning of a dangerous conflict”. N.A. Nazarbayev stated that “I am already drawing the attention of the UN to the need to implement projects aimed at promptly providing Central Asia with water resources” [21]. With this statement he called on the world states to jointly resolve this situation. The head of state raised the issue of restoring the Aral Sea, which, first of all, due to the Soviet method of extensive farming, whose water was reduced and created at an unprecedented level, provided the agriculture of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan in the region with water through large and small rivers, which occupies an important place in the energy system of the region, which by draining became an ecological zone at the regional and even continental level. On March 26, 1993, at a meeting of the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan in Kyzylorda, the International Fund for saving the Aral Sea was established. N.A. Nazarbayev was elected its President.

At this meeting, its participants made a statement and outlined work plans for solving complex environmental problems in the Aral Sea and its surroundings. Since its foundation, the joint work of members of the International Fund has begun and has become more productive. A special appeal was adopted to the world's international organizations to carry out joint work to prevent and restore the situation of this environmental disaster, which is growing. For example, on June 28, 1993, the President of the International Fund for saving the Aral Sea N.A. Nazarbayev, addressed to the president of the Republic of Turkey Suleiman Demirel, and said “Due to the huge shortage of water reserves of the largest closed reservoirs on the planet, a very dangerous environmental situation has developed, which affects many states of the continent. Large amounts of salt and dust formed from the bottom of the receding sea spread over large areas, disrupting the ecological situation in the region. It is becoming more and more realistic to undergo profound changes in the conditions of nature, the plant and animal world. Realizing our responsibility to ourselves and neighboring peoples and the world community for preserving the natural environment, the state is trying to counter the threat posed by the International Fund for saving the Aral Sea. Since the Aral crisis affects the interests of all mankind, our young states take into account the support of the world community. The International Fund for saving the Aral Sea, to which they give appropriate powers, is open to broad cooperation in all areas of the elimination of the Aral crisis” [24]. It was noted that the improvement of the ecological situation of the island and its region is on a global level. In a short time, many international organizations of the world paid attention to the problem of the Aral Sea and began to provide specific assistance. In particular, in addition to Turkey, the leaders of other countries, such as the United States, Great Britain, Germany, England, France, etc., have approved ways to solve this problem. The activities of this fund have been supported by the UN, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). Some world financial centers have begun to provide monetary assistance.

The head of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the president of the fUnd N.A. Nazarbayev gave a positive assessment of the work done in the short period of time at the world level in his speech at the Council of heads of State of Central Asia in Dashkhovuz on March 3, 1995 “In terms of time, first of all in terms of the organization of the activities of the structures we have created, on the effectiveness of which the fate of decisions on the Aral Sea largely depends. In this regard, I would like to emphasize the important role played by the Interstate Council on the Problems of the Aral Sea Basin and its Executive Committee. Based on the fact that each of us has all the information on this topic and we constantly exchange it in a working order, I would like to express in my introduction, including as president of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, I hope, the general opinion that, in general, the foundation for the active work of the fund is laid” [25]. In the context of independence, one or two years have shown that the need for close cooperation between the states of the region in order to adequately respond to the growing demands of the market, global, regional political and socially complex challenges and events have become increasingly clear. the president of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.A. Nazarbayev became at the beginning of the justification of such an alliance again.

The first initiative of such an association of the states of the region was a joint statement signed by the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, who took part in the days of memory of the outstanding statesmen of the XIII century Tole bi, Kazybek bi, Aiteke bi in Ordabasy mountain of the Republic of Kazakhstan from May 27 to 29, 1993. “Noting the scale of interethnic harmony, which became particularly important during this event and expressed commitment to the common historical foundations and traditions, the Presidents of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan expressed their desire to work in close cooperation in solving the problems of preserving the spiritual heritage of each nation in the name of market relations, fundamental state independence and sovereignty. The heads of the Central Asian states expressed their readiness to continue the coordinated efforts to ensure security and strengthen confidence-building measures in Asia. The heads of state expressed their desire to continue holding meetings on significant events related to our common history” [26]. Thus, this statement became the beginning of the formation of a close alliance between the newly independent states of Central Asia, which were part of the former Soviet Union. After a comprehensive discussion, “On April 30, 1994, the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan signed an agreement on the creation of a single economic space (Central Asian Union) between the three countries, as if this project (the Eurasian Union) had become practical. The heads of the Central Asian states established the Interstate Council, and founded the Council of prime ministers, world and defense ministers, as well as the Bank for cooperation and development. Among the most important common tasks, the supporters attributed the solution of the Aral Sea problem” [12]. Since its foundation, this new regional economic cooperation has begun to establish contacts with World Economic organizations. For example, “The European Expert Union (EES), the European Union (EU), the German Fund for International Development (DS), the American Agency for International Development (USA-ID). Contacts with specialized UN organizations have been established in Almaty, Bishkek and Tashkent” [12].

K.K. Tokayev spoke about the necessity and history of the existence of the Central Asian Union, which was founded by these three countries “Since the first days of independence (along with the implementation of joint activities in the CIS), the head of Kazakhstan N.A. Nazarbayev has attached special importance to relations with neighboring countries in Central Asia. After all, this factor was of great importance in ensuring the security and territorial integrity of the Republic. For this purpose, at the initiative of N.A. Nazarbayev, an agreement on the establishment of a single economic space was signed between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on January 10, 1994, Kyrgyzstan's accession to the Treaty on January 16 gave the treaty the character of a tripartite document, and a separate tripartite agreement was signed on April 30 of the same year [19]. N.A. Nazarbayev wrote that “On April 13, 1994 a month after I spoke on the Eurasian initiative in Sholpon- Ata, we signed an agreement on the creation of a single economic space with the leaders of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Thus, future Central Asian Economic Cooperation has acquired a legal basis” [27]. “On July 8, 1994, during the meeting of the presidents of these three countries in Almaty, it was agreed to establish their Interstate Council and its permanent organization-the Executive Committee. In the same year, these three republics established the Central Asian Bank of solidarity and development. The program of economic integration until 2000 was also adopted [19].

The initiative of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the end of the XX century in the direction of regional economic integration between the states, mutual consent for political purposes has been appreciated by the world community and states. According to the official representative of the Russian Embassy in Kazakhstan, “The main direction of Kazakhstan's foreign policy is the further development and strengthening of relations with the Central Asian states. The July meeting of the three states of the region in Almaty is a prime example of this” [28]. Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation A. Shokhin addressed to President B. Yeltsin “Recently, President of Kazakhstan N.A. Nazarbayev has made a number of proposals aimed at strengthening integration phenomena in the CIS. In April, he made a proposal to create the Eurasian Union. In July, at the meeting of the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in Almaty, a decision was made to establish the Central Asian Union. In August, the president of Kazakhstan made a statement at the Council of heads of state that he would raise new integration issues within and outside the Commonwealth” [29]. The historical significance and necessity of the proposals of the head of Kazakhstan in these areas were noted. Thus, in the XX century, “a special relationship was formed with the Central Asian Union, which connected the three fraternal peoples” [30].

Such initiatives and proposals of the Republic of Kazakhstan in order to form mutual cooperation between the Central Asian states in joint resolution of existing problems were supported by the world community and their correctness was noted.

The official publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia in this content was the recent report of the president of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.A. Nazarbayev in Geneva “A sincere desire for mutual cooperation and mutual understanding in international politics. In particular, its content became the basis of politics in the world of the XX century. It was devoted to the interests and aspirations of Kazakhstan in foreign policy in the Asian region. The president of Kazakhstan outlined the main directions of the state's foreign policy. Firstly, the integration policy in Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan), the service for maintaining peace and stability in this difficult region”

[31] , - prepared a statement and assessed the activities of the head of Kazakhstan in the formation of political stability, economic prosperity, understanding and cooperation between the states and peoples of Central Asia.

[32] The emergence of such a close Central Asian Union between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan received positive support from well-known political figures, public activists and ordinary residents of the region, who considered this event a key to the successful development of the neighboring countries of the region.

[33] For example: “the famous Kyrgyz writer Sh. Aitmatov agreed that “The initiative of the president of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.A. Nazarbayev on Central Asian integration is a strategic path for us. This is a unique, unprecedented offer that unites our region. Each of us should support this initiative in our environment, this is our future” [30]. As the public figure and politician of the Kyrgyz Republic Zh. Saadanbekov wrote that “The initiative of President Nursultan Nazarbayev implements the creation of a new type of cooperation of Central Asian states, which has never been seen before in the history of Central Asia” [33].

The creation of this close Union of the three Central Asian republics created favorable conditions for the implementation of external migration between the states on a systematic basis, on an agreed basis, and the return of Kazakhs to their historical homeland in the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan. At the same time, under the conditions of mutual agreement, a certain group of Kazakhs from Tajikistan and Turkmenistan began to voluntarily return to their native countries. As a result, according to the results of 1997: “87% of immigrants arrived from the neighboring region, Uzbekistan - 11%, Kyrgyzstan - 6%, Turkmenistan - 3%, Tajikistan - 2%”. In Uzbekistan, there are up to 1.5 million Kazakhs, who mostly live in the areas of ecological disaster of the Aral Sea region and the Kzyl-Kum desert. According to the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Tashkent, about 500 thousand people have expressed a desire to move to their historical homeland. About 70 thousand ethnic Kazakhs live in Turkmenistan. The Kazakh diaspora in Kyrgyzstan is about 48 thousand people.” 5 thousand Kazakhs live in Tajikistan” [34]. Considering the historical events of the past, even in the period before the collapse of the Soviet Union, the desire of compatriots in these republics to return to their native countries began. For example, the following, on March 15, 1991, the president of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR) N.A.Nazarbayev presented representatives of the Kazakh population living in Bostandyk District of the Uzbek SSR. In their appeal to Nazarbayev, “losing their native language, the number of Kazakh intelligence and national specialists are decreasing, there are cases of uzbekization, traditional forms of economic management are being disrupted, social problems are not being solved, and the area, which was once the only picturesque region of Kazakhstan, is becoming a treasure trove of industrial waste. The restoration of historical justice and the return of Bostandyk district to Kazakhstan by the people” [35]. From the letter asking for influence (you can find out the real situation of the local Kazakh population in this country at that time. In their appeals, the Kazakh residents of the district asked for systematic communication with their historical homeland. As you know, the situation has been settled after the organized measures taken under the control of the presidents of the two states and the mutual understanding.

After this request, the ambassador of Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan held two meetings with Kazakhs of Bostandyk District of Tashkent region. The official report on the course of the meetings was “On the eve of the Republic Day of our sovereign country, two meetings were held with our compatriots in Uzbekistan. The first was organized on October 22 of this year together with the Republican international Kazakh Cultural Center with representatives of the Kazakh diaspora living in the city of Tashkent and its surrounding districts. On October 23, I visited Bostandyk District of Tashkent region and met with representatives of the Kazakh diaspora. There are 21 Kazakh schools in the district. Population: 46% - Uzbeks, 26% - Kazakhs. He got acquainted with two Kazakh schools, met with their collectives and Kazakh brothers from the collective farm “Zhana auyl”. Despite the fact that schools are full of attention, there are almost no textbooks in the Kazakh language, no special methodological publications” [36], - and suggested ways to fix the existing gaps. In accordance with such mutually implemented bilateral agreements, as well as the agreements of the Union of Central Asian states, economic,cultural and educational cooperation between the regions of its member states began to be established. This is an example of the relationship between the cities of South Kazakhstan region and Tashkent region, Shymkent-Tashkent. For example, in the official data of the South Kazakhstan region: “With the population of the neighboring Tashkent region and the city of Tashkent, the people of our South Kazakhstan region have long maintained relations. Currently, customs posts between the two regions have been removed, and economic relations between the two countries have been significantly simplified. Market relations are growing. The heads of two districts and cities of the region met with the heads of districts of the Tashkent region and Tashkent,and signed a mutual agreement.

And now this is the eve of the days of Kazakhstan in Uzbekistan. It will be held from May 23 to May 27. Let us assume that this great event between the two peoples will mobilize for the further strengthening of friendship, market relations” [37] It is written that the importance of mutual cooperation in this direction is clearly emphasized. In accordance with the terms of bilateral and multilateral agreements between the two states, the Republic of Kazakhstan established and developed contacts on a permanent basis with representatives of the Kazakh nationality living in the Central Asian countries. Among them, their education in their native language, referral to higher educational institutions in Kazakhstan, holding days of culture of Kazakhstan in related republics are included in the systematic work plans. For example, in the archive fund it was written “Over quota, according to the agreement with the Ministry of Education of Karakalpakia in Nukus, a travel Commission Mokiz was headed, which conducted entrance examinations in universities of Kazakhstan and took 70 people. In 1998, 85.4 thousand people were sent to Uzbekistan. examinations of textbooks, teaching aids and methodological literature 28 names for 5113.5 thousand. tenge, in Turkmenistan-5.9 thousand tenge. 40 allowances for 122.6 thousand tenge. In 1998, the day of culture of Kazakhstan and the Jubilee events dedicated to the 175th anniversary of Kurmangazy Sagyrbaev, passed in Turkmenistan, the Kyrgyz Republic” [38] and the official data seems to confirm this.