Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev meets UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres

Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev has met UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres, Tengrinews.kz reports, citing the president’s website. “Regulating migration-related issues is of great importance for Kazakhstan. Since gaining independence [back in 1991], Kazakhstan has become home to over 15 000 refugees. We are grateful the UN High Commissioner for Refugees appreciated the country’s Government’s efforts. With migration processes on the rise throughout the globe, the number of refugees is mounting from year to year, and dealing with migration-related issues is acute”, President Nazarbayev is quoted as saying. In his turn, Mr. Guterres expressed his gratitude for the fruitful cooperation Kazakhstan has been pursuing with the UN High Commissioner Office. “We know you have made a significant personal contribution to promote many international initiatives on behalf of Kazakhstan in political and economic realms. There have been tangible achievements when it comes to securing inter-faith accord, protect the environment and combat the repercussions of the global financial crisis. Kazakhstan has successfully hosted a number of forums and conferences. Kazakhstan’s initiative to launch a UN center in Almaty, the biggest city, is of great importance”, Mr. Guterres is quoted as saying. According to the press service, the sides dwelt on suggestions to effectively regulate migration processes. The measures will enable Kazakhstan to be a model in Central Asia in terms of migration policy.