5^th Canadian Ambassador presents credentials to the president of the republic of Kazakhstan

The official ceremony took place in the Presidential Palace "Ak Orda" (White House).  Following the presentation of her Letters of Credence, the Ambassador was invited for a  private meeting with President Nazarbaev  where a positive discussion took place regarding Canada and Kazakhstan's overall political, security and economic relationship.  Ambassador Skok thanked the President for being the first of the Soviet Republics to give up nuclear weapons, and both spoke briefly regarding regional security and stability.

The President referenced his visit to Canada, addressed the importance he placed on successful WTO negotiations, and that in the very near future he would be appointing an Ambassador to Canada, in Ottawa.
 
After the meeting, Ambassador Skok gave an interview to the media in Ak Orda, arranged by the President's office, where she noted the successful bilateral partnership with Kazakhstan for more than a decade, most significant in the energy, mining and agriculture sectors, as well as the services sector.

She noted Canada's investment into Kazakhstan as approximately USD $2.5 blln, an additional $130 mlln in trade in goods, as well as approximately $300 mlln in financial services.

Ambassador Skok underlined the important and continuing cooperation within multilateral fora in the areas of security and governance, as well as Kazakhstan's participation in the Global Partnership Program (nuclear non-proliferation).

She closed by noting the invitation to Canada by President Nazarbaev to actively participate in the diversification of the economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan "because of Canada's experience and know how in such areas as innovation and construction".

Ambassador Margaret Skok presenting credentials to the President Nazarbaev.

The Official Ceremony in the Presidential Palace "Ak Orda”