The 1995 and 2000 documents in Kazakhstan–Israel relations

In 1995–2000, Kazakhstan and Israel signed an agreement on cultural cooperation and a declaration on developing relations. Following the Kazakhstani president’s visit to Israel, the government approved an action plan.

The cultural agreement of 1995

The governments of Kazakhstan and Israel signed the cultural cooperation agreement in Almaty on 30 August 1995. Kazakhstan approved it through Resolution No. 268 of 1 March 1996. A Foreign Ministry note included in the publication on Adilet states that the agreement entered into force on 23 December 1998. 1

The agreement covers culture, the arts, education, science, sport and the media. It provides for contacts between universities, exchanges of researchers, teachers and students, festivals, exhibitions, and cooperation between museums, libraries and archives. Article 12 provides for a joint commission responsible for exchange programmes and financial arrangements. 1

The declaration on mutual understanding of 2000

On 5 April 2000, a declaration on further developing mutual understanding and cooperation was signed in Jerusalem. It refers to an earlier declaration on the foundations of relations dated 27 December 1995. 2

The declaration of 2000 names political dialogue, parliamentary ties and consultations between foreign ministries. Its economic section concerns business contacts, agriculture, industry, energy and technology. A separate provision covers education, culture, tourism, sport, and links between cities and regions. 2

The action plan after the visit

On 14 July 2000, Kazakhstan’s government approved an action plan through Resolution No. 1072 following the president’s visit to Israel on 3–5 April. The plan names the responsible parties and deadlines. Item 15 calls for exchanges of medical and scientific personnel, students, performing groups, artists and films. Other items concern preparing documents, negotiations and considering cooperation with companies. 3

The resolution required the Foreign Ministry to report on implementation at least once every six months. Those reports are not included in the published document. 3