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Astana (Kazakhstan): Vice-President Hamid
Ansari kicked off his visit to Kazakhstan with an address to
the Kazakh Senate (Upper House) on Monday morning.
In his brief address in the impressively built Senate chamber,
the Vice-President commended to Kazakh legislators India's
"accommodative pluralism" as one way of dealing with the new
demands being made on the concept and practices of
multiculturalism the world over.
"Inclusive circle"
After pointing out that both India and Kazakhstan had to
devise constitutional and administrative mechanisms to suit
"multiethnic, multireligious societies" within the framework
of "secular state structures," Mr. Ansari drew the
legislators' attention to the Indian capacity "to give space
to fellow citizens and our ability to draw the circle wide
enough to be inclusive."
Meets Prime Minister
Earlier, Mr. Ansari held talks with his constitutional
counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Chairman of the Senate.
Later he had discussions separately with Prime Minister Karim
K. Massimov and Chairman of the Mazhilis (Lower House) Aslan
Mussin.
He is likely to have substantive discussions with the real
ruler, President Nursultan Nazarbayev on Tuesday.
In his interaction with the various sections of the Kazakh
leadership, the Vice-President offered to share India's
expertise and experience in information technology and higher
education.
Security Council seat
The Kazakh side expressed an interest, according to a senior
Indian official, in expanding cooperation energy, especially
hydrocarbon, and food production. It reiterated the
traditional Kazakh stand of supporting India's claim to a
Security Council seat.
Mr. Ansari and the Senate Chairman attended a cultural show
staged by Kazakh and Indian artistes.
The evening was rounded off with a dinner
and concert hosted by Chairman Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Source: Hindu |