Eurasian energy forum begins work in Astana.

ASTANA, October 5 (Itar-Tass) -- The 5th Eurasian forum KAZENERGY
begins its work in the Kazakh capital on Tuesday.
Representatives of more than 20 countries, leaders of ministries and
departments, top managers of leading energy companies of the world,
well-known representatives of business and experts' circles will discuss
urgent issues of the energy sector.
As chairman of the Kazakh Association of organizations of the oil, gas
and energy complex (KAZENERGY), deputy chairman of the board of the
National Well-Being of Kazakhstan Fund "Samruk-Kazyna" Timur Kulibayev
said in an interview with ITAR-TASS, during KAZENERGY forums, a wide range
of issues, beginning from geopolitical relations to ecology and investment
cooperation, is discussed.
"High interest of foreign businesses, biggest energy companies of the
world in developing business interaction with Kazakhstan, investing in
home oil, gas and energy projects is not the least of the factors. The
forum gives a unique opportunity to find new contacts, strengthen
Kazakhstan's image as a reliable supplier of resources," Kulibayev said.
Russian-Kazakhstanian relations and aspects of Russia's energy policy
traditionally occupy an important place in discussions of the forum. The
head of the KAZENERGY association expressed the hope that new contacts
will be found and business interaction will be expanded jointly with
Russian partners within the framework of the forum.
"Russia is a key and strategically important partner of Kazakhstan
both in the field of energy and the whole complex of political and
economic relations. Our countries are actively developing bilateral energy
interaction. In particular, such large-scale joint projects as the
extension of the KTK and Atyrau-Samara oil pipelines and strengthening of
cooperation in the uranium and nuclear sphere are planned for the near
future. As a whole, the potential for strengthening of the whole range of
energy relations is exclusively high," Kulibayev said.
"Energy map of Eurasia: balance of risks and new opportunities" will
the key topic of the forum. According to the association's head, the forum
participants will try to respond to the most important for energy security
of Eurasia challenges and risks, coordinate a formula of post-crisis
development. Special attention will be paid to energy geopolitics and
balanced energy interests in Eurasia.
"At the same time, the forum's discussions will touch upon a much
wider range of issues. We'll pay special attention to issues of ecology
and environmental protection which acquired special importance after the
disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. The forum will consider issues of
effective introduction and use of alternative sources of energy. Among
other important topics is the investment potential of Kazakhstan and the
Caspian region, discussion of issues of transit and transportation of raw
materials and others," the KAZENERGY chairman stressed.
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