Академия государственного управления при президенте республики казахстан

The uranium is used as a raw material in atomic energy. As a consequence of the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Cold War ended and it seemed like there was no necessity in developing of atomic industry. The end of the arms race turned to accelerated usage of enormous deposits of uranium which had been conserved by the USA and Russia for the production of fuel for atomic power plants. The price for one pound of the uranium is being increased year by year. And it is forecasted that this trend will be kept in the close future [2]. So, the peaceful use of nuclear energy can be an alternative source to meet the energy needs of civilized countries in the future. But on the other hand, developing of atomic industry can cause some problems for the whole humanity. That’s why the nuclear industry and energy provision of countries should follow main directions: usage of achievements in nuclear industry for peaceful purposes; cooperation and solution of problems connected with nonproliferation; facilitation of nuclear trade between countries in conformity with nonproliferation rules. Also, the factor of energy sector protection of each state against external and internal circumstances may affect its stable development, energy security and independence.

On the basis of this, today the Republic of Kazakhstan has determined its own industrial-innovation development strategy for 2003-2015. The «heart» of this program is, of course, «KazAtomProm» – national operator on export and import of the uranium and other materials. With the growth of needs of nuclear energy fuel in the world market, national company «KazAtomProm» has developed its own conception «15 thousand tons of uranium till 2010» [3]. Kazakhstan with the help of «KazAtomProm» sets its priorities of its development and observes certain rules which are necessary for its own security and security of the entire world. It is believed that even if the uranium industry is being considered to be a strategically important sphere of the majority of countries, then the energy security as well should be of the same importance. That’s why Kazakhstan, in its turn, being the 9th largest country on the planet and possessing 30 % of the world’s uranium reserves, tries to make steps in right direction which can ensure confidence and stability. So, in September 2006, five Central Asian countries signed an agreement to set up a nuclear free zone in the area. Former Soviet republics as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan have undertaken commitments against the production, acquisition and deployment of nuclear weapons, its components and other nuclear explosives in Central Asia. Besides, being a member of the Eurasian Economic Community (EAEC), Kazakhstan takes part in joint solution of problems connected with the provision of each member-state of the Community with economically accessible energy resources. Also, within the framework of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia there were adopted the documents which contributed to the strengthening of international regime of nonproliferation of mass destruction weapons.

Being an observer-state at this Conference, Japan is a single country which was subjected to atomic bombing and it decisively stands by against proliferation. Its «three nuclear-free principles» are well-known. And the Government of Japan helps Kazakhstan to liquidate the consequences of tests of nuclear weapons in Semey testing site. Moreover, in August 28, 2006, ex-prime minister Junichiro Koizumi became the first serving Japanese prime minister to visit Central Asia. This first event in the history of the Republic of Kazakhstan shows that the cooperation between Japan and Kazakhstan is being also continued at a new stage. On the one hand, the partnership of two countries in peaceful use of nuclear energy is of mutual significance, but, on the other hand, for Japan the issue of stable energy supply is of major priority. The 1970 oil shocks prompted Japan to reduce its dependence on oil, though oil still makes up to 50 % of primary energy in this country. The development and use of nuclear power in Japan is carried out in accordance with the Long-Term Program for Research, Development and Utilization of Nuclear Energy, a plan prepared every five years by the Atomic Energy Commission. Nuclear power plants currently provide approximately one-third of Japan’s electricity. Thus, the Republic of Kazakhstan with its energy-rich particularity is a strategically important country for Japan. Because, it is not good to be too dependent on the Middle East for Japan’s strategy on energy resources. Kazakhstan is blessed with abundant resources. So, the ex-prime minister stressed that they mustn’t just focus upon resources and should think as well about the environment, such as applying green technologies to enhance efficiency and save energy. During all the history of diplomatic relationship between two countries it was the first event where a high level delegation consists of Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry along with the top executives and management of leading energy, fuel companies and financial institutions of Japan, was formed to hold the meeting on widening the cooperation, investments and partnership between Japan and Kazakhstan. It demonstrates to the whole international community the importance and perspective of cooperation for Japan with Kazakhstan in the sphere of atomic energy. The visit of Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan acknowledges that his country – Japan is particularly interested in cooperation with Kazakhstan in the sphere of atomic energy. And the joint document which was signed by two parties is the beginning of development of a special inter-governmental strategic agreement in the sector of atomic energy usage. In his opinion, thereby, two countries have taken a large step forward.

1. 
   Kazakhstan aims to become uranium giant // The Times of Central Asia. – 07.09.2006. – p.15.
   
2. 
   Грядущие атомные страсти // Континент. – 25.04.2006. – С.14.
   
3. 
   Ядерный горизонт Казахстана // Континент. – 25.04.2006. – С.16.