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Times of Central Asia (30 October 2018)

ASTANA (TCA) — The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Chingiz Aidarbekov, who visited the capital of Kazakhstan in his first working visit as head of the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry on October 27.

The two sides stressed the particular importance of the Kazakh-Kyrgyz relationship, and noted that they regard each other as strategic partners and good neighbours, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry said.

The ministers exchanged views on bilateral political, trade, economic, investment, cultural and humanitarian relations, as well as on the whole range of issues related to regional cooperation, cross-border cooperation, and the field of water and energy.

“Our focus is on the implementation of the agreements reached between President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbai Jeenbekov in Astana and Cholpan-Ata. We note with satisfaction that most of the instructions of the Presidents have been fulfilled and we continue to cooperate actively on the implementation of the plans,” stressed the Kazakh Minister. At the meeting, the sides expressed a mutual desire to take practical measures to increase the volume of bilateral trade, diversifying its structure, and at implementing joint investment projects in new sectors of the economy, including through the established Astana International Financial Centre. Business communities of the two countries have new opportunities to establish mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as electronic commerce, financial services, processing and food industry, as well as the digital industry.

“The common cultural-historical and linguistic roots of the two peoples are a good foundation for the further enhancement of cooperation in the fields of culture, art, science, tourism and other fields. We will provide all-round assistance to cultural exchange, encourage and maintain contacts and ties in these areas,” said Mr. Abdrakhmanov.

According to the Kazakh statistical agency, in the first seven months of 2018, the volume of trade between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan increased by 18%, amounting to $486 million.

https://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/20430-kyrgyzstan-s-new-foreign-minister-makes-first-foreign-trip-to-kazakhstan