Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday at talks with his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Sochi that they will discuss in a businesslike and friendly manner a whole range of issues on the agenda.
"We will have an opportunity to talk both formally and informally during a working lunch. There are a lot of issues, I am very glad to have an opportunity to calmly, in a businesslike, friendly way to discuss all the issues on the agenda," Putin said.
Putin said that the relations between Russia and Kazakhstan are developing positively in all directions.
The Russian head of state reminded that in October the countries celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
" We work actively in all directions and in a positive way. And our meeting gives additional impulses to development of our strategic partnership," Putin said.
According to the Russian leader, trade turnover between the two countries is growing: last year it grew by 34.4%, and in the first five months of this year by almost 9%. "Investments from both sides are growing: Russian investments, I think, reached $17 billion, Kazakh investments to Russia - more than four, $4.5 billion approximately," the president added.
Russia, he noted, ranks first among the trade and economic partners of Kazakhstan. "We also have large good projects developing, work in high-tech areas, including space," Putin said.
Before the talks started, he met Tokayev on the porch at the entrance to the residence, and the presidents shook hands. The leaders also made a joint protocol photo.
As the Kremlin's press service had earlier reported, the two presidents plan to discuss further development of Russia-Kazakhstan relations and strategic partnership and cooperation as part of the regular high-level dialogue. In addition, issues of bilateral cooperation within the framework of integration associations will be discussed, including the CIS, which Kazakhstan is chairing this year.
According to the press service of the president of Kazakhstan, the talks will focus on topical issues of bilateral strategic partnership, including further development of trade and economic cooperation.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of RF
Based on materials TASS