Astana, Kazakhstan, June 13
By Daniyar Mukhtarov - Trend:
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev has met with Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Acorda (residence of Kazakhstan's president) said.
"The sides discussed the priorities of the Kazakh-Italian cooperation in the trade, economic and investment spheres," a message posted on the website of Acorda said.
The head of state congratulated Renzi with the appointment to the post of Italy's prime minister and emphasized the dynamic development of the bilateral relations.
"Kazakhstan is interested in good relations with your country. Italy is our largest trade and investment partner and we can give a new impetus to our cooperation. I also invite you to pay an official visit to our country," the president said.
Italy's prime minister, in turn, thanked Nazarbayev for the meeting and pointed out that he accepts the Kazakh president's invitation with great pleasure.
During the negotiations, the two sides discussed the prospects for development of relations in such sectors as the oil and gas sphere, transport, energy and agriculture.
They also touched upon the cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union (EU) to be chaired by Italy In the second half of 2014.
Moreover, Nazarbayev and Renzi exchanged views on the most topical issues of the international agenda.
Following the talks, the Kazakh president and Italy's prime minister took part in the ceremony of signing the bilateral documents. The following documents were signed: an agreement on implementation of the Isatai geological exploration project and the project for construction of a shipbuilder/shipyard between Kazakhstan's KazMunaiGas JSC and Italy's Eni S.p.A. and a memorandum of understanding.
After the signing ceremony, Nazarbayev and Renzi made corresponding statements.
The head of state pointed out that the relations between Kazakhstan and Italy intensively develop in many spheres.
"Italy is the strategic economic partner of Kazakhstan in Europe. This country accounts for 13 percent of Kazakhstan's total foreign trade turnover. The total volume of the Italian investments in our economy is $6.5 billion. Moreover, Italy is the largest consumer of the Kazakh oil," the president said.
Nazarbayev also stressed that Kazakhstan has high hopes for the forthcoming chairmanship of Italy in the European Union, as the country is preparing to sign an expanded partnership agreement with it.
Renzi, for his part, expressed gratitude for the support to the Italian companies operating in Kazakhstan and congratulated the country with the upcoming EXPO international exhibition.
Edited by CN