Kazakhstan, Astana, May 2 / Trend D. Mukhtarov /
Kazakhstan and Japan are interested in opening a direct flight Astana - Tokyo, Japanese Trade, Economy and Industry Minister and Minister of State for economic response to the consequences of accident at Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant, Yukio Edano said today.
"The issue about the opening of direct flights between the two countries was raised during the meetings with Kazakh Foreign Minister Yerzhan Kazykhanov," Edano said at a briefing after the meeting with Kazykhanov. "I will convey this request to our Minister of Transport upon my returning home. I intend to render support in this issue."
He said that a direct flight between the two capitals will help to strengthen and expand the Japanese-Kazakh cooperation.
The purpose of the visit to Astana is to intensify our cooperation," he said. "I am sure I have reached this during my visit."
He said that Japan's interest in Kazakhstan, as a manufacturer of natural resources has always been great. This interest remains in the development and production of rare earth elements.
"Japan is interested in extracting the minerals in Kazakhstan," he said. "It is also ready to share with its high technologies. The projects in this area are under consideration. But the documents have been already signed to implement high technologies in the field of oil refining and petrochemicals."