Kazakhstan, Astana, Nov. 22 / Trend, D. Mukhtarov /
On Thursday, President Nursultan Nazarbayev met with French President Francois Hollande. Leaders stressed the strategic level of partnership between Kazakhstan and France and discussed the prospects of further development of trade, economic, investment, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries, the press service of Akorda reported.
"Nursultan Nazarbayev said that France is one of the leading trade partners of Kazakhstan. Total direct French investments in the economy of our country is more than 9 billion dollars", - said in a statement posted on the Akorda website.
According to the press release, the president of Kazakhstan stressed the need to raise the bar of interaction in this direction at an even higher level. In particular, it provides intensify Kazakh-French Business Council and the Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation.
At the same time, the Presidents discussed the specific economic projects. Nursultan Nazarbayev told about the benefits of the program of forced industrial-innovative development of Kazakhstan. Possibility of opening direct flights between Astana and Paris discussed to strengthen the ties of the two countries.
In addition, the President of Kazakhstan noted the country's interest in cooperation with France in the field of education, research and innovation, including at the university level.
The sides also discussed topical international issues and key trends in the current economic situation in the world.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the possibility to neutralize the threats to global security. In particular, they discussed measures to ensure stability in Afghanistan, and the parties have demonstrated similar approaches to the issue. Worked out concrete proposals that is important for Afghanistan and the region.
At the end of the President of Kazakhstan invited the head of France to make an official visit to Astana.
In a briefing to the press after the talks, Nursultan Nazarbayev said that the meeting with Francois Hollande was held in order to continue the development of contacts and cooperation in the future, given the existing agreement on strategic partnership.
"We carry out 27 major joint projects. Trade between our countries has reached 6 billion dollars. We will continue to meet annually at the Commission "Nazarbayev-Hollande" to advance these projects. I believe that our cooperation in the economic, political, humanitarian and educational fields will continued for the benefit of both countries' interests, "- said the President of Kazakhstan.