ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 25. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has held a meeting with the Secretary of State for Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the UK, David Cameron, where the parties discussed the development of bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and the UK, Trend reports.
During the meeting, Tokayev noted the importance of Cameron's visit to Kazakhstan from the point of view of giving additional impetus to the development of bilateral relations.
"We note with satisfaction the dynamic development of mutually beneficial cooperation with the UK, our important strategic partner. I would especially like to note the Agreement on Strategic Partnership and Cooperation signed today. I am confident that this comprehensive document will lay a qualitatively new foundation for expanding our multifaceted bilateral agenda," he said.
He noted the existing potential for increasing trade, economic, and investment cooperation, including in the areas of energy, the green economy, finance, and innovation.
In turn, Cameron thanked Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his hospitality.
"I came here 11 years ago to start a strategic dialogue. Today, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, we signed an Agreement on Strategic Partnership and Cooperation. We intend to strengthen our interaction in the fields of energy, education, business, and culture, as well as strengthen interpersonal ties," he noted.
The parties also exchanged views on current issues on the regional and international agenda.
Meanwhile, the volume of trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the UK amounted to $1.18 billion in 2023. The volume of trade turnover decreased by 36 percent compared to the same period in 2022 ($1.84 billion).
At the same time, in the structure of trade turnover, exports to the UK for the above period amounted to $702 million, which is 52 percent less than from January through December 2022 ($1.46 billion).
In addition, imports from the UK from January through December 2023 increased by 24.5 percent and amounted to $478.6 million. In 2022, imports amounted to $384.3 billion.