Astana represents the country's development over the past two decades - Speaker of the Swiss Parliament Upper House

Tokayev stressed the role of Switzerland as an important political and economic partner of Kazakhstan in Europe. The two countries hold similar positions on global issues and successfully cooperate within multilateral structures.

During the meeting the parties paid considerable attention to the issues of inter-parliamentary collaboration. At the end of November Bern will host the first meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Group "Switzerland-Kazakhstan". According to Mr.Tokayev the group's activity are able to facilitate the exchange of legislative experience on "green economy", renewable energy, fight against corruption, cross-border crime, fight against extremism and terrorism.
As noted by the speakers, the Kazakh-Swiss Business Council and the Kazakh-Swiss Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation play an important role in strengthening the economic partnership between the two states. In 2012 the trade volume between Kazakhstan and Switzerland reached USD 5.2 billion.

On the same day Filippo Lombardi performed before the deputies of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan. The distinguished guest shared his impressions about Astana development calling it "Manhattan in the desert". ''I can only imagine the political vision and determination that was taken for the implementation of such a wonderful project. Today Astana represents an exciting enhancement of your country over the last two decades as an independent state", said the president of the Council of States.

Lombardi noted the increasing role of Kazakhstan in the international arena, stressing that the country has become a strong and reliable partner both at regional and global level.
As chairman of the OSCE in 2014 Switzerland intends to use the experience of the Kazakh chairmanship in the organization. According to the speaker that is particularly important in the Eurasian context which is facing many challenges.
In addition the guest spoke about the EXPO-2017 in Astana. "By choosing the theme "Energy of the Future" your country has demonstrated awareness of the challenges and responsibilities that are part of the evolution on the way to becoming the leading economic nation", said Lombardi.

The President of the Council of States called for further promotion of the Kazakh-Swiss inter-parliamentary cooperation which would solve practical problems of mutual interest. Lombardi noted that Swiss companies in Kazakhstan operate in energy sector, equipment manufacturing, textile industry, the financial and insurance services and other areas.

The speaker extended appreciation to Mr.Tokayev for his effective work as Director General of the UN Office in Geneva.

The talks and meetings were attended by the Kazakh Senate's deputies as well as the ambassadors of the two countries Mukhtar Tleuberdi and Mauro Reyna.