Kazakh FM, President of Swiss Confederation hold talks in Astana

At the meeting, the sides discussed the prospects and state of bilateral cooperation in various spheres, interaction within the framework of multilateral institutes and relevant issues of international agenda. Minister Idrissov familiarized the Swiss President with key aspects of the new economy policy of Kazakhstan "Nurly zhol - Path to the future" initiated by President Nursultan Nazarbayev and stressed its social dimension. He also noted that funds allotted under the new program will be aimed at maintaining sustainable development of the country amid global crisis. E. Idrissov underscored that Kazakhstan sees Switzerland as a reliable and important partner interested in long-term and mutually profitable cooperation. The sides praised dynamically developing bilateral commercial and economic relations between Kazakhstan and Switzerland. Switzerland is one of the biggest investors of Kazakhstani economy. The interlocutors also expressed confidence that successful work of the Kazakhstani-Swiss inter-parliamentary commission for commercial and economic cooperation and the Kazakhstani-Swiss Business Council will facilitate further expansion of cooperation. Utmost attention was paid to possible cooperation in legal sphere. The sides touched upon the situation in Ukraine during the meeting as well. Minister Idrissov underlined Kazakhstan believes the conflict should be solved peacefully based on constructive dialogue. Following results of the meeting the sides signed the Memorandum of Mutual Understanding between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Kazakhstan and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation.