Kazakh, Russian presidents discussed key areas of cooperation

After the official welcoming ceremony at the Grand Kremlin Palace the heads of state held bilateral talks on the key areas of cooperation.

"First of all, I would like to congratulate Russian President Vladimir Putin on his birthday and thank him for the traditional Russian hospitality and warm welcome. During our meeting in Pavlodar, I noted that the Kazakh-Russian relations are a model of cooperation in the post-Soviet space," said Nursultan Nazarbayev.

The President also noted that this year is notable for Kazakhstan and Russia.

"This year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between the two countries. In addition, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. At present, given the current realities, the Treaty requires appropriate adaptation and renewal. We are strengthening cooperation in all spheres. We need to carefully study all issues of economic integration, especially regarding the Single Economic Space," said Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the structure of trade and economic relations between the two countries is diverse and amounts to more than USD 20 billion. "I am very pleased that you have accepted my invitation to pay a working visit to Russia. We have an opportunity to continue discussions on the development of bilateral political, economic and trade ties and discuss issues related to the deepening of integration not only between our two countries, but also in general in the former Soviet space," Putin noted.

Following the meeting, the sides adopted a joint statement on the agreement to develop and adopt a new treaty on good-neighborliness and alliance in the XXI century.