John Baird calls the agr't with Kazakhstan on 'peaceful' atom a gesture of trust b/w two countries

"We welcome the signing of the document on cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear energy. This will reinforce and strengthen our mutual activity in the economic and social spheres. Moreover, it strengthens the trust between our two countries. We appreciate the leadership of the President of Kazakhstan in the field of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. It's really a very serious claim and a serious step", said John Baird, speaking at a briefing after talks with his Kazakh counterpart Erlan Idrissov.

As previously reported, the Canadian Foreign Minister 's visit to Astana is taking place at the invitation of the Kazakh side. This is the first official visit since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Canada. During the visit the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Industry and New Technologies Asset Issekeshev and John Baird today have put their signnatures on the agreement between two governments on collaboration in peaceful use of atomic energy.

"Canada and Kazakhstan are firm advocates of nuclear non-proliferation and they cooperate closely in this area. And this is an important agreement in the field, where our countries have made great strides", said Erlan Idrissov.