Kazakh Senate Speaker met AEF delegates

In particular, Mr Tokayev had talks with former Premier of Lebanon Fouad Siniora, and Vladimir Rakhmanin, FAO's Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia, the Chamber's press service said. At the meeting with Fouad Siniora, the Speaker stressed that Kazakhstan and Lebanon have great opportunities for the development of mutual benefit political and economic cooperation noting the growing role of the inter-parliamentary dialogue in the context of the current complicated international situation. In his turn, Siniora highlighted the particular role of Kazakh Leader Nursultan Nazarbayev who has strategic vision and enjoys authority as an outstanding politician. Vladimir Rakhmanin and Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev debated urgent issues concerning bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and FAO. Rakhmanin noted that Kazakhstan is one of the world's largest grain suppliers. It takes an active part in humanitarian aid programs to help the needy, develops cooperation with international organizations to attract investment and get technical assistance. He also expressed hope for sooner opening of the FAO representation in Kazakhstan to promote mutual cooperation.