Nazarbayev: Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Turkey to be increased to USD 10 bln

Nursultan Nazarbayev expressed his gratitude to the Turkish side for the organization of the visit and congratulated on the Day of Turkish Republic.

"For 20 years our countries have passed significant stages of development. During this time we have learned a lot from each other, reached an enormous success. Today the effective cooperation between Kazakhstan and Turkey develops at the high level. Our relationships in various international and regional organizations are expanded," the Kazakh President said.

Nursultan Nazarbayev noted that Turkey is one of the most important economic partners of Kazakhstan. Economic cooperation between the two countries is developing rapidly. Investments of Turkey in Kazakhstan reached USD two billion for the period of Kazakhstan's independence. It is planned to increase the bilateral trade turnover to USD 10 billion by 2015.

The President stressed that by adopting a joint economic program "New Synergy" the countries set strategically significant purpose. The Customs Union of Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus opens new opportunities for Turkish investors.

Nursultan Nazarbayev noted the potential for mutual cooperation in tourism sphere. It is expected that Turkish business will take an active part in this process. Given the geo-strategic location of the two countries, connecting Asia and Europe, there is scope for further expansion of bilateral cooperation in the field of transport and transit. Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Turkey in the cultural sphere is also at a high level. Days of Astana Culture in Ankara held in September have strengthened cultural ties between the two countries.

At the end of the meeting the President of Kazakhstan thanked participants for their hard work and wished success in their future activities.