Netherlands consider Kazakhstan as strategic partner in Central Asia: Dutch Prime Minister

Topical issues of the development of cooperation between the two states were discussed at the meeting with the Head of the Dutch Government. Y.Balkenende noted that the Netherlands consider Kazakhstan as a strategic partner in Central Asia, taking into account the role of Astana in the solution of issues of the global energy security, struggle against international terrorism and drug trafficking, non-proliferation of the mass destruction weapon, climate change and environment protection. The Head of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry paid special attention to the importance of realization of the prospects of bilateral cooperation within ?Path to Europe? State Program and the EU and Central Asia Strategy for a New Partnership, complimenting the investment policy of the Dutch companies in Kazakhstan. The Minister noted the importance of the Netherlands experience in the field of energy conservation, alternative energy sources, ecologically clean productions in industry and agriculture. The Kazakh diplomat extended Y.Balkenende an invitation from the Kazakh President to visit Kazakhstan. The Prime Minister of the Netherlands conveyed good wishes to the President.