Presidents of Kazakhstan and Finland to focus on bilateral relations during Astana visit

President Niinistö will hold official talks with President Nursultan Nazarbayev on 17 April. Discussion will involve bilateral relations between Finland and Kazakhstan, regional and international affairs, and relations between the EU and Kazakhstan.

During the visit President Niinistö will also meet other political leaders, as well as National Ombudsman of the Republic of Kazakhstan Askar Shakirov and Chairman of the Human Rights Commission Kuanysh Sultanov.

The delegation will also include Minister of Economic Affairs Jan Vapaavuori and a group of business leaders. Reps of the following companies are expected in the Kazakh capital: Outotec, Patria, Vaisala, ABB, Tikkurila, Honkarakenne, Metso, Planmeca and Lappset. A high-level business event will be arranged during the visit for discussion on the economic relations between Finland and Kazakhstan.

Minister Vapaavuori will also take part in "MINEX Central Asia 2013 forum", where he is expected to address those present right after Vice Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Kairat Kelimbetov.

The President's delegation will include former President of the Supreme Administrative Court Pekka Hallberg, who has participated in a project supporting the development of rule of law in Central Asia.