Russia eyes regional cooperation as its priority: V. Putin

In his opening remarks President Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan has noted the forum of interregional cooperation is an effective platform for development of the commercial and economic relations between the two nations.

"Vladimir Vladimirovich, welcome to Kazakhstan! Once again we traditionally hold the Interregional Cooperation Forum which is an effective platform for development of the commercial and economic relations between our countries. Today's forum will concentrate on cooperation in the sphere of innovations," N. Nazarbayev said.

Vladimir Putin, in his turn, declared that Russia considered regional cooperation as a priority.

"The regional cooperation is the priority for the Russian Federation. Out of 83 Russian regions, almost 80 cooperate with Kazakhstan," V. Putin stressed.

He also pointed out 'sales turnover between the regions constantly grows'.