Kazakhstan, Czech Republic explore energy cooperation prospects

ALMATY. April 28 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic have agreed to explore the prospects for energy cooperation.

Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, in Astana on an official visit, the Kazakh government's press service said Tuesday.

"The two leaders focused on energy cooperation and the potential for partnership in modernizing industrial plants through the introduction of environmental technologies and advanced engineering solutions," according to a government statement.

The prime ministers also discussed opportunities for cooperation in nuclear energy, including between Kazakh nuclear company Kazatomprom and Czech energy group CEZ.

Additional potential exists in fuel cycle services, technology exchange, specialist training and related industrial projects.

Babis expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Kazakhstan in chemicals, energy, water resources and other promising areas.

The sides also reviewed prospects for cooperation on critical mineral resources, with an emphasis on value-added processing and technology transfer.