Kazakh leader reaffirms course toward strengthening allied relations with Russia
NUR-SULTAN. Oct 9 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan and Russia have no substantial problems in bilateral relations, and Nur-Sultan is determined to develop allied relations with Moscow, the Kazakh presidential press service quoted President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as saying at a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday.
"There are no serious problems between our countries, which is quite natural for such partners as Kazakhstan and Russia. We are strategic partners who are developing and strengthening their allied relations," Tokayev said.
The Russian Foreign Minister's visit to the capital of Kazakhstan is of great significance, adding momentum to bilateral relations, Tokayev said.
He also shared his impressions from attending a Valdai Discussion Club forum in Sochi recently, which, as he put it, was very successful.
Lavrov informed Tokayev of the implementation of Kazakh-Russian agreements reached at the top level and of principal outcomes of negotiations between the two foreign ministers, which had taken place in Nur-Sultan earlier on Wednesday.
"We believe we are moving ahead intensively, and a good pace has been gained. We share the common opinion that the pace of development of our relations set at the top level should serve as a reliable benchmark in all areas of our interaction," the statement quoted Lavrov as saying.
Tokayev and Lavrov discussed a broad range of issues pertaining to their bilateral cooperation and exchanged opinions on relevant aspects of the regional and international agenda, the presidential press service said.