Nazarbayev calls Japanese premier's Central Asia tour 'timely'
ASTANA. Oct 27 (Interfax) - Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev has met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has arrived in Kazakhstan for an official visit.
During the meeting, Nazarbayev congratulated Abe on his reelection as prime minister of Japan and wished him success in his work amid today's complicated situation in the global economy, the Kazakh leader's press service said in a report on Tuesday.
Kazakhstan and Japan have a lot in common, Nazarbayev said.
"Our countries were exposed to the tragic consequences of the testing and use of nuclear weapons. For this reason, I came up with an initiative [proposing] a global anti-nuclear movement, and we entirely support your [Abe's] relevant initiatives," the Kazakh president said.
Kazakhstan and Japan "have neither economic nor political disagreements," he said.
"Kazakhstan intends to cooperate with your country in all areas. And your tour across Central Asian countries is important and timely. We support the Japan-Central Asia interaction format and view it as necessary," Nazarbayev said.
Hopefully, the Japanese prime minister's visit will give a fresh impetus to cooperation between the two countries, the Kazakh leader said.
Abe, for his part, said that a broad delegation representing business circles was accompanying him during his visit to Kazakhstan, expressing hope that specific results would be achieved during these talks.
Abe is visiting Kazakhstan as part of his Central Asia tour, which earlier took him to Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.