Kazakhstan and Albania looking to expand bilateral cooperation

ASTANA. Sept 7 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan and Albania are looking to strengthen bilateral cooperation, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in a statement.

"We have discussed a variety of issues related to bilateral cooperation. We have recognized that there are numerous opportunities that we need to explore in the near future in order to strengthen our cooperation. Albania is a very important partner. Kazakhstan is extremely interested in developing cooperation with Albania, and will put in every effort to achieve significant results," Tokayev said on Thursday at a meeting with Albanian President Bayram Begay in Astana.

Tokayev also proposed launching direct flights between the two countries' capitals in order to improve travel and trade.

Begay thanked Kazakhstan for the hospitality, and invited Tokayev to visit Albania.

"We hope to continue our collaboration with the goal of expanding ties between Albania and Kazakhstan. Our aim is to strengthen and increase cooperation, interaction, and humanitarian contacts between our countries. In September, diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Albania entered a new phase. I would like to extend an invitation to you, Mr. President, to visit Albania and see the countries of the Balkan Peninsula," Begay said.