Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with the President of France Emmanuel Macron, who arrived in Kazakhstan on an official visit.
The talks were preceded by a welcoming ceremony for the French President. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Emmanuel Macron introduced the members of the delegations to each other. The head of the Guard of Honour gave a welcome report to the leaders of the two countries, and the national anthems of Kazakhstan and France were played. Then, in the East Hall of the Akorda residence held negotiations between the two leaders in a narrow format.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev gave a warm welcome to Emmanuel Macron.
– Dear Mr President! We welcome your visit, it is a big event. Thank you for accepting my invitation and coming to Kazakhstan on an official visit. Cooperation between Kazakhstan and France is developing dynamically, but it is necessary to give it additional impetus. That is why we can call your visit historic and very important. I am confident that today's negotiations will be productive, – stressed the Head of State.
The Kazakh leader noted that France is a key and reliable partner in the EU and a major investor to the Kazakhstan economy.
In turn, Emmanuel Macron praised the relations between Kazakhstan and France.
– Thank you, Mr President, for your invitation. I am very pleased to be in Astana today to meet with you. Thank you for organizing this visit in an important year for our bilateral partnership. We will be able to make progress on key international issues, underlining our commitment to the UN Charter and principles such as territorial integrity and national sovereignty. We will also be able to discuss important bilateral issues. We are important economic partners. In addition, I would like to note that we will sign important treaties that will advance the strategic and economic relations between our countries. I would like to reiterate that I am very pleased to meet you today and to discuss our common agenda, – said the French President.
The leaders discussed the prospects of development of the Kazakh-French strategic partnership. Special attention was paid to strengthening political dialogue, deepening cooperation in trade and economic, investment, energy, transport and logistics, cultural and humanitarian spheres.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Emmanuel Macron also exchanged views on topical issues on the international and regional agenda.
At the end of the meeting, the two leaders continued the negotiations in an enlarged format with the participation of the delegations of the two countries.
