President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who arrived in Astana on a working visit.
The prospects for expanding cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres were discussed at the meeting.
"I warmly recall our meeting in 2015. We appreciate your personal contribution to the promotion and development of our mutually beneficial cooperation. We know that you are currently the longest serving Prime Minister of your country and have vast international credentials. I would also like to acknowledge the dynamic development of our bilateral cooperation. The Netherlands is the largest investor in our economy. The volume of direct investments has exceeded 120 billion dollars. Our countries are implementing large-scale joint projects" – the President stressed.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the significance of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands' visit in terms of reinforcing trade and economic ties between Astana and Amsterdam.
In turn, Mark Rutte expressed his appreciation for the high level of bilateral partnership. He also advocated for the intensification of practical cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Netherlands.
"I was in Astana for the first time in 2010, which was my first trip outside the EU as the new Prime Minister. And then there was my visit in 2015. I remember our negotiations very well. I am always amazed at the rapid development of our bilateral relations and I have a deep respect for Kazakhstan's balanced position on the regional and international agenda. I also respect what you are personally doing to take the country to the next level. We will be happy to share ideas and developments that we have in agriculture, green energy, water management" – said the Head of the Dutch Government.
During the talks, the sides thoroughly discussed ways to strengthen trade, economic, energy and investment cooperation, as well as contacts in the spheres of transport, innovations, nuclear energy, agriculture, healthcare, climate and water management.
Two leaders also exchanged views on topical issues on the international and regional agenda. The importance of continuing the dialogue within the framework of interaction with the European Union was stressed.
