Nazarbayev visits Qatar to foster investemnts and relations between countries

President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev visited Doha, Qatar, Tengrinews reports citing the press office of Akroda.

Nazarbayev met with Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. During the meeting President Nazarbayev said that Kazakhstan considered Qatar an important partner in the region. Nazarbayev also noted that there was a great potential for cooperation between the countries.

The President of Kazakhstan emphasized the similarity between Kazakhstan and Qatar's views on regional and international issues. According to Nazarbayev, same as Qatar, Kazakhstan was conducting a diversification policy in economy, as well as implementing an extended number of institutional reforms and programs focused on development of  industry, innovations and infrastructure. Nazarbayev added that those programs opened prospects for the further cooperation between the countries.

In addition, Nazarbayev informed the Emir of Qatar about creation of a major business, transportation and logistics hub that would connect Europe with South Eastern Asia and form the New Silk Road. This new project aims to connect 60 countries. Moreover, Nazarbayev invited Qatar to take part in the upcoming EXPO-2017 in Astana.

According to the Kazakh President, there is a favorable investment climate in Kazakhstan and a lot of legal advantages for foreign investors.

In turn, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed hope that Nazarbayev's visit would give a powerful boost to the relationships between the countries.

President Nazarbayev also met with heads of corporations and financial institutions in Qatar. He expressed hope for long-term relations between Kazakhstan and Qatar noting historical and cultural connections. Nursultan Nazarbayev said that Qatar played an important role in the region and internationally. He also emphasized the rapid development of the country noting its high GDP growth.

Chairman of Qatari Businessmen Association Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, stated that Nazarbayev’s presence at the meeting confirmed the president's interest in developing partnership between Qatar and Kazakhstan, The Peninsula Qatar reported. 

The press office of the Kazakh President reported on the documents signed during Nazarbayev's visit to Qatar. Kazakhstan entered into an agreement between the governments of Kazakhstan and Qatar on visa-free entrance for citizens with diplomatic passports, an agreement on cooperation in culture and art and a memorandum of understanding between the National Bank of Kazakhstan and the Central Bank of Qatar.

Qatar Development Fund signed a Memorandum of Understanding to open a school in Astana named after the Emir. The new school is going to accommodate up to 1200 students. Finally, the Qatar Football Association signed an agreement on cooperation with Kazakhstani Football Federation to foster exchange and development of the sport in the countries.

Photos courtesy of Akorda press office

According to the Press Secretary of the President Dauren Abayev, Nazarbayev planned was visiting London, Paris and Doha as part of the ten day tour. On October 27, Nazabrayev concluded his official visits and returned to Astana to meet the PM of Japan. On November 2, Nazarbayev also meets with the US Secretary of State John Kerry.   

By Gyuzel Kamalova