Kazakhstan President discussed regional security with Vice-President of European Commission

Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed regional security with High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Baroness Catherine Ashton, Tengrinews.kz reports citing the President’s press-service. “The meeting covered prospects of further development and enhancement of the trade and economic relations between Kazakhstan and the UE under the expanded agreement on partnership and cooperation. The parties also reviewed international agenda, global and regional security, including the situation in Afghanistan,” the press-service writes. “It is a big honor for me to meet with you today. This is my first visit to Astana and second to Kazakhstan. Everyone visiting the capital can see the wonderful architectural sights. I would also like to note that many buildings are under construction. This certifies of the continuing development of your city,” Ashton said at the meeting. The High Representative of the EU stressed that she was happy to be in Kazakhstan and noted that the EU supports Kazakhstan in negotiations on entering the WTO, as well as Kazakhstan’s initiative on the regional integration. According to President’s press-service the European Union has been a major trade and investment partner of Kazakhstan for 6 years in a row. The flow of direct investments from EU countries to Kazakhstan’s economy made $70 billion in 1993-2012. By Aidana Ussupova