Russian and Kazakh prime ministers meet in Sochi

    Russian Premier Dmitry Medvedev has met with his Kazakhstani counterpart Karim Massimov in Sochi on Saturday, June 28, Tengrinews reports citing RIA Novosti.
    The two discussed Kazakh-Russian bilateral relations and the global economic situation.
    “This is a very good opportunity to discuss the current state of Russian-Kazakh relations, our integration projects, bilateral issues, and to talk about international economic affairs,” Medvedev said.
    He stressed the overall situation was, “as usual, diverse," and it was good, "to exchange views on this subject for close partners such as Russia and Kazakhstan”.
    Since Massimov could not attend the Sochi Olympic Games, Medvedev offered the him to take a look at the Olympic venues during his visit.
    “We believe the Olympic Games went well, as did the preparations for them," Medvedev said.
    "Considering the fact you [Kazakhstan] have applied to host the Winter Olympics in 2022 [in Almaty], I believe you will be quite interested to see what we have done here,” Medvedev said as the two premiers visited the Bolshoi Ice Dome for hockey and the Adler Arena Skating Center.
    On his part, Massimov suggested discussing new arrangements related to the agreement signed by Putin, Nazarbayev and Lukashenko on May 29 in Astana.
    The agreement established the Eurasian Economic Union, which will come into force in January 2015.
    Massimov noted, "this is a great project, which will bring the two friendly countries even closer together”.
    "The peoples of our two countries should benefit from this ambitious project," Massimov said, according to Tengrinews.kz.