Kazakhstan, Germany and France to expand dialogue - Idrissov

    Kazakh Foreign Affairs Minister, Erlan Idrissov has participated in the Joint Conference of the German and French ambassadors in Central Asia, Russia, China and Afghanistan in Astana today, a news statement from the ministry says.
    According to Minister Idrissov, Kazakhstan sees vast potential for the expansion of cooperation with Germany and France in the resolution of regional issues in Central Asia, including those in the areas of security, economy, water resources management and the protection of environment, the development of transit and transport potential.
    At the conference, Idrissov outlined the overriding priorities for the Kazakhstan-2050 Development Strategy and the Nurly zhol - Path to the Future program. He stressed the implementation of these ambitious programs will ensure the socioeconomic development of Kazakhstan.
    The minister praised the dynamic development of commercial and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU, having noted it is the largest trade partner and investor in Kazakhstan. He stressed the EU- Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement that will be signed this year has huge potential for the further development of cooperation.
    Idrissov went on to point out the importance of deeper Kazakhstan-EU cooperation to countering new challenges in the international arena, according to Kazinform.