MANGISTAU OBLAST GOVERNOR MEETS WITH AZERBAIJAN’S MINISTER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Visiting Baku, Governor of Kazakhstan`s Mangistau oblast (region) Krymbek Kusherbayev met with Minister of Economic Development Heydar Babayev.The minister described the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan relations as friendly.
On economic cooperation between the two countries, Heydar Babayev said it should be pushed to the higher level.
He said he believes the Azerbaijani and Kazakh businessmen will establish fruitful cooperation in various spheres.
Krymbek Kusherbayev said Kazakhstan sees Azerbaijan as its strategic partner.
The Mangistau oblast`s governor said the ``the political will of the two countries` leaders is a major factor from the point of view of strengthening this partnership``.
On the Caspian Sea`s ecosystem, Mr. Kusherbayev said ``the Caspian Sea is our common pearl, and it doesn`t divide us, on the contrary it unites us``.
The Kazakh guest informed Heydar Babayev about economy and tourism industry of Mangistau oblast.
Azerbaijan`s Ambassador to Kazakhstan Latif Gandilov and Kazakh Ambassador to Azerbaijan Andar Shukputov were also present at the meeting.
Afterwards, Krymbek Kusherbayev visited the Baku business center to familiarize himself with the exhibition featuring trade and industrial output of various Azerbaijani companies.
Later the same day, the Kazakh delegation visited the headquarters of Azerbaijan`s ruling New Azerbaijan Party, YAP.
YAP’s executive secretary Ali Ahmadov informed the guests about the party`s history and its role in building democratic society in the country.
Ali Ahmadov said his party places huge emphasis on development of the bilateral relations with Kazakhstan’s ruling party.
Krymbek Kusherbayev spoke of the goals of his visit.
He said Kazakhstan is keen to enhance the bilateral ties with Azerbaijan in various spheres.
Then, Krymbek Kusherbayev and his accompanying delegation moved on to the Park Hyatt for the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan business forum.
Speaking at the forum - Krymbek Kusherbayev, Azerbaijan`s deputy Minister of Economic Development Mikayil Jabbarov and President of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation Emil Majidov - pointed to the fact that trade between Azerbaijan and Mangistau increased twenty times in 2006.
The two countries` businessmen explored ways of establishing cooperation in various spheres.
Following the forum, Azerbaijani and Kazakh officials gave a joint news conference.