Presidents of Kazakhstan and Switzerland spoke at media briefing
Following the results of negotiations held at the Akorda residence, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Ueli Maurer took part in a briefing for the mass media, Akorda’s press service reports.
Having praised the contribution of his Swiss counterpart to the development of bilateral relations, the President of Kazakhstan noted that the negotiations with Ueli Maurer were held in keeping with mutual understanding and trust.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that in political terms, Kazakhstan considers Switzerland as an important partner in Europe. According to him, the countries share common positions on the regional and global agenda, including the settlement of the conflict in Syria.
“As you know, Kazakhstan provides a platform for the Astana process on Syria, which, incidentally, supplements the Geneva process”, the Head of State noted.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called the economic component the main element of the Kazakh-Swiss partnership.
“Nowadays the Swiss Confederation is the third largest investor in our economy and is among the top ten largest trading partners of Kazakhstan. For 15 years, Swiss investment has exceeded 24 billion US dollars. Mutual trade turnover exceeded 3 billion US dollars last year”, the President of Kazakhstan noted.
The Head of State stated that the parties agreed on the need to intensify work on diversifying the structure of trade in favor of expanding the non-resource component and investment cooperation.
“We need new high-tech “anchor projects”. Kazakhstan has a great demand for the creation of innovative industries, the implementation of projects in the field of high technology, energy, agriculture, medicine and pharmaceuticals”, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
He also pointed out the prospects of a number of joint projects, in particular, in the sphere of engineering, chemical, food industry, transport and logistics, tourism and environmental protection.
In addition, given the status of Switzerland as one of the important financial centers of the world, the leaders of the two countries noted the existence of prospects for interaction between the Astana International Financial Center and the financial sector of Switzerland.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev confirmed the willingness of the Kazakh side to provide comprehensive assistance to Swiss investors interested in projects to open joint ventures in Kazakhstan with export of final products to adjacent markets.
As it’s known, the President of Switzerland arrived in Nur-Sultan, accompanied by a representative business delegation. It provided a good opportunity to discuss in detail the prospects for cooperation in many areas.
“We heard interesting offers from Swiss companies. For all the initiatives put forward, Kazakhstan counterparts will conduct a thorough analysis”, the President of Kazakhstan concluded.
In turn, the President of Switzerland noted the steady development of relations between the countries, in particular, in the political, trade and economic direction.
Ueli Maurer drew attention to the important geostrategic location of Kazakhstan, focusing on the role of our country in the implementation of the One Belt - One Road initiative. In his opinion, Kazakhstan will continue to be a bridge connecting Asia and Europe.
In addition to the economic component, the Swiss leader proposed strengthening cooperation in the fields of technology, services, cultural and humanitarian ties.
“We need to establish a direct flight connection between Zurich and Nur-Sultan, because this will help bring people closer to each other and get to know each other. And this is the main meaning of our cooperation”, Ueli Maurer stated.
