Nazarbayev, Poroshenko agree to intensify work on creation of Kazakh-Ukrainian joint venture
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev said he is hoping that problems in economic cooperation with Ukraine can be resolved.
"Today we had a broad discussion about bilateral trade and economic relations, and we gave special attention to the aspects of cooperation between our countries," Nazarbayev told a press conference following negotiations with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Astana.
Nazarbayev said the sides have determined the priorities for further cooperation.
"Of course, we now have some problems, but our countries have wonderful economic relations and I hope we can resolve all issues positively. It's the fuel and energy sector, the industrial sector, and issues relating to agriculture and other industries of our country," the Kazakh president said.
He said the negotiation participants have agreed to intensify the work on the transition "from simple trade to the creation of a new joint production."
"This step is in full harmony with the policy of the prompt diversification of the country's economy and it is also in line with the interests of Ukraine," he said.
Nazarbayev also said the sides are exploring a number of investment projects.
"I believe that our Ukrainian colleagues will make every effort to strengthen the business ties," he said.
The presidents of Kazakhstan and Ukraine signed a joint statement after the negotiations.
Additionally, Kazakh First Deputy Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagitayev and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Regional Development, Construction and Utilities Minister Hennadiy Zubko signed a Kazakh-Ukrainian action plan for the 2015-2017 period ("Roadmap 5").