Kazakhstan, Portugal discuss boosting economic ties
Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister Erlan Idrisov paid his first official visit to Portugal on May 15-16, the ministry said.
The Foreign Minister met with President Anibal Cavaco Silva, President of the Assembly (parliament) Maria Esteves, Foreign Minister Paulo Portas as well as representatives of leading business organizations in Portugal.
In accordance with the instructions of the President on the further economization of foreign policy of Kazakhstan, the main topic on the agenda of negotiations in Lisbon included the intensification of bilateral trade, economic and investment cooperation.
In particular, the sides discussed cooperation in areas of interest to Kazakhstan in which Portugal has first hand experience: infrastructure, transportation, pharmaceuticals, public-private partnerships, etc. In addition, Portugal expressed strong interest in attracting private Kazakh investment.
The meeting with Portuguese officials also discussed the progress of the review and signing of key documents that should form the legal basis of the Kazakh-Portuguese relations, including an agreement on economic cooperation, on tourism and on avoidance of double taxation. The parties agreed to consider the establishment of an intergovernmental trade commission that would provide for further intensification of cooperation.
The sides also discussed the facilitation of the visa regime for citizens of Kazakhstan. The Kazakh Foreign Minister called on the Portuguese side to provide assistance in this matter both on a bilateral basis and within the framework of multilateral negotiations with the countries of the Schengen zone.
During his stay in Lisbon, Idrisov visited the EXPO-98 objects that have become an integral part of the architectural appearance of the Portuguese capital after holding an international exhibition.
The Portuguese side accepted the proposal of the delegation of Kazakhstan on cooperation and the exchange of experience in the preparation and holding of EXPO-2017 in Astana.
In addition, the Kazakh-Portuguese business seminar with participation of representatives of the companies of the two countries, interested in establishing and expanding cooperation, was held during Idrisov's visit.