MOSCOW, April 11. /TASS/. Russia and Kazakhstan will continue to build up bilateral allied and strategic relations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, opening negotiations with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu.
Lavrov congratulated his counterpart on his appointment to office.
"I am certain that we will continue to work intensively to implement the agreements reached by our presidents, and ensure continuity in relations. You have vast experience, including in the foreign policy area. So, I am certain that we will continue to build up our allied, strategic, partner relations," Lavrov said.
The Russian Foreign Minister noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev frequently communicate.
"Last year, the presidents and prime ministers met over 15 times; phone calls are regular, as well as inter-parliamentary communication; the inter-governmental commission on trade and economic cooperation is working and cultural ties are active. Just recently, the ‘Russian Seasons’ were successfully held in Kazakhstan," he added.
"And, of course, integrational associations - the EAEU, the CSTO, the CIS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organizations - are areas that require our constant attention, and I am certain that we will have a fruitful exchange on these issues today, as well as on the international agenda," Lavrov noted.