President Putin: Russia is concerned with antiterrorism activities in Middle Asia

Russia is concerned with the development of the situation in the Middle Asia regarding the fight against terrorism, Russian President Vladimir Putin disclosed at his meeting in the Kremlin with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

"Recently I had talks with Uzbek President Karimov on the same topic. I would like to know your opinion on this issue," the Russian President told Mr. Nazarbayev.

Speaking about the bilateral relations, the Russian President said that "the current pace of the bilateral relations is observed and the trade turnover increased by almost 50%." Mr. Putin also noted that this year Kazakhstan holds a Year of Russia. "The program is very entertaining and I hope the Kazakh people will be interested to get to know Russian artistic troupes," Mr. Putin said.

Mr. Nazarbayev on his part disclosed that he visited Germany recently where attended the Hanover Fair. "German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder was present at the opening ceremony and we had a talk. He sent his best wishes to you," the Kazakh President said.

He also noted that the bilateral relations gained positive dynamics, Kazakhstan as well as Russia experience economic growth and the increase of the of trade turnover was estimated at 55% in the first quarter of this year.

Mr. Nazarbayev stressed that "economists as well as government have questions and Kazakh experts started interacting with the Russian government in order to solve the questions." The Kazakh President recalled that 10 years ago in Moscow he proposed the formation of the Eurasian Economic Society (EurAsEC). On the occasion of the anniversary the heads of EurAsEC member countries will have a meeting in Astana. "We will keep promoting the single economic space of EurAsEC," Mr. Nazarbayev said. He noted as well, that he would like to discuss with Mr. Putin issues concerning security and economic cooperation.