Russian and Central Asian leaders to meet unofficially in Aktau

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Aktau to take part in an unofficial meeting between Russian and Central Asian leaders. Following the arrival, the Russian President set out for the residence of the Kazakh President, where the meeting will be held.

The Russian, Kazakh, Uzbek, Kyrgyz and Tajik leaders will subsequently leave the presidential residence for the Aktau sea trade port - the only Kazakh port on the Caspian Sea coast.

In compliance with a Kazakh presidential decree, starting from January 1st, 2003 till January 1st, 2007, the port should be transformed into the Morport Aktau /Aktau Sea Port/ special economic zone. The zone is expected to bolster the economic development of the city and of the whole Mangistaus region where the port is located.

The Russian and Central Asian leaders will see the port's operation and learn the scheme of sea transit routes running via the Aktau port.