Central Asia, Russia leaders gather for round table meeting

A bilateral meeting between Vladimir Putin and Nursultan Nazarbayev, respective Presidents of Russia and Kazakhstan, was followed by a round table meeting of the leaders of Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrghyzstan and Tajikistan. It is being held behind closed doors.

The meeting being informal, the presidents are wearing casual clothes. President Nazarbayev of the host country thanked the conferees for accepting his invitation to take part in the Aktau meeting and noted the importance of today's meeting and the ones which have recently taken place in Almaty, Chembulak, St.Petersburg. It is the Petersburg summit that brought forth the decision to gather in Kazakhstan's Aktau today.

Such meetings are of tremendous importance, emphasised the Kazakh leader, since the region and the entire world are still facing serious threats and challenges. A frequent opinion exchange is absolutely necessary to achieve progress in fighting present-day evils, according to President Nazarbayev.

The world has been increasingly directing a spotlight on the Central Asian community, the president said emphatically.