The Italian semester at the helm of the European Union arouses fervent expectations in Kazakh territory. In the natural oasis of Borovoe, in the north of the country, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev met Matteo Renzi to discuss strengthening relations between Italy and Kazakhstan at a geopolitical level. “The Italian presidency of the European Union in the second half of this year is expected in our country with great hope” declared Nazarbayev. “Kazakhstan” he added “is interested in signing a close cooperation agreement with the European Union and finds the ideal interlocutor in Italy”. Italy, Nazarbayev pointed out, is a strategic partner in Europe for Kazakhstan. Italian investments in the Asian state have in fact reached 6,5 billion dollars and our country covers 13% of Kazakh trade with foreign countries. During the meeting, the two sides did not limit themselves to declarations of intent but also discussed very concrete prospects. Renzi assured President Nazarbayev that many Italian companies are strongly interested in establishing cooperative relations with Kazakh companies and mentioned the names of FIAT, Italcementi and Finmeccanica as the groups most willing to collaborate. However, the relaunch of Kazakhstan does not need only corporate partnerships and investments, but also European experience and skills for the organization of higher education institutes in the technical, scientific and management fields.
http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2667981
