In Lisbon Foreign Minister Idrissov discussed issues to ease visa regime for Kazakhs
During the visit the Kazakh Foreign Minister met with Anibal Cavaco Silva, the President, Ms. Maria Esteves, the President of the Assembly (Parliament), Paulo Portas, his counterpart as well as representatives of leading business organizations in Portugal.
In accordance with the Kazakh President's request relating to the further economization of Kazakhstan foreign policy, the main topic on the agenda of negotiations in Lisbon was the activation of bilateral trade, economic and investment cooperation.
In particular, the sides debated partnership in the areas where Portugal has first hand experience and which are of interest for Kazakhstan: infrastructure, transportation, pharmaceuticals, public-private partnerships etc. In addition, the Portuguese side has expressed strong desire on attracting private investment from Kazakhstan.
The meeting discussed the progress of the review and signing of key documents that should form the legal basis of the Kazakh-Portuguese relations including an agreement on economic cooperation, tourism and document helping to avoid double taxation. The parties agreed to consider the establishment of an intergovernmental trade commission, the work of which would provide a further intensification of collaboration.
A separate topic for the talks was the facilitation of the visa regime for the citizens of Kazakhstan. The Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan called on the Portuguese side to assist the issue both on a bilateral basis and within the framework of multilateral negotiations with the countries of the Schengen zone.
During his stay in Lisbon E.Idrissov visited the facilities of Expo 98 which have become an integral part of the architectural appearance of Lisbon. According to the Portuguese officials it is important to plan not only the organization of an international exhibition but the implementation of pavilions and other infrastructure after the exhibition completion. Thus, the pavilion of ocean exploration became a local oceanarium, the Nations Park - the city park and the main entrance building to the Expo 98 has become the biggest trading center.
The Portuguese side enthusiastically accepted the proposal of the delegation of Kazakhstan on cooperation and exchange of experience in preparing and holding Expo-2017 in Astana.
In addition, during the visit of E. Idrissov the Kazakh-Portuguese business seminar with the participation of representatives of the two countries companies was held.