President of Kazakhstan, German Chancellor had talks

BERLIN-ASTANA. KAZINFORM President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel have met in Berlin, the Akorda press service said.

The sides discussed issues concerning activization of bilateral economic relations, and efforts aimed at settlement of the crisis situation in the east of Ukraine in the context of the meeting that may take place in Astana with participation of the heads of Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France. The leaders stressed the need of strict observance of the Minsk agreements to contribute to sooner peaceful settlement and enhancing confidence. Besides, the parties noted active and constructive political dialogue between the two countries and the importance of practical realization of the Kazakh-German agreement on partnership in primary, industrial and technologic spheres signed in February, 2012. The leaders also focused on issues related to broadening innovation and investment cooperation and preparations for EXPO 2017 in Astana.