Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks at talks with Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov (Moscow, January 20, 2017).

Mr Minister, friends,

I would like to once again congratulate you on your appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and to say that we share your policy of maintaining continuity in relations between our allied countries, which are developing relations of strategic partnership. We appreciate your willingness to visit Russia so soon after your appointment to this post of great importance and responsibility.

Today we have an opportunity to discuss the implementation of the agreements reached by our presidents, who meet regularly. Last year they held these substantive and detailed meetings nine times. Each of their meetings gives us a fresh impetus towards deepening our interaction on bilateral and foreign policy issues.

I hope to be able to discuss these issues with you today and to set out practical steps to strengthen cooperation between our countries and ministries.

Once again, welcome to Moscow. We are glad to see you.