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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Nazarbayev, colleagues, friends,
It seems like we met just recently, but nevertheless, many matters have accumulated since then. We have talked many times over the phone about the problems that have occurred. But that is normal, because our cooperation is very extensive and I am pleased to note that it is constantly growing and expanding.
This certainly benefits our economies and our peoples. We are gaining very good experience in integration, which is working and functioning very effectively.
I am very pleased to see you. Thank you very much for agreeing to come. We have a range of key issues that we would like to discuss, and I am happy for the opportunity to do so.
Welcome.
President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev: Thank you, Mr Putin.
It is a great pleasure for me to come here, as we agreed. We met in December and discussed certain matters. A new year has arrived, and with it, new challenges. We gave instructions on drafting a new treaty of friendship and cooperation. I hope that we will sign it in Yekaterinburg in the fall.
Other issues include integration, and we are making progress on all matters pertaining to the Common Economic Space and Economic Union. In May 2014, we must have an agreement so that beginning in 2015, we can announce that we are creating the Eurasian Economic Union.
I am grateful to you for the time you’ve made today for this meeting.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.
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