President Vladimir Putin: Dear Nursultan Abishevich!
I am very glad to see you in Moscow. We have been in constant contact. We always have a lot to talk about because we are working together on so many things.
Today's meeting has an exceptionally business-like character: we shall be present at the signing of a document connected with the beginning of work on the construction of the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline. This is a very important event for the energy industry in our countries and Europe’s energy needs.
Yesterday, I talked to the President of Turkmenistan. We agreed that we would call him this afternoon. He is currently awaiting our call.
I am very glad to see you.
President Nursultan Nazarbayev: Thank you for inviting me to this meeting.
The year 2007 is drawing to a close, and 2008 is about to begin. In Russia there have been significant developments. Congratulations on the outcome of elections to the State Duma and on the victory of United Russia. We hope that the election of the President of Russia will go off as smoothly. I also want to thank you for taking such a firm position in the election of Kazakhstan as head of the OSCE [Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe] in 2010.
Today the document on the Caspian pipeline will be signed. We have issues to discuss concerning cooperation in the field of uranium. Kazakhstan is working with Russian companies on building a nuclear power plant in western Kazakhstan. Questions of current concern include the transit of energy resources through Russia and cultural relations.
I must say that we have no significant problems. Trade is growing at a rate of 30 per cent annually. Our meetings with the heads of border regions have helped promote this.
I have come to congratulate you on your successes this year and to extend my best wishes for the New Year, as well as to take stock and make plans for the future.