ISTANBUL

Kazakhstan and the UK on Wednesday signed a strategic partnership and cooperation agreement during an official visit by Britain’s top diplomat to the capital Astana. 

A statement by the Kazakh Foreign Ministry said that the agreement was signed following talks between Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron.

“This comprehensive agreement will be a significant step in taking political, trade and investment relations between Astana and London to new horizons,” Nurtleu was quoted as saying at the meeting.

“We believe our strong and mutually beneficial strategic partnership will continue to strengthen in all areas, from energy to rare metals, from ecology to education,” Nurtleu further said.

The Kazakh foreign minister also said that he welcomed contacts between his country and the UK at the intergovernmental and inter-parliamentary level.

For his part, Cameron expressed that the UK pays great attention to developing cooperation with Kazakhstan as a key partner in Central Asia.

“He also expressed support for the ongoing reforms in our country and the readiness of London to deepen its ties with Astana,” the statement added.

Cameron later held talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana, during which the latter noted the dynamic development of bilateral cooperation between his country and the UK.

Describing the UK as an “important strategic partner,” Tokayev was quoted as saying by a Kazakh presidency statement that he is confident the strategic partnership and cooperation agreement will provide a “qualitatively new foundation for expanding our multifaceted bilateral agenda.”

“We intend to strengthen our interaction in the fields of energy, education, business, culture, as well as strengthen interpersonal ties,” Cameron was also quoted as saying.

On Monday, Cameron embarked on a regional tour to Central Asia and Mongolia. He has so far visited Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan​​.​