French president arrives in Kazakhstan on 1st official visit

MOSCOW

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Kazakhstan on Wednesday on his first official visit to the Central Asian country.

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov welcomed Macron at the capital Astana’s airport, expressing confidence that the visit will bolster the bilateral strategic partnership, the Kazakh presidential press service said in a statement.

The French head of state then met Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at his residence Akorda, where a greeting ceremony was held. The two leaders shook hands, introduced their ministers and listened to the national anthems.

“The leaders of the two countries will hold talks on strengthening trade, economic, investment and energy cooperation, as well as discuss issues on the international and regional agenda,” the presidential press service said.

Macron’s office earlier announced that the two presidents plan to address international and regional issues, and prospects for strengthening economic ties between the two countries, in particular the development of trade and investment, and cooperation in the energy sector.

After Kazakhstan, Macron, together with ministers and heads of large corporations, will visit Uzbekistan.

• Emmanuel Macron
• France
• Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
• Kazakhstan
• UZBEKISTAN