OREANDA-NEWS. On March 24, 2009 Following the official welcoming ceremony at the Palace of the President of Finland, President Nursultan Nazarbayev left a message in the book of honoured guests, reported the Official website www.akorda.kz.

President Nazarbayev then was awarded with the Order of the White Rose of Finland and of the Lion of Finland, one of the highest state decorations of Finland. In his turn, the head of state presented the order of Altyn Kyran (Golden Eagle) to President of Finland Tarja Halonen for significant achievements in strengthening bilateral relations.

The Presidents then held tete-a-tete and extended discussions. The issues on world policy, in particular security in Europe and regional security, situation in Afghanistan, energy security and effects of the global financial crisis were discussed during the meetings. The parties also discussed prospects for the development of Kazakhstan-Finnish relations in political, economical and humanitarian spheres.

In 2008 the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Finland exceeded US 1 billion and 100 million. This level increased by 56 per cent, compared to 2007. There are 22 ventures successfully working in Kazakhstan with the participation of Finnish capital.

Following the negotiations, the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Finland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect To Taxes on Income and the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Finland in the field of education and science were signed.

As Nursultan Nazarbayev emphasized, Kazakhstan considers Finland as a reliable partner in the OSCE and the European Union. The head of state pointed out that all necessary conditions for strengthening relations between Finland and Kazakhstan in political aspect have been created. A trusting dialogue has been established, main priorities of cooperation have been determined, the intergovernmental commission and other mechanisms of bilateral cooperation are functioning.

“Our country attached great importance to cooperation with Finland in the framework of the European Union. We hope that Finland will play an active part in concluding a new agreement on cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union. The results of talks held today demonstrated aspiration of Kazakhstan and Finland to expanding and deepening political, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation,” the head of state stressed.