OREANDA-NEWS. February 07, 2014. First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Bakytzhan Sagintayev met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Frans Timmermans in Ukimet Uiy.

The parties discussed the dynamics of the development of bilateral relations between two countries. Bakytzshan Sagintaev stressed that Kazakhstan considers the Netherlands as one of the key partners in Europe.

"An upcoming visit of our President to participate in the Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague is especially important for us since Kazakhstan is a firm supporter of the idea of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. We believe that the Summit will allow to discuss pressing issues in this direction," the first Vice Primier said.

The parties noted with satisfaction that the pace of bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the states have been growing from year to year. The Netherlands is the largest investor in terms of investment in our country.

Thus, the volume of trade turnover was about USD10 billion last year. There are 795 joint ventures with Dutch capital in various fields in Kazakhstan.

Bakytzshan Sagintaev also added that Kazakhstan is of great interest in the experience of the Netherlands in the field of support and development of small and medium business, transfer of latest technology, maritime transport, renewable energy, environmental protection, space exploration for peaceful purposes and health service.

In turn, Frans Timmermans said that the Netherlands value the cooperation with Kazakh partners and will assist Kazakhstan on entry into the top 30 most developed countries of the world.

In particular, the Dutch side is ready to share its experience in water management and other technologies in a green economy, which is especially important in the run-up to the international Exhibition EXPO-2017 in Astana.

Following the meeting B. Sagintayev invited the Netherlands delegation to participate in the II World Anti-Crisis Conference held in Astana in May this year.