Macedonia and Kazakhstan have been nourishing good political relations, which should be followed by more intensive economic cooperation, the Prime Ministers of both countries, Nikola Gruevski and Serik Akhmetov respectively, concluded Thursday in Astana.  

Gruevski's visit to Kazakhstan and participation in the Astana Economic Forum 2013 demonstrate the interest of both countries to advance the political dialogue and overall cooperation.

"I've come to Astana to meet Kazakhstan officals and strengthen the bilateral relations, as well as to present Macedonia as possible business destination to a great number of people who heard my speech," Gruevski said.

He announced that Macedonia would soon open an embassy in Kazakhstan and appoint an economic promoter to this country.

Gruevski briefed Akhmetov about Macedonia's foreign policy priorities, namely its strategic goals for joining the European Union and NATO.

He underlined the significance of setting up an efficient legal frame for regulating the bilateral political-economic relations, which has thus far resulted in signing a several agreements on avoiding double taxation, protection of investments, trade and economic cooperation. Macedonia has already ratified the agreements and Kazakhstan is to follow the suit. Such activities will set a solid foundation for boosting the cooperation between the two countries, Gruevski said.

He also affirmed Macedonia's beneficial opportunities for foreign investors, which make the country an attractive business destination.

Gruevski invited his Macedonia and Kazakhstan counterpart to visit Macedonia.

Akhmetov commended the advancing of the bilateral relations, saying that Kazakhstan is interested to invest in Europe, including Macedonia.

He thanked Gruevski on his visit to Kazakhstan and participation in the Astana Economic Forum, which presents a good opportunity for promoting the economic potentials of the countries, bolstering the cooperation and sharing opinions on the global economic challenges.