Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev
Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon!
Nursultan Nazarbayev: You have been very busy today.
Vladimir Putin: It's been good.
Nursultan Nazarbayev: You arrived at four in the morning our local time-but by Moscow time, it will soon be the dinner hour.
This is your first visit as Russian Prime Minister. I am glad to see you in Kazakhstan again. In addition to other important events, you met with our Prime Minister at the negotiating table. I hope you had a chance to discuss the entire agenda. All I have to do is welcome you once again and congratulate the United Russia party on its victory in regional elections. I'd like to say again that our partnership is making good progress-I think the bilateral trade turnover will hit the $20 billion mark this year. At any rate, it has increased by 32% within nine months. We discussed many relevant matters at the regional meeting in Aktyubinsk. Now, we are drafting a long-term programme for cooperation for the next ten to twelve years. It's all in a day's work.
The financial crisis is the worst headache for all of us. It might be the worst crisis of the last hundred years. It affects everyone, and it is essential to coordinate our policies. I always talk about on a united economic environment. It is indispensable now. What do you think about it? We are closely watching Russia's actions, and we are taking various measures here, too. I hope we can get past this.
No one can make any forecasts now-things are changing too quickly. Volatility is so great that, I think we shouldn't pay attention to it until things get better. I'd like to exchange opinions on this matter with you.
I understand you have discussed certain matters with our Prime Minister. A Russian-Kazakh investment programme is being drafted with prospects for up to $40 billion. I recently met with many Russian corporate spokesmen-in particular, from Transmachholding Co. They signed agreements related to transport for passenger and freight car construction in Kazakhstan today.
EvroKhim Holding is working at the world's largest phosphate deposit. It has started manufacturing mineral fertilisers, with deposits close to a billion tonnes. That's a big project. Mechel is working with a stainless steel plant in Aktyubinsk. As you know, RAO UES and, if I am not mistaken, Rusal are working together at the Ekibastuz hydroelectric power plant. We still need to build the third unit there, to be financed jointly. That's important, too.
I see Mr Perminov (Head of the Federal Space Agency) here, so I think it timely to mention that we have agreed on our cosmonaut's mission. Of course, you are charging us more than the Americans, and we feel awkward saying-
Vladimir Putin: You are better off than Americans now. They are living from hand to mouth! (Laughter)
Nursultan Nazarbayev: Sure!
Vladimir Putin: That's why they are charging that much.
Nursultan Nazarbayev: In general, settling questions is normal. There is one matter Mr Masimov (Kazakh Prime Minister) was to discuss with you. Oman is selling its share of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium. I don't think we should cede it to anyone.
Vladimir Putin: Mr Masimov has not raised the issue as yet.
Nursultan Nazarbayev: I think we ought to buy it 50-50 and not give it up. That matters, really!
Vladimir Putin: Dear Mr Nazarbayev, I am glad to see you again. Regardless of my position, I always feel I am among friends. The atmosphere is extremely friendly but also businesslike. I am glad to see that our partnership is making good progress despite all problems with the global economy and finance. Our trade turnover is approaching the $14 billion mark. The increase for the third quarter exceeded 28%, if I am not mistaken. That's good!
As for the international financial problems, you are certainly right. A lot does not depend on us. Still, I think we can get through this turbulence almost unscathed if we pool our efforts, make use of recent achievements, and rely on our partnership and opportunities.
At any rate, we can implement our bilateral and multilateral plans. As I see it, it is our duty. We have every opportunity for that. These plans include the specific infrastructural projects you mentioned, plus energy projects. As for a share of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, I think we have already taken it, if I am not mistaken. I will check.
On the whole, we think Kazakhstan-Russia cooperation has very positive prospects.
