In a speech in Saeima today the Kazakhstan parliament lower house (Majilis) chairman, Zharmakhan Tuyakbai, praised highly Latvia's efforts and successes in its move to the European Union

In a speech in Saeima today the Kazakhstan parliament lower house (Majilis) chairman, Zharmakhan Tuyakbai, praised highly Latvia's efforts and successes in its move to the European Union, which could become an additional factor in favour of Kazakhstan's integration into global and European associations. The Kazak official backed Latvia's move to NATO because, in joining the alliance, constructive relations with neighbor countries would be retained. "Latvia's expertise in the foreign policy sector means that your country could be one of the most influential participants in regional policy issues, and in European policy issues, in the near future," said Tuyakbai. He said that Kazakhstan's relations with the Baltic countries were greatly oriented towards expanding ties in the economic sector. Two thirds of the turnover of goods between Kazakhstan and the Baltics was with Latvia. Tuyakbai said he believes that the transit and transport sector could become a cooperation sphere, with good prospects for both countries. It was important, therefore, to expand the basis of the agreements between both countries, and to sign bilateral agreements on the protection of investments, prevention of double taxation and cooperation in the humanitarian field in the future. In concluding his speech, Tuyakbai invited Saeima Chairman Janis Straume and deputies to visit Kazakhstan.