OREANDA-NEWS. September 10, 2009. Prime Minister Andrus Ansip met with Kamir Massimov, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with whom two bilateral cooperation agreements were signed and the possibilities for the further intensification of relations between the two countries discussed. The contribution of Estonia at the promotion of the relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union was also discussed.

Today, Ansip and Massimov signed the economy, science and technology cooperation agreement between Estonia and Kazakhstan, on the basis of which an intergovernmental committee will be established for the promotion of cooperation in said fields. Also, the heads of governments signed the visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passports. Today, the cooperation agreement between the Ministries of Education and Research was also signed.

Both parties were convinced that the agreements signed today are a good basis for intensifying relations, both in the economic sphere and between people.

It was jointly declared that there is considerable potential in the development of relations between Estonia and Kazakhstan. “We have common interests in economic, energy and education related cooperation,” said Prime Minister Ansip.

In the field of energy, oil shale was mainly discussed, the experience in the processing of which, according to him, Estonia is glad to share. “Estonia has developed a technology for the production of shale oil, which is one of the most innovative in the world. There are oil shale mines in Kazakhstan, but no major experience in using these natural resources. We are ready to share our experience in a way that is mutually beneficial,” said Prime Minister Ansip.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister declared that Estonia is ready to contribute to the development of relations between the European Union and Kazakhstan as well and that Estonia supports the commencement of the negotiations on the signing of the new framework contract between the EU and Kazakhstan.

The Kazakh party was mainly interested in the experience in the introduction of e-governance and Internet-based public services.

Today, Prime Minister Ansip also opened the first Estonian honorary consulate in the Central Asian region, in Astana. “I am glad to announce that this day marks a new stage in our bilateral relations,” he said, when opening the honorary consulate.

“Together with me, the largest business delegation ever to have accompanied the Prime Minister on his visits came to become acquainted with Kazakhstan,” he declared, and added that this expresses the interest of Estonian investors and businessmen towards the region.