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Astana: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday held talks with Kazak President Nursultan Nazarbayev on bilateral ties and issues of mutual interest.
Nazarbayev welcomed Shaikh Khalifa on his first state visit to Kazakhstan.
He said the people of Kazakhstan have an Islamic history way back in time, but their relations with the Muslim world were severed for some time. He said the relations were resumed when Kazakhstan got its independence.
"We are looking forward to the visit as an important step to help Kazakhstan regain its position in the Islamic world," Nazarbayev said.
Shaikh Khalifa stressed the fraternal nature of bilateral relations between the two countries.
"When we visit Kazakhstan we feel to be in our second country," he said, adding that he was impressed by the development experienced by Kazakhstan under the wise leadership of Nazarbayev.
"We notice a qualitative progress in the areas of construction, economy, social and tourism each time we visit Kazakhstan. Such rapid growth opens huge opportunities," Shaikh Khalifa added, calling for expertise, experience and visit exchange between the two countries.
The two leaders discussed joint projects being implemented in the framework of cooperation between the two countries.
They expressed satisfaction at the implementation of these projects and referred to the initiatives launched by the UAE private sector in Kazakhstan.
The two sides discussed regional and international issues and underscored need for solidarity among Muslim countries to serve their just causes.
They shared identical views on various regional and international issues. Shaikh Khalifa invited Nazarbayev to visit the UAE.
Earlier, Shaikh Khalifa and the entourage were accorded an official reception at the presidential palace in Astana. The Kazak President held a banquet in honour of Shaikh Khalifa.
The leaders exchanged mementos.
Later, Shaikh Khalifa toured Astana, where he visited the Presidential Cultural Centre, which chronicles stages of development in Kazakhstan.
Shaikh Khalifa wrote a note in the visitor's register, saying he was impressed with the centre's valuable contents.
He also praised the achievements made by the people of Kazakhstan.
He then headed to the Palace of Peace and Accord where he was received by President Nazarbayev, and together toured the people's square and reviewed models for the upcoming developments in Astana.
Shaikh Khalifa said such projects would contribute to the development and prosperity of Kazakhstan. He wished the country further progress under the leadership of Nazarbayev.
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