AKIPRESS.COM - President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on February 2, Akorda reported.

Welcoming the American diplomat, the President noted the fruitful development of bilateral cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Recalling a short meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Tokayev conveyed to the American leader his best wishes and expressed hope for a meeting with him in any part of the world, preferably in Kazakhstan.

The sides also stressed the importance of deepening bilateral ties across the entire spectrum of cooperation, including trade, investment, IT technologies, promoting democratic values and combating international terrorism.

Tokayev informed Michael Pompeo on his intention to establish the post of Special Representative of Kazakhstan for Afghanistan.

Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality, the U.S. Secretary of State said that the countries are great partners in the economics, protection of international peace and stability.

The American diplomat praised Kazakhstan's efforts to return citizens from the war zones in the Middle East as part of “Jusan” operation. He also noted Kazakhstan’s contribution to restoring peace in Afghanistan, strengthening the economic and human potential of this country.

Michael Pompeo positively assessed political reforms in Kazakhstan and wished success in its implementation.

In addition, the interlocutors discussed pressing issues of the regional and global agenda. The U.S. Secretary of State informed about the main provisions of the new US Strategy for Central Asia.

The President noted the importance of the C5+1 format for dialogue (five Central Asian countries + the United States) and expressed hope for the successful holding of its next meeting in Tashkent on February 3.

Both welcomed the signing of the intergovernmental agreement on air transport. This document, which meets the principles of “Open Skies”, has created a legal basis for launching direct regular flights between Kazakhstan and the United States.