The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, officially welcomed the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, in Astana on Wednesday morning during the latter’s first-ever official visit to the Central Asian country.
The reception took place inside the Independence Palace, where a military honour guard was assembled, and the presidential bands of Kazakhstan and Cyprus performed national anthems.
First-ever Cyprus presidential visit
This marks the first time a Cypriot President has visited Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia.
President Christodoulides greeted members of the Kazakh government delegation upon arrival before the formal proceedings began.
The visit is being closely followed by local and international media, including several television networks and Euronews.
High-level talks between delegations
Following the official welcome, the two leaders held a private meeting before leading expanded talks between the two delegations.
The programme also includes the awarding of the Order of Friendship state honour to President Christodoulides.
Both leaders are expected to make statements without taking questions from journalists.
Official programme concludes with state lunch
The visit to the Independence Palace will conclude with an official lunch hosted in honour of the President of Cyprus.
The Cyprus-Kazakhstan visit is expected to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
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