This is the second visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Singapore since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Both sides reiterated their desire to develop friendly relations based on the principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, sovereignty, non-intervention, equality and mutual benefit, and expressed confidence that further development of friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between Kazakhstan and Singapore was in the best interest of the people of the two countries.

The Singapore Government welcomed the setting up of the Kazakh Diplomatic Mission in Singapore in September 2003 as a positive development in the two countries’ bilateral ties.

During their meetings, the Singapore leaders and the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan discussed a broad range of issues. Both sides agreed that the United Nations should play a dominant role in international arena, in which international norms are acknowledged, and is the principal source of legitimacy for actions taken by the international community. Both sides agreed to cooperate closely within the framework of the UN and other international organisations.

Both sides reviewed recent developments in Asia and regional efforts in the war against terrorism and extremism. The leaders expressed concern over the emergence of new threats to global peace and stability and agreed that fighting them requires closer cooperation of the international community. Both sides also discussed the role of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) as well as Kazakhstan’s interest in joining the ARF.

The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan also attended a business conference that showcased to Singapore businessmen the business and investment opportunities in Kazakhstan.

Both sides noted the growing economic relations between the two countries, and agreed that there was scope for further development of cooperation. To this end, an Agreement on Cooperation was signed between Kazakhstan's Industry and Trade Ministry and Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry during the visit. With the Agreement, both sides affirmed their common desire to exchange information and experience on trade matters, as well as encourage private sector business collaboration in various fields.

Both sides expressed interest in widening and deepening bilateral cooperation, and recognised the need to create a legal framework for bilateral cooperation.

Both sides emphasised that the visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Singapore and other high-level bilateral meetings served as a strong foundation for future cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Singapore.