Kazakhstan interested in gaining access to Estonian seaports - Tokayev

ASTANA. Nov 17 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan is interested in trade with Estonia and access to its seaports, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

Kazakhstan considers Estonia a very important strategic partner, Tokayev said at a one-on-one meeting with Estonian President Alar Karis, who is paying a state visit to Astana.

"We are very interested in gaining access to your seaports and trade with your country, and also in maintaining constructive contacts in international organizations, primarily in the United Nations, the UN Security Council and others," Tokayev was quoted as saying by the presidential press service.

The Kazakh president said Astana and Tallinn have no problems or obstacles in their relations.

"At the same time, the potential of our cooperation is very high, and it needs to be used. Indeed, there are certain obstacles in mutual trade, but at the same time some progress is observed in this area," Tokayev said.

Karis, for his part, noted the good level of Kazakh-Estonian relations.

"Of course, there are also some obstacles, but they can be overcome. Sometimes we don't even realize that it's not that difficult," Karis said.

The two countries' entrepreneurs are already actively discussing joint projects, and some memoranda of mutual understanding are expected to be signed, he said.

"Naturally, the current geopolitical situation is far from stable, but we should solve and overcome arising challenges together," Karis said.

Speaking about the UN, the Estonian president said this important entity "undoubtedly needs certain reforms to reduce the number of conflicts and wars in the world."