Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are willing to act towards forming a Union of Central Asian states, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev said at a press conference announcing the results of negotiations with President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiev, reported Kazakhstan Today. “We spoke about the creation of a Union of Central Asian states, which we must strive for on a step-by-step basis, especially considering this is supported by existing agreements,” said N. Nazarbayev, adding that the two presidents agreed to lead a special international forum on this matter in 2009. “Five governments in Central Asia differ in their economic development and in their vectors of progress in general.  I would like to see an economic union between these countries because between us we have enough gas, oil, coal and hydroelectric power for all,” Nazarbayev was quoted as saying.  He added that the free movement of people and capital would open up new possibilities for the people of the region. 

This information was originally published on April 17, 2008.  (www.kz-today.kz)