The Head of State paid tribute to the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, who was paying his first official visit to Kazakhstan.

Prior to the high-level talks, a ceremonial welcome ceremony for the President of Finland was held at the Akorda residence. In accordance with the protocol, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Alexander Stubb introduced the members of the official delegations to each other. The head of the guard of honor reported to the heads of state. After the national anthems of the two countries were played, the presidents held a meeting in a small group.
– Your visit is very important in terms of giving a new impetus to the development of bilateral cooperation. Kazakhstan and Finland have established cooperation based on friendship and mutual understanding. There are no unresolved issues between the two countries. However, there are a number of opportunities in the investment and trade sectors. The business forum being held at your initiative has a special place. I will participate in this meeting today. I believe that this will greatly contribute to the expansion of business ties between our entrepreneurs. In addition, we attach great importance to humanitarian cooperation. Kazakhstanis respect Finland, your traditions and culture. Many of our compatriots often visit your country as tourists. I am confident that your visit will open up new opportunities for strengthening partnership between the states, - said the Head of State.

In turn, Alexander Stubb expressed his gratitude to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his hospitality and said that he was looking forward to this visit.
– This is my third visit to Kazakhstan. We met for the first time in 2008, when I was the Minister of Foreign Affairs and you were the Speaker of the Senate. This time, I think we will focus on two areas. The first is mutual relations and business ties. Today, a large delegation from Finland arrived. It includes representatives of more than 20 large companies. I saw such well-known Finnish brands as Isku and Honkarakenne on the streets of Astana. This pleases us. The second area of the talks is foreign policy and security. We have common positions on a number of issues, we are striving to find solutions to complex international situations together, - said the President of Finland.

After that, the talks between the presidents of Kazakhstan and Finland continued with the participation of delegations from both countries.
According to the President, Finland is Kazakhstan's main trading partner in Northern Europe and the European Union.

The Head of State noted that Finland's high standards in clean energy, technology, digital innovation, environmental responsibility, governance, education, and human capital are recognized globally.
Finland's achievements in these areas are an example for many countries, including Kazakhstan.
– Under your leadership, Finland plays a constructive role in Europe and the world. Your state position and steadfastness in values make Finland an exemplary country in the world. We highly appreciate this. Kazakhstan attaches great importance to friendly relations with Finland. We are ready to implement previously reached agreements and develop new areas of cooperation, - said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

According to the Head of State, there is great potential for further development of trade and economic cooperation. In this regard, the work of the Intergovernmental Commission plays an important role.
The President believes that the presence of business representatives in the Finnish delegation demonstrates Helsinki's genuine interest in deepening mutual partnership.

Our country is ready to provide comprehensive support for the implementation of joint projects with Finnish companies. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called on Finnish businessmen to take advantage of the favorable conditions created for foreign investors in Kazakhstan to enter the vast market of Central Asia.

Alexander Stubb said that Finnish companies are interested in expanding their activities in the Kazakhstan market.
– During the preparations for today's meetings, one of the businessmen in the delegation said, "We need to understand that all changes in Kazakhstan are happening quickly. Therefore, we cannot move slowly and allow bureaucracy." This is a welcome development for our countries, said the President of Finland.
The parties also exchanged views on topical issues of the regional and international agenda.