Kazakh President Nazarbayev starts visit to Czech Republic

The delegation is expected to focus on economic issues, including the supplies of gas and petrol to the Czech Republic.

Nazarbayev is coming at the head of a numerous delegation including four ministers, two governors and 45 businessmen.

During Nazarbayev's stay, the two countries's representatives and companies are to sign over ten agreements worth 155 million euros.

Kazakhstan is the third biggest supplier of petrol to the Czech Republic.

Due to the high import of petrol, the trade balance is passive for the Czech Republic. According to the Industry and Trade Ministry, Czech firms have some chances in the energy and chemical industries, mining and processing of raw materials, transport infrastructure, water and waste management and health care.

The negotiations may also deal with the Kazakh debt to the Czech Republic.

Nazarbayev has been ruling in Kazakhstan for over 20 years.

Critics say his regime is dictatorial and undemocratic. The January elections were clearly won by Nazarbayev's party Nur otan (Fatherland's Ray of Light).

Foreign observers said the elections were undemocratic.

The nation is dominated by an intertwined system of kinship and clan links through which the revenues from tremendous gas resources are redistributed.

Author: ČTK
www.ctk.cz