K.-J.Tokayev noted the long and mutually beneficial nature of relations with the Italian Republic - a reliable partner of Kazakhstan in the European Union.

"Today I would like to discuss issues of mutual interest, including the development of economic ties and strengthening relations aimed at the prosperity of the two countries, as well as ways to solve current international problems," K.-J.Tokayev said.

The President noted that Italy is one of Kazakhstan's key trading partners in Europe.

"The volume of mutual trade has exceeded 14.5 billion dollars. We expect the trade turnover between our countries to reach 20 billion dollars in the foreseeable future. Italy is one of the main investors in Kazakhstan's economy. It is necessary to give additional impetus to the development of co-operation not only in the economic sphere, but also in many other areas, such as culture and tourism," the head of state said.

The heads of state dwelt separately on the issues of co-operation between Kazakhstan and Italy in the global arena, including within the UN and OSCE.

The interlocutors also discussed the prospects for the development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Central Asia and the European Union, emphasising the existence of solid prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of transport and logistics and, in particular, the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR).