Mutual sanctions of the West and Russia have led to a decrease in Kazakhstan’s turnover with partner countries - Nazarbayev

Astana. March 2. Silkroadnews - Mutual sanctions of the West and Russia led to the fact that Kazakhstan’s trade turnover with other countries decreased by 20-25% in 2015, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev believes.
“Our big neighbor, Russia, experiences an economic downfall. The sanctions affect us as well – a trade declines by 20-25%. Reduction (of growth rates - Silkroadnews) of China’s economy also has its influence (on Kazakhstan - Silkroadnews),” - KazTAG quotes N. Nazarbayev speaking on Wednesday at the meeting with the heads of foreign diplomatic missions accredited in Kazakhstan.
According to the President, 2016 will not be easy.
“2016 has come. Apparently, for all of us it will not be an easy year. A sharp improvement can hardly be expected in both the economy and global policy. Thus, we all have to work hard,” - he said.
At the same time, Nazarbayev believes if the trust is maintained between the countries this year may become a turning point.
“Difficulties are not eternal, the same applies to crises as well. We will go out of this crisis, if retain our attitude, our tolerance, our trust in each other. Thus, we will continue to develop friendly relations and cooperation among the states. I want us to live this year in this manner. Hopefully it (2016 - Silkroadnews) will be a turning point in the whole global world of our countries and we could welcome next year in a good mood,” - he said.