Russia and Kazakhstan agree to boost atomic energy

Russia and Kazakhstan have decided to set up a joint venture to develop their atomic energy industry.

President Dmitry Medvedev has met his counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev in Russia’s Orenburg region bordering Kazakhstan.

The leaders spoke ahead of a major annual forum, set up in 2003 to boost economic cooperation between the neighboring areas.

The countries are also aiming for a common customs union.

According to Sergey Prikhodko, the Russian President’s aide, the main topic of the 6th forum is energy cooperation.

The leaders will also discuss joint actions “to oppose the effects of the world financial and economic crisis."

"The topic of security in the context of the efforts being undertaken by the countries to counteract terrorism and drug threat, issues of water-use, as well as integration aspects of both bilateral and regional cooperation will be considered separately," he added.

In addition, Prikhodko said, the two leaders will discuss plans “to carry out close coordination of actions in 2010 when Russia presides over the CIS [Commonwealth of Independent States), and Kazakhstan – the OSCE (The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]".