Kazakh President backs idea on establishing AEF Secretariat suggested by Nobel Prize winners

According to the Presidential press service, Nursultan Nazarbayev thanked the Nobel laureates for the support of the idea on holding the Astana Economic Forum. "For our country it is a great honor to welcome 11 Nobel Prize winners. You actively participate in our Forum. In addition, you read lectures in our universities, speak at various discussions. Last year we celebrated the 20th anniversary of Independence of Kazakhstan. A special medal for contribution to the development of our country was established. I have signed a decree to

award you this medal in recognition of your services," the Head of State said.

In the course of informal communication the Nobel laureates discussed with the President a wide range of issues concerning the development of the global economy and the geopolitical situation in the world, as well as other relevant topics. In addition, they raised an issue about the necessity of establishing a permanent body (Secretariat of the Astana Economic Forum), which could on a systematic basis perform the mission of the Forum. In particular, such a body, according to the participants, can effectively monitor the situation in the world and develop high-quality recommendations to resolve the existing problems in the global economy.

The President supported the idea and assured the participants that such a body would soon be established.