ASTANA. Oct 5 (Interfax) - Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev familiarized himself with the implementation of the concept of Kazakh-Russian cooperation in Baikonur and the joint project, Baiterek, the presidential press service said in a statement.
"Strategic areas of the development of this facility have been defined in our agreements with Russia. Work is being coordinated with the ad hoc intergovernmental commission and the national governments. Specific steps are being taken," the press service quoted Nazarbayev as saying.
The president indicated the importance of heightening the environmental safety of the region.
In addition, the head of state was informed of the prospective development of the city of Baikonur and measures with respect to an improvement of living standards.
"The city has a big future. Relevant infrastructure is developing, the city will be provided with gas, and housing and social facilities will be built. Joint ventures should be created to employing local residents," Nazarbayev said.
The 60th anniversary of the launch of the world's first satellite was observed in Baikonur on Wednesday.
The satellite was put into orbit from Baikonur on October 4, 1957.
Russia is leasing the Baikonur complex from Kazakhstan. The complex consists of the city of Baikonur and the cosmodrome of the same-name. The city has a population of over 76,500, about 60% of whom are citizens of Kazakhstan, and about 37% of whom are citizens of Russia.
The city has a Russian administration, as well as Russian municipal enterprises and law enforcement agencies. Kazakhstan has a special representative of its president and an office of its law enforcement agencies in Baikonur to ensure coordination with Russian authorities.