ASTANA. Feb 13 (Interfax) - The beginning dialogue between the leaders of Russia and Kazakhstan on settling the Ukraine situation will have a positive effect on Kazakhstan, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
"A lot is being said about Ukraine. We called for ending the conflict from the beginning and urged [the sides] to reach consent and understanding through diplomatic talks. Our stance becomes a reality, as the two big states have started political dialogue. This is a positive trend, which is also good for Kazakhstan," the presidential press service quoted Tokayev as telling participants in the City of Blue Collar Professions festival on Thursday.
Kazakhstan "will be supporting the trend as much as it can," he said.
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on Wednesday. He said after the call he had agreed with Putin to start negotiations on ending the Ukraine conflict.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the press after the call that Putin invited Trump to Moscow and said he was ready to receive U.S. officials and discuss issues of mutual interest, including a settlement in Ukraine.