PM held several working meetings in Astana

ASTANA. April 240. KAZINFORM Today in the Ukimet Uyi (House of Government) Prime Minister Karim Massimov has held a number of working meetings.

In particular, the Prime Minister met with representatives of Al-Hilal Islamic Bank. The parties focused on the measures of realization of the agreements reached by both countries? presidents during Nursultan Nazarbayev?s visit to Saudi Arabia. Issues of functioning of the bank in Kazakhstan on Islamic financing principles were considered. K. Massimov expressed interest in acceleration of the process of the Islamic Bank opening in Kazakhstan. Chairman of the Al-Hilal Bank Ahmed Ateeq Al Mazrouei noted the sides had taken all necessary steps in this direction. According to him, the issue of opening of the bank?s offices in Almaty and Astana cities is being discussed at present. In turn, K. Massimov confirmed his readiness to provide support in solution of all problems. K. Massimov met also with the representatives of ConocoPhillips and Mubadala companies for discussion of the project on development of Kazakhstan's N Bloc oil field in the Caspian Sea. The parties noted high interest in early start of the work on the deposit. As Chairman and Chief Executive Director of ConocoPfillips Jim Malva said, N bloc was of great importance for the company. He expressed hope to enter into agreement and submit all necessary documents to the Kazakh Government?s approval as soon as possible. According to Executive Director of Mubadala Maurizio La Noce, both companies hope to set to work in the nearest time. On the second half of the day Prime Minister Massimov held a meeting with Richard Gray, a representative of Aldar Properties Company and project director, Roger Gundry. The meeting agenda included discussion of construction of a multi-functional hotel Abu-Dhabi Plaza in Astana. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the Emirates would be able to start construction in the nearest term.