President Nazarbayev sent telegram of congratulations to Pope Francis

ASTANA. March 14. KAZINFORM President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev on behalf of the people of Kazakhstan has congratulated Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio who was elected the Catholic Church's Pope, taking the name Francis.

"The relationship between Kazakhstan and Vatican over the last two decades has been based on mutual understanding and trust. The historical visit of John Paul II to Kazakhstan in 2001 is a bright example of this fact," the congratulatory telegram reads.

President of Kazakhstan expressed hope that the work of the Pope Francis would give a new impulse to further development of cooperation and constructive dialogue between our countries.

President Nazarbayev also wished Pope Francis and the whole Catholic community peace.