First Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev held a phone call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Merkel expressed during the telephone conversation her respect for Nazarbayev's decision to resign as president of Kazakhstan, the Kazakh leader's press service said.
She also noted the inseparable link of the successes of independent Kazakhstan with the name of the first president, his high international authority and also his productive efforts to help maintain security and stability in the world.
The German Chancellor said she "especially values Nazarbayev's contribution to the development and deepening of Kazakh-German cooperation based on friendship and trust," Interfax cited the press service as saying.
In addition, Merkel wished Nazarbayev good health and every success in his further work for the benefit of the Kazakh people.
The sides agreed to continue regular contacts in the future.
