Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has begun his official visit to Kazakhstan, where he was welcomed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a formal ceremony at Astana's Palace of Independence.

An honor guard greeted the Georgian prime minister as the two officials introduced members of their respective delegations. The ceremony featured a welcoming report by the commander of the honor guard, followed by the national anthems of Kazakhstan and Georgia, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

President Tokayev and Prime Minister Kobakhidze then proceeded to the State Flag of Kazakhstan before beginning closed-door talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation.