His Majesty King Abdullah on Saturday arrived in Kazakhstan to participate along with other world leaders in the country's celebrations on the 10th anniversary for the establishment of the capital Astana.

In a speech delivered during the celebration, King Abdullah underscored Kazakhstan's significant international presence due to its active role in efforts to achieve peace and development.

His Majesty added that the Middle East and Central Asia have strategic locations between the East and West, underlining the common grounds manifested in both regions' pursuit of moderation and stability.

The King stressed the importance of achieving a permanent and just peace in the Middle East, highlighting the support Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev has shown regarding the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.

Upon his arrival in Astana, the King held talks with Nazarbayev on ways to bolster bilateral ties and issues of mutual interest.

During the meeting, which was attended by HRH Prince Ali, the two leaders discussed the challenges that encounter the Islamic world, agreeing on the need for Muslim countries to coordinate their stands on international issues of concern.

His Majesty also met with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev and discussed bilateral ties and the latest developments in the Middle East, reiterating the Kingdom's keenness to build strong relations with Russia, particularly in the economic and energy fields.

King Abdullah also held talks with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow and discussed issues of mutual interest and ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries.