Israel
Massimov and Israeli Vice Premier Shimon Peres announced from Jerusalem on 29 October 2006 that the state-owned National Innovation Fund of Kazakhstan would begin investing in the Peace Valley project and other projects in the Middle East. Massimov said, "I came to Israel with a clear message to the nation in Zion from the president, that Kazakhstan is a moderate Muslim state which is interested in being involved in the Middle East. Kazakhstan intends to found political and economic ties with Israel and its neighbors." Massimov mentioned the Dead Sea canal and expressed desire to create a free trade zone. Vice Premier Peres and Massimov agreed to establish an agriculture-school in each country. The NIF has given USD $10 million to Israeli VC fund Vertex.
Massimov also met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who praised Kazakhstan for showing a "beautiful face of Islam. Contemporary, ever-developing Kazakhstan is a perfect example of both economic development and interethnic accord that should be followed by more Muslim states."
The Middle East Times reported on 7 November 2006 that earlier that week Massimov noted interest in the infrastructure corridor project between Turkey and Israel and buying the oil refinery in Haifa, Israel which the Israeli Government plans to privatize in 2007.
Read more about this topic: Karim Massimov
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