[Joining forces in the fight against epidemics--priority task in cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan]

This problem has historically existed for Russia and Kazakhstan. Traditionally plague, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever anthrax, cholera, and other diseases have been a matter of greater public health concern in the above countries. Under Russia's chairmanship in the Group of Eight in 2006 and in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2008-2009, these countries were first to join their effects to control epidemics. As for Kazakhstan, its cooperation with Russia has been reinforced only by a solid contractual base. The creation of the Customs Union is also an important event in the development of relations between Russia and Kazakhstan as this increases the responsibility of each country for the transmission of infectious diseases and the delivery of dangerous goods and cargoes. It is these well-organized and step-by-step infectious disease-controlling actions of the countries that will be able to reduce risks and threats to both our countries and other regions in this area.