Last week, the foreign minister of Kazakhstan revealed his plans to unite Eurasia with Latin America through the "bridge" of Mexico.

According to the Latin American Herald Tribune, Kazakh foreign minister Erlan Idrissov made his arrival in Mexico on Sept. 17. His visit marked the first to Mexico by a senior official of Kazakhstan.

"Kazakhstan can be used not only as a final destination for investment, but as a platform where investors come, take advantage of the favorable climate for investment, of a strong private sector, of a business-friendly policy, and through accords with local firms can reach neighboring markets," Idrissov said in an interview with EFE.

According to Idrissov, a relationship between Kazakhstan and Mexico would benefit both countries. He said that Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, has "excellent" relationships with China, India and Russia, which could help Mexican investors. Meanwhile, Mexico is on good terms with countries in Central America and the Caribbean, which would be of use to the European country.

"It's one of the most interesting aspects," Idrissov said. "Mexico is the bridge for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Kazakhstan is the bridge in Eurasia. So we must get the maximum use from this bridge between our two countries."

Idrissov added his capital "is opening new geographies," including Latin America.

"That was the purpose of my visit," he said. "We come and we say that we are expanding our presence in Latin America and you, Mexico, are a very important door for Kazakhstan. Equally, Kazakhstan would be completely happy to promote the interests of Mexico in our part of the world, in Eurasia."

Idrissov spoke with various Mexican leaders during his trip, including Mexican economy secretary Ildefonso Guajardo and foreign secretary Jose Antonio Meade. The foreign minister also spoke with former Mexican President Vicente Fox and entrepreneurs in the country.

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Follow Scharon Harding on Twitter: @ScharHar.

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