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Mr Putin and Mr Nazarbayev looked at the Astana-Baiterek monument.
The monument is one of the objects in the new city centre. Its height is 97 metres, which is symbolic. In 1997, the country’s capital moved to Astana, a city, surrounded by endless steppes where poplars grow, in Kazakh “baiterek”.
The main entrance and a cafe are located at the monument’s base. Two high-speed lifts connect the first floor with the large sphere where a cafe, aquarium and panorama hall are located.
On the way to the monument, Mr Nazarbayev suggested visiting the city’s public aquarium. The guests were shown a variety of marine animals. They also examined one of the longest underwater tunnels in the world.
Mr Putin asked if the aquarium was popular and profitable. The guide said that yes the complex was making a profit.
January 10, 2004, Astana