ASTANA – Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev was briefed on the latest in Kazakh-Russian cooperation on the Baiterek joint project at the Baikonur complex during a recent trip to the Kyzylorda region, according to the Akorda press service.
“As part of our agreements with Russia, the strategic directions for the development of the complex are determined. The work is coordinated by a specially established intergovernmental commission and the governments of the parties, concrete steps are being taken,” President Nazarbayev said.
He also stressed the need to improve environmental safety in the region.
The President was also briefed on prospects to develop the city of Baikonur and improve his quality of life.
“The city has a great prospect. The necessary infrastructure is being developed, gasification of the city will be ensured, construction of housing complexes and social facilities will be carried out, and joint enterprises should be created to provide employment for the local population,” President Nazarbayev added.
The Baiterek project, a joint project between the counties, started in 2004 with the aim of creating more eco-friendly carrier rocket launches at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Funding for the Baiterek project will start in 2019-2020, when draft design and working design documentation will also be developed. Development and manufacture of equipment, construction and installation will launch in 2021-2023. Autonomous, integrated flight tests are slated for 2024-2025, with the first launch within the Baiterek project slated for 2025.