A short note on the presidential website stated that Mr Blair discussed a speech Mr Nazarbayev was due to make on employment, industry and housing issues in the former Soviet state.
“I agree with your message and the large scale tasks which need to be put into practice” the Russian-language version of the presidential website quoted Mr Blair as saying.
“We’re ready to work and present to you recommendations on successfully implementing these tasks.”
For an £8 million a year fee, Mr Blair reportedly set up a group last year to advise Mr Nazarbayev.
Mr Blair’s spokesman has previously said that he is not profiting from the deal. The spokesman also said that Mr Blair’s only involvement had been to set up the group and that he was not personally advising Mr Nazarbayev.
In November, however, the presidential press service released a video of Mr Blair sitting at a table at Mr Nazarbayev’s right-hand side, looking like an aide. » | James Kilner, Almaty | Monday, February 20, 2012
