ALMATY (KazInform) — Kazakhstan and the US will sign an agreement on launching direct flights between the two countries on “open sky” principle in March, declared Kazakhstan’s Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development Zhenis Kasymbek.

The signing of the “open sky” agreement will create a legal basis for opening direct flights between Kazakhstan and the US.

According to Kasymbek, “The ministry has prepared the draft intergovernmental agreement on air service between Kazakhstan and the US on "open sky" principle. It is planned to sign this agreement in March this year.” Further, he noted that together with Air Astana, the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure will work this year on opening air service to Japan, New York, Shanghai and other large cities of the world.

The procedure of accreditation for flights to the US has been launched this year, added the minister.