The United States hoped Kazakhstan will hold free and fair presidential elections on Dec. 4, a US senior official said Friday.

After meeting Kazakh President Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev in the Kazakh capital of Astana, Daniel Fried, US assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs, told a press conference that Nazarbayev has briefed him on the preparation for the elections.

They also exchanged views on the issue that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and other international groups render support to Kazakhstan to ensure fair elections, he said.

The US side expressed appreciation to Kazakhstan for its contribution in fighting terrorism and helping Iraq, Fried said.

Fried arrived in Kazakhstan for a one-day visit after visiting Kyrgyzstan.

Source: Xinhua