ALMATY, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday signed the Host Country Agreement to establish the UN Regional Center for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, the presidential press service said.

The opening of the center marks a milestone in Kazakhstan's cooperation with the United Nations and its efforts to promote sustainable development across the region, Tokayev said.

The president also expressed his sincere appreciation to Guterres for his exemplary diplomacy and leadership during these challenging times, reaffirming that Kazakhstan will continue to support the Secretary-General's efforts at the helm of the global organization.

Guterres thanked Tokayev for the warm welcome and acknowledged Kazakhstan's role in fostering peace, dialogue and international cooperation. He noted that the new center represents the start of a new chapter for the region in advancing the SDGs.

The two sides also discussed the center's future activities, prospects for UN reform, and regional and international issues. ■