The Russian Prime Minister, Yevgeny Primakov, who is visiting Kazakhstan, has again warned former Soviet states against joining NATO.

Speaking to reporters in the capital, Astana, he said if any of the states did join, Russia would be compelled to take certain steps but he did not elaborate.

Mr Primakov's visit is aimed mainly at improving trade between the two countries, both of whom are facing harsh economic problems.

Mr Primakov and the Kazakh President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, agreed to increase the amount of Kazakh oil going through Russian territory and reduce Russian railway tariffs for Kazakh goods.

They also signed several agreements, including one on reducing border customs points.