Putin: 'We see Kazakhstan as our closest ally'

Tengrinews.kz – During talks in Astana, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the warm reception, according to Akorda.

“Thank you very much. We share a friendship and maintain productive business relations; everything is developing dynamically. We are in constant contact. I look forward to seeing you at the end of the year for the informal pre-New Year meeting in St. Petersburg within the CIS framework. Of course, I also invite you to the jubilee celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. This is our shared Victory," said Putin.

Putin praised the dynamic growth of bilateral relations and briefly touched on the agenda of his state visit to Kazakhstan.

“A number of documents have been prepared for today’s talks, including a joint statement and a comprehensive package across various fields. Russia remains one of Kazakhstan’s largest trade and economic partners. Trade turnover is growing, reaching nearly $28.5 billion last year. Accumulated investments in the Kazakh economy have reached $13 billion. Of course, we highly value the development of humanitarian ties in civil society, education, science, and culture. Notably, Kazakhstan is home to the largest number of foreign students studying in Russia. Interregional cooperation is also progressing successfully, with a related event happening today in Ufa. I want to thank you for the attention you dedicate to advancing Russian-Kazakh relations. We feel the personal involvement of Kazakhstan’s President in this critical work. We see Kazakhstan as our reliable friend and closest ally,” stated Putin.

During the talks, the two leaders discussed prospects for cooperation in various areas, including industrial collaboration, energy, oil and gas, energy transit, engineering, transport and logistics, finance, environmental and water policies, education, science, and cultural and humanitarian ties.
The talks are part of Putin’s state visit to Kazakhstan. The two leaders will also participate in the 20th Forum of Interregional Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia via video conference.
On November 28, under the chairmanship of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Astana will host the next session of the CSTO Security Council, where delegations will discuss pressing regional and international security issues, culminating in the signing of several documents.