Kazakhstan and Russia Deepen Strategic Partnership Across Key Sectors
Astana, The Gulf Observer: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and President Vladimir Putin of Russia have reached a series of comprehensive agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation across transport, economy, energy, culture, education, and sports, the Akorda press service reported.
Transport and Transit Cooperation
Both leaders agreed to gradually expand the capacity of major regional transport corridors, including the North–South and Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), as well as key railway lines such as Ayagoz–Bakhty and Dostyk–Moiynty.
They underscored the importance of improving cross-border logistics infrastructure and optimizing the operation of border checkpoints to facilitate smoother trade flows.
The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Trans-Altai Dialogue — a promising initiative aimed at fostering closer cooperation among Kazakhstan, Russia, China, and Mongolia, based on principles of good-neighborliness and mutual benefit.
Energy Cooperation
Energy remained a key focus of the talks. The presidents highlighted ongoing productive collaboration with Rosatom, including the project to construct Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant.
They agreed to strengthen partnership in the extraction, transportation, and supply of oil, petroleum products, coal, and electricity. Detailed discussions were also held on expanding gas cooperation, including gas supplies to Kazakhstan’s northern regions bordering Russia and potential transit arrangements to third countries.
Innovation and Emerging Sectors
The leaders noted that several documents signed during the visit will enable significant progress in space exploration, nuclear energy, special economic zones, and creative industries.
They also emphasized growing opportunities in the IT sector, where Kazakhstan has developed strong expertise and a supportive innovation ecosystem.
Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation
Cultural ties between the two nations continue to flourish. The leaders praised the success of recent events such as Kazakhstan Culture Days in Russia, held in Moscow, as well as similar programs in Yakutsk and Kazan.
This year saw the inauguration of the Alley of Eternal Friendship in Astana and the Kazakhstan–Russia Friendship Square in Moscow. Additionally, one of Moscow’s streets was named after the Kazakh scholar Shokan Ualikhanov, symbolizing enduring friendship between the two nations.
Plans are also underway to open a Kazakh Information and Cultural Center in Moscow to further strengthen cultural and public diplomacy exchanges.
Education and Sports
Educational cooperation remains a cornerstone of bilateral relations. Nine branch campuses of leading Russian universities are now operating successfully in Kazakhstan. In 2024, new branches were opened — including that of MGIMO University in Astana and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Omsk.
The sides are also considering the establishment of a representative office of a Russian medical university in Kazakhstan. Joint school construction projects aligned with both nations’ educational standards are in progress.
In Almaty, a branch of the prestigious Russian Sirius School will be built with sponsorship support, enhancing opportunities for gifted students.
Kazakhstan continues to place strong emphasis on promoting the Russian language and culture. The recently established International Organization for the Russian Language, initiated by Kazakhstan, is expected to play a key role in advancing linguistic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
