Tokayev, Putin Discuss Strengthening Kazakhstan-Russia Trade, Economic Cooperation
Bishkek, The Gulf Observer: President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) anniversary summit, with the two leaders discussing the further development of bilateral relations.
According to media reports, the presidents noted the dynamic growth of multifaceted cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia, which continues to develop in the spirit of friendship, good-neighborliness and allied relations.
President Putin congratulated President Tokayev on the successful Qurultay elections, saying their results demonstrated broad public support for Tokayev’s strategic course aimed at further developing Kazakhstan, maintaining domestic political stability, expanding the economy and improving living standards.
President Tokayev thanked his Russian counterpart for the congratulations and briefed him on Kazakhstan’s ongoing constitutional reform process.
He stressed that Kazakhstan’s modernization would continue in line with national interests, emphasizing that reforms should be guided primarily by the interests of citizens.
Discussing bilateral ties, Tokayev described Putin’s state visit to Astana in May this year as successful and historic in both scope and significance. He said the Kazakh Government was working to implement the agreements reached during the visit.
Tokayev also noted the accelerated growth in bilateral trade, expressing confidence that Russia would remain one of Kazakhstan’s key trade and investment partners.
President Putin, in turn, highly praised the dynamic development of Kazakhstan-Russia relations across virtually all areas. He noted that bilateral trade turnover had increased further this year following solid growth in the previous year.
The Russian president highlighted the active work of the intergovernmental commission in implementing agreements reached by the two countries’ leaderships and welcomed the strengthening of humanitarian ties.
He noted that around 60,000 Kazakh students are currently studying at Russian universities, while a branch of one of Kazakhstan’s leading higher education institutions has recently been opened in Omsk.
The two leaders discussed prospects for further expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation and reviewed the implementation of joint projects in areas of mutual interest.
They also exchanged views on current international and regional issues, reaffirming the importance of continued cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia.
