Astana Hosts 26th Session of Kazakhstan–Russia Intergovernmental Commission
Astana, The Gulf Observer: Astana hosted the 26th session of the Kazakhstan–Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IGC), bringing together senior officials from both nations to strengthen cooperation across key economic and strategic sectors.
Kazakhstan’s delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, while the Russian side was headed by Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, according to the Kazakh government’s press service.
Transport Cooperation and Transit Development
The meeting focused on a wide range of transport and transit issues. Both sides discussed the prospects for increasing rail traffic following the September launch of a second track on the Dostyk–Moiynty section and the expected growth in transit along the China–Europe–China corridor.
Kazakhstan and Russia agreed to conduct a joint assessment of potential cargo volumes at border points and to continue supporting the expansion of the North–South International Transport Corridor to enhance bilateral and transit freight flows.
Concerns Over Migration Regulations
Kazakhstan raised concerns regarding new Russian migration regulations taking effect on January 1, 2025, which will reduce the permitted stay for foreign nationals from 180 to 90 days per year without registration. The Kazakh side emphasized that the change could affect its international freight carriers.
In response, the Russian delegation expressed its readiness to facilitate the restoration of the 180-day stay for Kazakh drivers engaged in international transport operations.
Agro-Industrial Cooperation
The session also placed strong emphasis on cooperation in the agro-industrial sector. The two sides explored joint efforts to develop new competitive varieties of agricultural crops with high yields, resilience to external factors, and improved quality.
Officials further agreed to expand mutual trade in agricultural products and foodstuffs, strengthening food security and supply chain integration between the two countries.
Russia also indicated its readiness to consider lifting phytosanitary restrictions on Kazakhstan’s imports of flax and lentil seeds and to allow grain and pulses transit with temporary storage on Russian territory.
Broader Cooperation Agenda
In addition to these key areas, the delegations discussed cooperation in energy and fuel, finance, oil and gas, industry, nuclear energy, standardization and metrology, tourism, education, and information and communication technologies (ICT).
Next IGC Session
The meeting concluded with the signing of the protocol of the 26th IGC session, reaffirming the commitment of both sides to deepening their strategic partnership.
The 27th session of the Intergovernmental Commission is scheduled to take place in 2026 in Omsk, Russia.
