Kazakhstan, Russia Reaffirm Strategic Partnership During Tokayev–Putin Meeting

St. Petersburg, The Gulf Observer: President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the traditional pre-New Year St. Petersburg meetings, the Akorda press service reported.

During the meeting, President Tokayev said the programme of his visit to Russia had been carefully prepared and was substantive, allowing the two sides to address a wide range of key issues. He noted that concrete decisions were adopted within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), while important and pressing matters of cooperation were also discussed in the format of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

“The CIS remains an authoritative and in-demand international organisation,” President Tokayev said, underscoring its continued relevance in regional and multilateral cooperation.

President Tokayev described 2025 as a successful year for Kazakhstan–Russia relations, saying bilateral ties had developed along an upward trajectory. He recalled his state visit to Russia on November 12, which he described as highly successful, and expressed gratitude to President Putin for the warm reception.

“For Kazakhstan, cooperation within the framework of strategic partnership and alliance remains an unconditional priority. We must remain together on all issues that affect the everyday lives of citizens of both Kazakhstan and Russia, as such cooperation fully corresponds to the fundamental interests of the peoples of our countries,” President Tokayev said.

President Putin, in turn, noted that informal discussions between the two leaders provided an opportunity to exchange views on cooperation within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the CIS, and on bilateral issues. He described the overall state of relations as positive.

“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to hold a separate meeting with you and discuss the issues that both you and I consider top-priority for the development of bilateral ties between Kazakhstan and Russia. In general, the situation is developing positively across almost all areas. We have no contentious or complex issues,” President Putin said.

Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that President Tokayev participated in an informal CIS meeting and also took part in a regular session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in St. Petersburg. The meeting focused on priority tasks and key directions for the Eurasian Economic Union’s activities in 2026.

In addition, President Tokayev and other CIS heads of state attending the informal summit visited the State Hermitage Museum, highlighting the cultural dimension of the gathering alongside its political and economic agenda.