President Tokayev Hosts Putin in Astana for SCO Summit
Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to Astana, where Putin arrived to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, according to media reports.
During their meeting, President Tokayev expressed his gratitude to President Putin for attending the SCO summit and highlighted Russia’s significant contributions to strengthening the “Shanghai spirit” and promoting multilateral cooperation among the SCO member states.
“The SCO presidency is a very honorable and responsible mission. Tomorrow, I will present a report on the work carried out under our presidency. The Organization is undergoing reform, which is not an easy task. The SCO has gained the necessary credibility on the international stage. From my point of view, it is one of the most successful international organizations. Moreover, it is democratic by nature, as the principle of equality of all states is respected. I must acknowledge the immense contribution of Russia to the strengthening of the SCO’s potential. In this regard, I’d like to express my gratitude to you as the chair,” President Tokayev stated.
President Tokayev also discussed the current state and future prospects of the strategic partnership and alliance between Kazakhstan and Russia. He emphasized the upward trajectory of bilateral cooperation following President Putin’s historic visit to Kazakhstan in November last year.
“I have taken personal control over the realization of the agreements reached earlier. The projects agreed upon during your visit reflect the strategic nature of interaction between our states. Therefore, I have no doubt that they will be fully realized as they meet the interests of both Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation,” Tokayev added.
The Kazakh leader extended an invitation to President Putin for a state visit to Kazakhstan this fall, in conjunction with the session of the CSTO Collective Security Council.
In response, President Putin thanked President Tokayev for the invitation to the SCO summit and commended Kazakhstan’s extensive efforts in preparing for the significant event. “The summit is international in scope not just formally, but in terms of its content. I’d like to note that our countries preside over several international organizations: your country chairing the SCO and CSTO, and Russia – BRICS and CIS. Our countries will support and assist one another. I am grateful for the invitation to Kazakhstan for a state visit, which will be fitting in view of the CSTO summit. Speaking of our bilateral relations, regular contacts are maintained. I must highlight the growth in our trade turnover, reaching nearly 30 billion US dollars, which is an impressive figure. Russia remains one of Kazakhstan’s main trade and economic partners,” said President Putin.
The meeting also focused on the prospects for developing industrial cooperation, promoting mutually beneficial partnerships in the energy sector, and enhancing cross-regional ties. Both presidents reiterated their mutual commitment to maintaining regular political dialogue in both bilateral and multilateral formats.
