In a landmark official visit, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation held bilateral negotiations, culminating in a joint statement to media representatives. The meeting, occurring on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the Treaty on Good Neighborhood and Alliance in the 21st Century, underscored the strong and enduring partnership between the two nations.
President Tokayev emphasized the deep-rooted ties between Kazakhstan and Russia, hailing Russia as a strategic partner and ally. Highlighting the shared history, lasting friendship, mutual respect, and trust, Tokayev expressed Kazakhstan's commitment to further deepening multifaceted cooperation with Russia.
Trade, economic, and investment interactions took center stage during the negotiations, with both leaders expressing satisfaction at the robust growth in mutual trade over the past years. The volume of trade between the two countries increased by more than 30% in the last three years, reaching a record $27bn in the previous year.
The focus on economic collaboration extended to the expansion of joint projects, reaching 143 with a total investment volume exceeding $33bn. The leaders directed their governments to ensure the high-quality implementation of these projects.
Energy cooperation and the progress of major oil and gas projects were also key points of discussion. President Tokayev emphasized the importance of developing the project for the supply of Russian gas in southern directions and increasing the volume of transit of Russian oil to China through Kazakhstan.
Transport and transit sectors were not left out, with both presidents committing to coordinated efforts for the development of transport corridors through their territories.
The leaders also affirmed the importance of continuing annual interregional forums, highlighting the success of the XIX Forum with its central theme of agriculture. Agriculture trade turnover increased by 24% at the end of the previous year, reaching $3.6bn.
President Tokayev announced the signing of several important documents during the negotiations, covering healthcare, energy, agriculture, sports, and more. These agreements aim to enhance the quality of life for citizens in both countries.
Cultural and humanitarian ties were emphasized, with plans to hold cross-cultural days, expand contacts between creative intelligentsia, and explore the possibility of opening branches of Kazakh and Russian universities.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues, expressing mutual understanding of cooperation within major international organizations and integration associations.
In a joint statement, the leaders reaffirmed their mutual intention to comprehensively strengthen good-neighborly and allied relations between Kazakhstan and Russia. President Putin thanked President Tokayev for the invitation and highlighted the productivity of the negotiations, emphasizing the ambitious goals set for further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership.
The negotiations concluded with the signing of a joint statement on the tenth anniversary of the Treaty on Good Neighborhood and Alliance and a plan of joint actions for 2024-2026. Additionally, several other key agreements were signed, spanning energy, sports, customs services, labor inspection, and information partnership.
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