Media statements following Russia-Kazakhstan talks

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: Mr Putin,

Members of our delegations.

It is a great honour and privilege for us to receive you in Astana today as part of the state visit by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. For us, this visit has exceptional importance in terms of enhancing the strategic partnership and allied relations between Kazakhstan and Russia.

I would like to start by thanking the President of Russia for the insightful article he published ahead of our meeting. Kazakhstan received it with great interest because it contains many facts and conclusions that can influence in meaningful ways further efforts to expand our cooperation based on the principles of neighbourly relations and mutual respect.

I fully support the idea that our shared responsibility for ensuring stability and promoting development across the Eurasian space serves as the bedrock of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia.

Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for the kind words you used when referring to Kazakhstan and for praising the reforms we are carrying out in our country.

This visit has served as a vivid demonstration that our bilateral cooperation is evolving in meaningful ways. There are objective indicators to support this claim. In fact, our trade is expected to reach $30 billion. In terms of investment in our economy, Russia has outpaced all other countries. There are 177 projects on the list of promising economic cooperation initiatives, and 122 of them have entered their operational cycle, which means that they have been implemented.

Kazakhstan treasures the bonds of eternal friendship and strategic partnership it has forged with Russia. We have always viewed and will always view Russia as a great Eurasian power with a rich historical past and immense potential for future development. Even today, despite all the challenges related to sanctions, Russia has the fourth largest economy in the world and is the biggest European economy by purchasing power parity, according to data from leading international financial institutions.

Last year, Russia’s nominal GDP exceeded $2.5 trillion. What an impressive result. With its boundless natural recourses, engineering and academic talent, and a skilled workforce, Russia will never forego its global economic leadership and is therefore destined to play a major role on the international geopolitical stage.

As for the prospects for cooperation between our countries, I would particularly like to highlight the importance of the joint statement adopted today on the seven foundations of friendship between the peoples of Kazakhstan and Russia. This document is carefully balanced and rational in its objectives. It sets out clear reference points and long-term guidelines for the further development of strategic partnership and neighbourly relations between our countries.

The fact that cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia has reached such an unprecedented high level is, of course, an achievement of President Vladimir Putin.

As an outstanding statesman and global political figure, you consistently pursue a policy aimed at strengthening Russia’s status as a great power. Without Russia’s direct participation, no major or significant international problem can – or will – find a proper solution.

You are leading your country through the most difficult period of a total restructuring of the international system. With honour and dignity, you are carrying out a mission of fateful significance for the Russian people and the Russian state. Kazakhstan is sincerely interested in Russia’s ultimate success – both in economic development and on the international stage. Our two states, in fact, form the very backbone of the vast Eurasian space. We are collaborating for the sake of strong and indivisible security across Eurasia. We are united by historical roots, cultural traditions, a shared mentality, and, most importantly, by the longest border in the world.

For this reason, eternal friendship, sustainable neighbourly ties, and mutual trust are not propaganda slogans. They are the very essence of the peaceful existence of our nations and a strong guarantee of their success in every sphere of public life. We in Kazakhstan understand this very well, we recognise it as it should be, and we therefore consider comprehensive cooperation with Russia a priority. We regard work in this direction as a sacred duty of our countries’ leaders, both present and future, because there is no alternative to friendship and cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia.

It is extremely important that today’s talks, with the participation of such high-ranking delegations, took place in a businesslike and constructive atmosphere. There was a productive exchange of views on all agenda items, and strategic agreements were reached.

We naturally devoted considerable attention to security issues in Eurasia. In the context of ongoing turbulence in world politics, stable and predictable models of interstate partnership are of particular value. The relationship between Kazakhstan and Russia fully meets this standard. It has stood the test of time and is now successfully rising to the challenges of a new era.

Our multilateral cooperation is based on large-scale projects that bring practical benefits to the peoples of our countries. The stability of our trade and economic links and our businesses’ activities ensure stable growth in the major economic sectors in Kazakhstan and, I believe, Russia as well.

In the agricultural sector alone, bilateral trade has grown by $1 billion over the past five years. Our investment cooperation is developing consistently. As noted earlier, Russia has become a leading direct investor in the economy of Kazakhstan, with total investment exceeding $29 billion.

Kazakhstan’s investment in the Russian economy has reached $9 billion, which is also a good indicator. Over 20,000 companies with Russian participation successfully operate in Kazakhstan.

I am confident that the Kazakhstan-Russia Interregional Cooperation Forum, which will take place in the second half of this year – as we agreed, on August 20 – will provide an additional impetus to our joint efforts in enhancing the potential of Kazakhstan-Russia cooperation in trade, the economy, investment, and other vital areas.

There are very good reasons to single out energy as a very successful area of cooperation. In my opinion, the agreement on the construction of the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant, which was signed today, has exceptional importance.

I want to express my appreciation to the President of the Russian Federation for his decisive personal support during the launch of this major project, which will drive our cooperation in science, education and technology, ensuring the development of new associated niches in the energy sector and industry in general. Of course, I am primarily referring to Kazakhstan.

The successful production, transportation and supply of energy resources, including electric energy, to domestic and global markets are extremely important. Transport interconnectedness in Eurasia largely depends on our countries. Kazakhstan and Russia are working productively on the development of transcontinental corridors connecting the North and the South, the East and the West. It is encouraging to see that systemwide measures are being taken to optimise tariffs, simplify administrative procedures, and modernise border and other infrastructure.

The volume of cargo operations is growing steadily. Last year, it increased by almost 3.5 percent to 92 million tonnes. Our plan is to further increase these indicators, including through the implementation of digital solutions and AI. One major example is today’s launch of unmanned cargo vehicles operating between Kazakhstan and Russia.

Space remains a cooperation area with high potential. The Baikonur Space Centre has been a remarkable symbol of our fruitful scientific and technological partnership for many years. Our joint project Baiterek, including the recent successful launch of the new Sunkar/Soyuz-5 carrier rocket, opens new opportunities for strengthening our countries’ positions in the international space service market.

A unique highlight of the Russian President’s state visit was the arrival of four Amur tigers in Kazakhstan; you have just witnessed the ceremony. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you, President Putin, for your genuine support of our tiger reintroduction efforts in Kazakhstan. The people of our country are already aware of this valuable gift. I also extend my gratitude to all the Kazakhstani and Russian specialists participating in this unique project, which is truly a noble undertaking.

During the talks, we devoted considerable attention to cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Kazakhstan and Russia regularly hold large-scale cultural exchange events that showcase the rich diversity of our shared spiritual and cultural heritage.

Meetings between historians and political scientists from the two countries have proven fruitful. This year, the third Kazakhstan-Russia Media Forum will take place, promoting effective cooperation in the information sphere. Such events are essential for exchanging experience and jointly countering disinformation and attempts to sow discord between our countries and peoples.

We attach great importance to the successful hosting of the third Future Games, which will be held in Astana in July and August.

I would also like to highlight our joint projects in secondary education. Two Sirius Talent Summits have already been held in Kazakhstan, demonstrating a systemic approach to supporting talented youth and fostering a new generation of professionals.

In January, the first time capsule was laid at the construction site of the Sirius Centre in Almaty. Today, we have witnessed a similar ceremony in Astana. The educational projects of the Sirius Centre have the potential to become a hallmark of our humanitarian cooperation. They will make a significant contribution to strengthening our countries’ intellectual potential.

I confidently assess the state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a great success. This visit will undoubtedly go down in the history of our strategic partnership and alliance as an event of special significance. The documents signed and agreements reached reflect the essence of the Kazakh-Russian partnership: a combination of traditions of friendship and good neighbourliness with a shared commitment to common progress in all spheres of public life.

In conclusion, I once again express my sincere gratitude to the President of the Russian Federation for his historic contribution to the development of Kazakh-Russian relations. It is with great satisfaction that I emphasise that the results of your state visit have reaffirmed the unique nature of our multifaceted interstate cooperation. There is no doubt that, through our joint efforts, we will continue to move confidently along the path towards strengthening our strategic partnership and alliance for the wellbeing of our fraternal countries and peoples.

Thank you for your attention.

President Putin, you have the floor.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Tokayev,

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

First of all, I would like to once again express my gratitude to the President of Kazakhstan for inviting me to make a state visit to your country and for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to the Russian delegation.

Our talks today were held in a business-like and constructive atmosphere and were very productive, in keeping with the truly friendly and neighbourly spirit of relations between Russia and Kazakhstan.

We held an in-depth discussion on the main issues of bilateral political, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as current issues on the international agenda. We have signed a joint statement which sets forth the priority tasks for strengthening the entire complex of Russian-Kazakhstani cooperation. We have also signed a number of important intergovernmental and interagency documents across various sectors, from energy and finance to healthcare and education.

Substantial attention was given to economic cooperation during our talks. Last year, our trade reached nearly $29 billion, as President Tokayev mentioned, and we are confidently moving towards the $30-billion mark. There is no doubt whatsoever that we will exceed it in the near future.

We are expanding and diversifying our foreign trade, including with regard to high added value goods. Nearly all payments between our countries are made in national currencies. Consequently, our mutual import-export operations are safely protected from external influence and negative trends in the global markets.

Russia is one of the leading investors in Kazakhstan’s economy. The total volume of Russian investments is approaching $30 billion, as has been mentioned here. There are over 23,000 business organisations with Russian capital in the republic, and 70 major joint projects are being implemented across various economic sectors of Kazakhstan.

We are consistently strengthening our bilateral cooperation in energy. As the President of Kazakhstan has said, the bulk of Kazakhstan’s oil exports to global markets transit via Russia. At the same time, Russian oil is transported through Kazakhstan to China and other Asian countries. Gazprom ensures uninterrupted gas supplies to the northern regions of Kazakhstan, which we have been doing since the Soviet period. A large amount of energy has always been delivered and continues to be delivered from Russia to that region. This also benefits Kazakhstan, which does not need to build additional energy routes. There are also transit deliveries to neighbouring Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

RusHydro has joined projects to develop hydropower generation in Kazakhstan. We have also launched cross-border power supplies. Engaging Rosatom to build the first nuclear power plant in the Republic using cutting-edge Russian technology is a flagship project in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

As part of this visit, we approved agreements setting forth the parameters for building this NPP and funding the project from a Russian state export loan. Once launched, the NPP will make a significant contribution to powering Kazakhstan’s economy and will help supply businesses and households with inexpensive and clean energy.

I would like to note, just as the President of Kazakhstan and I have agreed, that this project cannot be reduced to creating a nuclear power plant. This is more than just a matter of building it. This effort consists of creating an entire sector, including education, personnel training, and all related matters.

Companies from both countries are carrying out several major projects in auto manufacturing, agricultural machinery and mineral fertiliser production, while also stepping up partnerships for extracting rare-earth metals, including tungsten, molybdenum, and lithium.

Russia and Kazakhstan have been working together on developing key Eurasian transport and logistics corridors and routes, expanding border crossing checkpoints so that they can handle more shipments, and increasing mutual shipments by rail, water and air. There is an innovative project underway titled Autonomous Motor Truck Line. It links our two countries, as we have just seen during the video presentation.

We are working together at the Baikonur space launch centre and have succeeded in building Baiterek, a new launch pad. One month ago, as the President also said, Soyuz 5, a new launch vehicle, blasted off into space from this new launch pad.

Cooperation in digital transition and innovative technology has been enjoying positive momentum. Russia and Kazakhstan have joined efforts to introduce artificial intelligence and other latest solutions across various sectors of the economy and in social services. By the way, our Kazakhstani friends initiated a discussion on the topic of high technology tonight at the plenary session of the Eurasian Economic Forum. Leaders of the EAEU member states will be taking part in this event.

Both Russia and Kazakhstan have been making significant efforts in environmental protection, including protecting the ecosystems formed by the Caspian Sea and cross-border rivers. This is our shared heritage. The effort to draft a master plan setting forth a water-sharing framework for the River Irtysh has entered its final stage.

The bilateral project to reintroduce the Amur tiger within a nature reserve in the Almaty region exemplifies the partnership between Russia and Kazakhstan in environmental protection.

Russian-Kazakh humanitarian cooperation has traditionally been multifaceted and intensive. Our countries closely cooperate in science, education, sports, and engage actively through social and youth organisations. More than 60,000 Kazakhstanis are studying in Russia, as has already been mentioned. Branches of several leading Russian universities are successfully operating in Kazakhstan. Our Academy of National Economy [and Public Administration] has established a strong training programme for Kazakhstani civil servants and managers.

It is important that the Russian language is widely used in Kazakhstan, and its role in various spheres of life continues to meet support from the Republic’s leadership.

The new Constitution, adopted by referendum on March 15 at the initiative of the President of Kazakhstan, reaffirms the status of Russian as an official language. It was President Tokayev who put forward the initiative to establish an International Organisation for the Russian Language. The first ministerial conference, held in Moscow in March, officially launched this new entity, aimed at preserving a common – and I would like to emphasise this – a common Russian-language cultural and humanitarian space.

President Tokayev, we greatly appreciate and value these initiatives of yours.

For its part, Russia is supporting the construction of new Russian-language schools in Kazakhstan and the overall improvement of the quality of Russian-language instruction. In this context, I would like to note that, with the support of President Tokayev and myself, a joint school and centre for gifted children is being established in Almaty. We have just witnessed the launch of this project: the Sirius-Kazakhstan initiative. Today, we have also launched the construction of a second Sirius school, this time in Astana.

Sports ties are growing stronger and expanding. This summer, Kazakhstan will host the third International Multisport Tournament, the Games of the Future. As is well known, Russia stood at the origins of these unique competitions, which combine traditional and digital sports.

When considering key international issues, it has been confirmed that the positions of Russia and Kazakhstan on most matters are either very close or practically identical.

Our countries coordinate their approaches within the UN and other multilateral formats, including the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

And, of course, I would like to acknowledge Kazakhstan’s successful chairmanship of the Eurasian Economic Union this year. Tomorrow, at the Union’s summit, a number of important decisions aimed at deepening our integration cooperation will be adopted.

In conclusion, I would like to once again sincerely thank President Tokayev and all our Kazakhstani friends for their hospitality and for wonderful organisation of our work. I am confident that this visit and these talks will further strengthen the multifaceted Russian-Kazakh relationship for the benefit of our countries and peoples.

Thank you.

en.kremlin.ru

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