MOSCOW (Realist English). Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Kremlin on Tuesday evening, welcoming him to Moscow for a two-day state visit aimed at deepening political, economic, and regional cooperation.
“I want to thank you for taking the time to come, as we agreed, on an official state visit. I am sincerely glad about this,” Putin said at the beginning of the meeting. “Although we are in constant contact, such protocol events also matter in interstate relations. Today we can talk informally, and tomorrow, together with our colleagues, review the entire agenda of our bilateral relations and look into the future.”
The Russian leader added that Moscow and Astana are likely to “end the current year on a good note” and finalize plans for both the near- and medium-term cooperation.
President Tokayev expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received in the Russian capital, calling it “exceptionally cordial.”
“From the very first minutes in Moscow, on this sacred land, I have felt the warmth of the reception,” Tokayev said. “Our cooperation is that of strategic partnership and alliance. There is no area where our countries do not interact. If any issues arise — which is natural — they are resolved through the efforts of our heads of state and governments.”
Tokayev added that he was pleased to accept Putin’s invitation and looked forward to exchanging views “in an informal and friendly atmosphere,” noting that he wished to share his observations “as with an elder colleague.”
Concluding the opening remarks, Putin invited Tokayev for a private continuation of the discussion: “Let’s continue in an informal setting — we’ll sit down, have some tea or coffee.”
The visit underscores the close and pragmatic ties between Russia and Kazakhstan, who describe their relationship as one of strategic partnership and allied cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
