President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Tokayev,
I am delighted to have this opportunity to hold a separate meeting with you on the sidelines of the events we attended, to talk about the further development of our bilateral relations and to once again compare notes on some international issues.
Everything is important for us. As you know, we value our relations with Kazakhstan. By and large, I can confidently say that there are special relations between our countries, and not only because of our personal kind and friendly relations but also because Kazakhstan and Russia, to some extent, initiated integration processes in the post-Soviet space.
At one time, Kazakhstan initiated the establishment of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and today it is actively initiating many other projects. It is worth noting, of course, that everything we are doing on the bilateral track is also promoting our cooperation with our colleagues within the CIS.
There are also many bilateral issues that constantly need our attention. Personally, I would like to express my gratitude to you for the attention you are giving to the development of Russian-Kazakhstani ties. I am confident that this meeting in the bilateral format will also contribute to the further development of our ties.
Thank you.
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: Mr Putin, thank you for this opportunity to meet here in Dushanbe, after two days of hard work. This meeting is very important for me and for us.
In a few weeks, on November 12, I will make an official visit to Russia at your invitation. We attach great importance to this event, and we are preparing for it. We believe that it will be a significant milestone, as it will give an additional impetus to our strategic partnership and alliance.
You are absolutely right to say that we are natural allies. Kazakhstan and Russia share the longest continuous state border in the world – 7,591 kilometres. The profound ties between our nations demonstrate that we have no other path but one of an enduring alliance, a deep strategic partnership, and, ultimately, unwavering friendship.
The results of this partnership are clear. Ahead of my visit to Russia, I can note that our mutual trade reached a substantial $28 billion last year. Furthermore, Russia remains one of the leading investors in our economy, with Russian businesses having invested over $26 billion in Kazakhstan over the years.
Last year alone, we saw $4 billion in new Russian investment. We are encouraged that this positive trend is holding strong this year, and we expect to see good results. I am confident that next year or in a year, we will reach the staggering milestone of $30 billion in mutual trade.
Beyond the economy, our cultural and humanitarian ties are advancing dynamically. A telling example is the nine branches of Russian universities now operating successfully in Kazakhstan – a powerful symbol of our shared future. We intend to continue this close collaboration.
Adding to this vibrant exchange, a Festival of Kazakh Culture is currently underway in Moscow, culminating in a gala concert timed to my visit. For this, we are grateful to the Russian Government and to you personally, Mr Putin.
We have a great deal more to discuss, with several major projects on our agenda. The construction of a nuclear power plant with Rosatom’s direct participation is a prime example. This is just one of many major undertakings; to date, 114 joint projects worth almost $22 billion have already been realised. And this work will most certainly continue.
Vladimir Putin: Mr Tokayev, I see our meeting today as part of preparations for your forthcoming visit to Russia. We await it with great anticipation.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: Thank you.