Tengrinews.kz — The Presidents of Kazakhstan and Russia held a press briefing in Astana and issued a joint statement, reports the press service.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that he regards the state visit of the President of the Russian Federation as an exceptionally important event in the development of the strategic partnership and allied relations between Kazakhstan and Russia.
"First and foremost, I would like to thank the President of Russia for the insightful article published on the eve of our meeting. This piece was received in our country with genuine interest, as it contains extensive factual data and conclusions of great significance for the continued successful development of cooperation based on good-neighborliness and mutual respect. I must also express my agreement with the premise that the foundation of Kazakhstan-Russia interaction is a shared responsibility for the stability and development of the entire Eurasian space. I express my heartfelt gratitude for the kind words regarding Kazakhstan and the high assessment of the reforms being implemented in our country," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
According to the President of Kazakhstan, the current visit has clearly demonstrated qualitative changes in bilateral cooperation. This is reflected in objective indicators: trade turnover is projected to reach $30 billion, and Russia has become the leading investor in Kazakhstan's economy among all foreign nations.
A package of 177 promising economic cooperation projects was established, 122 of which have already entered the operational cycle and been implemented.
Photo by the Akorda press service
"Kazakhstan treasures the bonds of eternal friendship and strategic partnership with Russia. We have always viewed Russia as a great Eurasian state with a rich historical past and immense potential for future development. Already, despite the challenges posed by sanctions, the Russian economy has become the fourth largest in the world and the first in Europe in terms of purchasing power parity, according to data from major international financial institutions. Last year, Russia's nominal GDP exceeded $2.5 trillion—an impressive result. With its vast natural resources, engineering and scientific elite, and skilled workforce, Russia will never lose its leading position in the global economy and will continue to play a prominent role on the global geopolitical stage. Regarding the prospects for our countries' cooperation, I would like to emphasize the significance of the Joint Statement 'On the Seven Foundations of Friendship and Good-Neighborliness of the Peoples of Kazakhstan and Russia' adopted today," the President stated.
He noted that the document is carefully considered and rational in its objectives, formulating the key pillars and long-term guidelines for the further development of the strategic partnership and good-neighborly relations between the two countries.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also stated that the unprecedentedly high quality of bilateral cooperation is a significant credit to Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
"As an outstanding statesman and a world-class politician, you consistently pursue policies aimed at strengthening Russia's status as a great power. Without Russia's direct involvement, no major or significant international issue can be properly resolved. You lead the country during a complex period of total restructuring of the modern world order, fulfilling a mission of fateful significance for the Russian people and state with honor and dignity. Kazakhstan is sincerely interested in Russia's ultimate success, both in its economic development and on the international stage. Our nations essentially form the foundation of the vast Eurasian space; together, we work for the benefit of firm and indivisible security in Eurasia. We are united by historical roots, cultural traditions, mindset, and, most importantly, the longest continuous border in the world. Therefore, eternal friendship, stable good-neighborliness, and mutual trust are not mere slogans, but the very essence of our peoples' peaceful coexistence and a firm guarantee of their success in all spheres of life. We in Kazakhstan understand this well and view comprehensive cooperation with Russia as a priority. We consider working in this direction the sacred duty of our countries' leaders, both present and future, because there is no alternative to the friendship and cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia," the President emphasized.
According to Tokayev, the negotiations involving representative delegations were held in a businesslike and constructive atmosphere, featuring a productive exchange of views on all agenda items and resulting in strategic agreements.
