Astana’s moves may be driven by efforts of powerful lobbying groups that speak up for stronger cooperation with China: Alexander Karavayev, Vice Director of the Moscow State University Center for Post-soviet Studies.
January 30 Russia’s First Vice PM Igor Shuvalov and Kazakhstan’s Vice PM Kairat Kelimbetov are expected to meet to discuss preparation for the sitting.
Angela Merkel said that information on Aliyev was part of a “successful” operation of German intelligence service and its publication would be deleterious to its source.