Before Meeting Putin: Toqayev Outlines Joint Projects

Ahead of his visit to Moscow on November 11–12, 2025, President Toqayev spoke of deepening ties between Kazakhstan and Russia. A new declaration is expected to be signed, which will elevate bilateral relations to the level of a “comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance," Orda.kz reports.

In advance of the trip, he highlighted joint factories, energy projects, transport corridors, scientific initiatives, and billions of dollars in investment.

His remarks were published in Rossiyskaya Gazeta. 

He referenced the 1992 treaty on friendship and cooperation between the two nations and said:

Kazakhstan and Russia have managed to build a high-quality and meaningful strategic partnership and alliance. This cooperation is based on the conscious desire of our peoples to stand together in these turbulent, unpredictable times. In other words, eternal friendship is the guiding star for our states and peoples.

Billions, Jobs, and Energy

Russia remains one of Kazakhstan’s top foreign-trade partners, and more than 20,000 Russian-capital companies operate in Kazakhstan. Projects include high-tech plants for polyethylene and fertilizers with Sibur, Gazprom, and Lukoil; tire production with Tatneft; and truck components with KAMAZ.

Energy cooperation is key.

Toqayev emphasized:

We are constructing and modernizing large energy facilities. The key project here will undoubtedly be the construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant, with the participation of an international consortium led by Rosatom.

He said the plant will allow Kazakhstan to close the “entire nuclear cycle” and create jobs in mechanical engineering and instrument-making.

Transport: Kazakhstan as a Eurasian Hub

Kazakhstan hosts 13 international transport corridors, accounting for about 85% of overland freight between Asia and Europe.

Toqayev stated:

Given the size and geographic location of Kazakhstan and Russia, further development of transit routes and related infrastructure is of paramount importance for ensuring sustainable transport connectivity across Eurasia. To achieve this goal, our countries are working to increase the capacity of the Western Europe – Western China highway corridor and are modernizing 30 road crossing points on the Kazakh-Russian border.

Work is also underway on the eastern North-South rail line (Russia-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran), targeting 20 million tons per year.

Incidentally, in September, kilometers-long truck traffic jams formed at three customs crossings between Kazakhstan and Russia on both sides 

Science & Education: Building the Workforce of the Future

Toqayev also stated that nine leading Russian universities, including MGIMO, have branches in Kazakhstan. A branch of KazNU has opened in Omsk, and a Russian school, "Sirius," is being built in Almaty.

Toqayev also addressed the Russian language:

We view support for the Russian language as part of a broader humanitarian cooperation that strengthens dialogue and trust between peoples. This is why I proposed the creation of the International Russian Language Organization. I am convinced that Kazakhstan's youth should be proficient in several languages — Kazakh, Russian, as well as English, Chinese, and others. This is an essential prerequisite for success in a globalized world.

Not Just Declarations, But Actions

The visit signals that Kazakhstan and Russia are increasingly intertwined through factories, pipelines, transport links, and educational networks.

The planned declaration, as Toqayev said, is “more than just a formality.”

Meanwhile, Moscow is visibly preparing; flags of both countries were reported across the city.

Original Author: Alina Pak