Press Secretary Comments on Nazarbayev’s Visit to Moscow 

Nursultan Nazarbayev’s recent trip to Moscow was personal, Orda.kz reports.

The press secretary of the First President, Aidos Ukibay, addressed the matter following media interest.

In connection with media inquiries, I inform you: Nursultan Nazarbayev's visit to Moscow was personal and unofficial. He and Vladimir Putin have had long-standing friendly relations that have been maintained regardless of the presence of state powers,
Ukibay stated. 

He clarified that Nazarbayev continues to communicate with foreign leaders, but outside any official framework.

The first President maintains contacts with a number of world leaders — through telephone conversations, personal correspondence and individual meetings. This concerns not only Russia, but also Türkiye, China, the UAE, Uzbekistan, Belarus and other countries. This format of interaction corresponds to international practice and reflects personal ties that have developed over the years of state activity.

According to Ukibay, personal meetings with influential figures who no longer hold office are considered standard diplomatic practice.

Thus, on the day of the meeting with Nursultan Nazarbayev, the Russian President also held a personal meeting with Akie Abe, the widow of the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the press secretary noted. 

He added that Nazarbayev’s visit followed the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day:

He received an invitation to events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory. Due to objective circumstances, he was unable to attend the official celebrations and visited Moscow later, privately. 

Ukibay also rejected speculation about the former President's residency:

Nazarbayev’s presence in Moscow triggered a wave of public speculation. Though no official meetings were announced, the Kremlin later released footage of him embracing Vladimir Putin. 

Original Author: Zhadra Zhulmukhametova