What Toqayev and Putin Agreed on in Astana

Yesterday, the two countries' leaders issued a joint statement, Orda.kz.

Toqayev thanked Putin for coming and emphasized how important it is for the relations between the countries, which are based on strong friendship and partnership.

Our President mentioned that he read Putin's article and published his own. In them, they expressed common views on future cooperation. He noted that even in "difficult times, Kazakhstan remains a reliable partner and ally of Russia."

Putin thanked Toqayev for the warm welcome and emphasized that the countries have strong, friendly business ties that continue to develop actively.

He expressed hope to see each other again at an informal meeting in St. Petersburg and at the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, which he called common to both nations.

The Russian President noted that trade turnover between the countries is growing, reaching almost 28.5 billion dollars last year. He emphasized the importance of humanitarian ties, especially in education, mentioning that many students from Kazakhstan study in Russia.

What Did They Agree On?

In the political sphere, they agreed to maintain a high tempo of bilateral contacts and continue regular meetings at the highest level. Active cooperation between the two countries' parliaments and foreign policy departments was noted.

The Presidents stressed the importance of working together in international organizations such as the UN, CSTO, CIS, and SCO to ensure regional stability and security. They expressed their readiness to confront modern challenges, including terrorism and extremism.

In the economic sphere, the parties expressed a desire to strengthen trade and economic ties and develop joint projects in industry, energy, transport, and other areas. They noted the importance of increasing settlements in national currencies and continuing work within the Eurasian Economic Union.

Particular attention was paid to energy cooperation, including gas supplies and infrastructure development. 

The leaders stressed the need to guarantee the safety of energy facilities and continue joint work in nuclear energy and renewable energy sources.

In the cultural sphere, the Presidents agreed to hold joint events to honor the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical memory.

They also discussed developing educational and cultural exchanges, including opening university branches and holding joint sports and youth events.

In addition, the leaders agreed to support each other and resist any attempts to destabilize or violate the sovereignty of both countries. At the same time, they indirectly mentioned Russian figures' statements.

Russian media personalities and politicians often react to the internal affairs of Central Asian countries.

For example, State Duma deputy Mikhail Delyagin stated that delays in processing money transfers from Russia to Kazakhstan are alleged “sabotage on the part of the Kazakh authorities” and “a step in the policy of de-Russification of Kazakhstan.”

Meanwhile, Russian TV presenter Tina Kandelaki expressed dissatisfaction with renaming railway stations in Kazakhstan, writing in her Telegram channel that changing historical names is dangerous, comparing it to losing memory and identity.

At the end of the meeting, Vladimir Putin invited Qasym-Jomart Toqayev to visit Russia on a state visit in 2025.

Toqayev accepted the invitation. 

Documents Signed

Following the talks, the delegation members exchanged several documents.

Aqorda provided a list of the signed documents:

• The program of interregional and cross-border cooperation between the Governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation for 2024–2028.
• An action plan for implementing the interregional and cross-border cooperation program between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Russian Federation for 2024–2028.
• An agreement between the Governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation on the organization of cooperation in the development of railway transport and infrastructure, highways, and automobile and railway checkpoints across the state border between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.
• An agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Russian Federation on the procedure for reconstructing, major repairs, repairing, and maintaining the automobile bridge across the Talovaya River between the checkpoints "Syrym" (RK) and "Mashtakovo" (RF) across the Kazakh-Russian state border and its approaches.
• An agreement between the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation on mutual recognition of diplomas of crew members of sea vessels.
• An agreement on cooperation in the healthcare field between the Governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.
• An agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Russian Federation on using the 7th zone of world numbering.
• An agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Russian Federation on cooperation in tourism.
• An agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Russian Federation on the functioning of the Kostanay branch of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Chelyabinsk State University."

The following documents were also exchanged in the presence of the Presidents:

• A protocol on the resumption of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Russian Federation on trade and economic cooperation in oil and oil product supplies to the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 9, 2010, and amendments thereto.
• An agreement between the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation on cooperation.
• A cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation.
• A memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on cooperation in the field of legal regulation of the activities of non-profit organizations.
• A cooperation program between the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation for 2025–2026.
• A memorandum of cooperation in construction and housing and communal services between the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services of the Russian Federation.
• An agreement on strategic cooperation between JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Joly and JSC Russian Railways.
• An agreement on implementing the project between JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Joly, Xi'an Free Trade Port Construction and Operation Co., Ltd and JSC Slavtrans-Service.
• A memorandum of intent between NC Kazakhstan Temir Joly JSC and FinInvest LLC.
• An agreement on cooperation in the use of effective technologies to reduce emissions of pollutants at power units No. 3 and No. 4 of Yekibastuz GRES-2 between Samruk-Energo JSC and ORGRES Firm LLC.

The two countries' leaders approved a significant package of documents to strengthen cooperation in various areas. Most agreements were concluded between the Ministries of Justice of Kazakhstan and Russia.

This shows that the countries are focusing on legal cooperation. This may mean bringing legislation closer together and simplifying interaction in legal matters. 

This may be unfortunate news for those who came to Kazakhstan after mobilization.

Original Author: Artem Volkov