Rustam Minnikhanov, the Rais of Republic of Tatarstan, met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana on Wednesday during an official visit.
Tokayev opened the talks by congratulating Minnikhanov on his re-election and thanked him for his active role in strengthening Kazakh-Russian relations and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between Kazakh regions and Tatarstan.
"We are preparing for a state visit to Moscow on November 12. We consider this a milestone event in our relations," Tokayev said. "Important documents will be signed, which will have a serious positive impact on the future course of our cooperation. I know you have visited the North Kazakhstan and Kostanay regions and have plans to establish enterprises in Kazakhstan. We welcome all these plans and will always support Tatarstan's initiatives in our country."
In response, Rustam Minnikhanov thanked Tokayev for his consistent attention to developing cooperation with Tatarstan, noting that Kazakhstan is one of the republic's leading international partners.
Bilateral economic cooperation is demonstrating strong momentum. Trade between Tatarstan and Kazakhstan reached $760 million last year, and in the first half of 2025, it grew by 45% compared to the same period a year earlier.
Tatar companies are actively operating in Kazakhstan. The heavy truck market has historically been a key and promising sector for KAMAZ. The KAMAZ-Engineering assembly plant is currently operational in the country, with ongoing efforts to increase the localization of production, expand the dealer and service network, and provide personnel training.
Minnikhanov emphasized that interregional ties feature a busy agenda. A delegation from Kazakhstan's Abai Region visited Tatarstan last November, followed by a delegation from the Atyrau Region in February of this year. This week, Kazan hosted guests from the North Kazakhstan Region.
Tatarstan places great importance on developing cooperation with Kazakhstan. Minnikhanov noted the successful operation of Kazakhstan's Consulate General in Kazan and Tatarstan's representative office in Astana. A bilateral agreement on trade, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation is in effect, alongside agreements with several Kazakh regions. Regular air and rail links connect Kazan with Astana and Almaty.
Humanitarian ties are also thriving. Over a thousand Kazakh students are enrolled in Tatarstan's universities, and the Kazakh national-cultural autonomy in Tatarstan actively participates in the republic's life. Minnikhanov also expressed particular gratitude for Kazakhstan's support of the Tatar community within the country.
During the meeting, both sides confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening the multifaceted cooperation between Tatarstan and Kazakhstan within the framework of friendly Russian-Kazakh relations.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the Rais RT
Based on materials from the Press Service of the Rais RT