President Vladimir Putin highlighted the distinctive nature of the relationship between Russia and Kazakhstan, stating that it stems not only from the personal friendship between the two leaders but also from their shared role as drivers of integration in the post-Soviet space.
"We deeply value our relations with Kazakhstan. I can confidently say that ours is a unique partnership, and not just because of the personal, warm relations between us, but also because Kazakhstan and Russia have, to a significant extent, been the initiators of integration processes across the post-Soviet region," Putin stated during a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The Russian leader noted that Kazakhstan was instrumental in establishing the Eurasian Economic Community and continues to proactively advance numerous initiatives today. "Furthermore, it's important to say that everything we accomplish on our bilateral track also strengthens our collaboration with colleagues within the CIS framework," he added, while also acknowledging the many bilateral issues that require constant attention.
Putin thanked Tokayev for his commitment to fostering Russian-Kazakh ties. "I am confident that our current meeting in this bilateral format will undoubtedly be beneficial for the advancement of our relations," the Russian president remarked.
He also noted that their meeting on Friday would provide an opportunity to discuss the development of bilateral relations and "once again synchronize our watches on certain international matters." "All of this is very important to us," Putin said.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS