Kazakhstan's leadership is committed to fostering a comprehensive partnership with Russia, as emphasized by President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev in an interview with the Kazinform agency.
"Kazakhstan's position is not anti-Russian; we are firmly committed to fostering a broad-ranging partnership with our neighbor. As I highlighted during the press conference, our extensive history of cooperation spans diverse spheres, including trade and humanitarian relations," Tokayev said in reference to his statements during the press conference held in Berlin following discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Addressing the issue of sanctions, Tokayev expressed his view that the ongoing sanctions confrontation is counterproductive to international relations. "Kazakhstan does not trade in goods subject to sanctions and does not participate in parallel imports to Russia," he explained.
President Tokayev pointed out that trade in conventional goods between Kazakhstan and Russia is on an upward trajectory. He cited the notable milestone of Kazakh-Russian trade reaching $25 billion in volume the previous year. He also highlighted the successful Innoprom exhibition held in Astana, which was attended by the Russian delegation led by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Simultaneously, Tokayev acknowledged Kazakhstan's need to consider the constraints posed by sanctions and maintained that the country is actively engaging with relevant international organizations on this matter.
"I wish to underscore the importance of diplomats coming together to seek a mutually acceptable foundation for peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The gravity of this matter cannot be overstated, as the world has come dangerously close to a potentially catastrophic confrontation, with dire consequences for the majority of humanity," the president of Kazakhstan concluded.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS