Addressing emerging issues in relations with Kazakhstan helps strengthen the allied bond between the two countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during a press conference following his working visit to Kazakhstan.
Earlier, Kazakhstan's Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko stated that while there are no problems between Astana and Moscow, certain issues do arise. When asked by reporters to respond, Lavrov emphasized that “a relationship with no issues indicates no relationship.” He added that the more robust the agenda in any bilateral relations, the more practical matters require resolution, which is precisely how Russia’s relationship with Kazakhstan, a close ally, continues to develop.
Lavrov explained that the current priority is enhancing economic, financial, trade, and investment ties with Kazakhstan in ways that shield these sectors from unilateral sanctions by the US and the broader West. Additionally, both nations are working on humanitarian cooperation.
Highlighting the importance of historical discourse, Lavrov noted the agreement to establish a joint group of historians. This initiative, he said, will help defuse tensions around sensitive historical topics that sometimes arise within both societies.
In education and culture, Lavrov discussed the establishment of three joint schools in Kazakhstan, which will offer Russian-language instruction. Similarly, Kazakhstan has expressed interest in establishing Kazakh-language schools in several Russian cities, including Orenburg, Omsk, and Astrakhan.
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Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on TASS materials