Mikhail Mishustin’s talks with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

The meeting took place as part of the Russian Prime Minister's working visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Excerpts from the transcript:

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: Mr Mishustin, we are always delighted to see you.

You are well aware of the pace at which economic cooperation between our countries is developing. As of today, 122 major projects worth of approximately $25 billion have been implemented, while bilateral trade is steadily approaching $30 billion. We can say that these are truly impressive results. Russia remains our principal trade, economic, and investment partner, and we view this with great satisfaction.

We are currently preparing for the upcoming state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Recently, I spoke with him by telephone, and we agreed to ensure thorough preparations for this important event. We are confident that the visit will provide strong momentum for the further development of our strategic partnership, grounded in longstanding allied relations.

Mikhail Mishustin: Thank you, Mr President. Colleagues,

I would like to use this occasion to convey to you the best wishes from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Yesterday, I discussed our bilateral cooperation agenda with him in detail. We are also actively preparing for his visit to Kazakhstan in May.

The Government is doing everything necessary to ensure that this visit, like previous ones, is a success.

We warmly recall your visit to the Russian Federation last November. At present, our governments are working to implement all the decisions and objectives set by our leaders.

You have mentioned trade. Indeed, we had originally planned to reach the $30 billion mark at a later stage, yet we are already approaching this level.

A significant number of Russian companies are investing in Kazakhstan. As you noted, the volume of such investments is already nearing $30 billion. At the same time, we invite our Kazakh partners to invest in the Russian economy and to actively participate in industrial cooperation across a broad range of sectors, including within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union. A programme involving the heads of government of EAEU member states will begin this evening in Shymkent.

Mr President, I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate you personally and the people of Kazakhstan on this historic milestone: the adoption of the new Constitution. It reflects strong public support for your course towards building an effective state, fostering economic growth, and improving the wellbeing of people.

We consider the expansion of trade and economic ties a priority, alongside the active development of humanitarian cooperation.

Yesterday, when discussing our bilateral agenda, I highlighted the importance we attach to the work of the branch of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Omsk. This city and the region are well known to you. We will continue to increase quotas for Kazakh students. Of course, we also intend to further strengthen the cultural and humanitarian ties that have always united our countries and regions. Direct interregional cooperation, particularly between neighbouring regions, remains of great importance.

Let me once again assure you that we will make every effort to ensure the effective implementation of all tasks set by our leaders.

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