ISTANBUL

Russian and Kazakh officials convened high-level talks in Astana on Thursday, with a key focus on raising bilateral trade to $30 billion, as Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and his Kazakh counterpart Olzhas Bektenov led the discussions on economic, trade, and cultural cooperation.

The meeting, held at the government headquarters in Astana, aimed to review the progress of previous agreements and chart a path for future collaboration, Kazinform news agency reported.

Bektenov emphasized the significance of bilateral relations, underscoring Russia's status as a key strategic partner and a reliable ally for Kazakhstan.

“This is our first meeting in the current year, and I see it as an excellent opportunity to assess our joint efforts over the past year and outline plans for the near future," he added.

"Taking this opportunity, let me congratulate you on the 20th anniversary of signing the Treaty on the Kazakh-Russian State Border. Russia was and remains a key strategic partner and reliable friend for Kazakhstan,” he added.

Highlighting the growing partnership, Bektenov said the state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Kazakhstan in November 2024 reaffirmed the allied nature of their relations.

He stressed that a key priority for both governments is ensuring the full implementation of agreements reached at the highest level, including the goal of increasing bilateral trade turnover to $30 billion.

Discussions covered key joint projects in energy, industry, transport, education, and culture, as well as scientific and technical collaboration, in line with the countries’ long-standing strategic partnership.

“I am confident that 2025 will be filled with joint initiatives and strengthened mutual cooperation at various levels,” Bektenov said.

Mishustin arrived in Astana on Wednesday for a three-day working visit, during which he is scheduled to meet with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

His visit includes participation in the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council and the Digital Almaty Forum.

Ahead of the talks, the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan and Russia held a phone conversation to summarize the results of their bilateral engagement in 2024.

They focused on the timely implementation of directives issued by their respective presidents and discussed the schedule of upcoming high-level meetings.