Russian President Vladimir Putin published an article for Wednesday’s edition of the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda newspaper ahead of his forthcoming visit to Kazakhstan’s capital Astana,El.kz news agency reports citing TASS.
In an article, headlined ‘Russia - Kazakhstan: a Forward-Looking Alliance Demanded by Life,’ the Russian leader shared his views on the present-day state of affairs and future of bilateral relations, reflecting about economic and regional ties, humanitarian exchanges and international cooperation.
In his article, Putin noted that "the peoples of Russia and Kazakhstan are connected by the bonds of similar cultural, spiritual and moral values, centuries of living in one State, as well as shared achievements and victories." He also praised the "strong good personal relationship that Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and I have developed."
He commended impressive bilateral trade, adding that Russia is among Kazakhstan’s major trade partners.
"Our bilateral trade has been constantly diversifying, with the share of higher value-added non-commodity goods growing continuously. Besides, settlements in national currencies have played an increasing role, which has helped protect business transactions between our countries from the negative impact of external, including political, factors," Putin wrote.
The Russian president went on to say that the two nations are "expanding cooperation in culture, sports, through social and youth communities, and, certainly, in education."
Putin made a special mention of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, emphasizing that "both Russia and Kazakhstan remember and sacredly honour the feat of their fathers and grandfathers, who fought shoulder to shoulder against Nazism."
In his view, Moscow and Astana are at the forefront of the process to form "a more just multipolar world order" and "take similar positions with regard to the key role of international law in interstate relations, and the need to take into account the interests of all countries in matters of global security, stability and sustainable development."
"Russia is willing to continue developing multifaceted relations of friendship and alliance with the Republic of Kazakhstan for the benefit of our peoples. I wish all citizens of Kazakhstan success, well-being and prosperity," the Russian president concluded.