Vladimir Putin and Kasym-Jomart Tokayev discuss prospects for strategic co-operation

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks after the XIX Forum of Interregional Cooperation. The two leaders discussed prospects for strategic cooperation.

Kasym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the visit of Vladimir Putin is a significant event for bilateral relations. This is reported by "Delovoy Kazakhstan", a partner of TV BRICS network.

The head of Kazakhstan noted the successful development of cooperation between the two countries in all areas, stressing the strong bonds of partnership, historical commonality and good neighbourly relations between the peoples and record trade turnover.

"Over the past three years, trade turnover has increased by more than 30 per cent and this positive trend continues. At the end of eight months of this year, mutual trade totalled $17 billion, which is also a record," Tokayev stated.

During the talks, the heads of state reaffirmed their mutual desire to strengthen strategic partnership. Special attention was paid to the further development of co-operation in inter-regional and cross-border areas.

"The strategic partnership and allied relations between our countries are confidently and successfully developing. <...> People directly co-operate with each other, work, communicate, and this always brings such a visible, significant result. Especially since we have chosen a very important topic: food is the basis for the vital activity of any society, any state," Vladimir Putin said.

The parties also discussed important aspects of co-operation in the oil and gas industry, machine building, energy, transport and logistics, healthcare and cultural and humanitarian ties.

Photo: kremlin.ru