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

According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting, held at the government headquarters in Astana, aimed to review the progress of previous agreements and chart a path for future collaboration. Bektenov emphasized the significance of bilateral relations, underscoring Russia’s status as a key strategic partner and a reliable ally for Kazakhstan.

Bektenov stated that the meeting was an opportunity to assess joint efforts over the past year and outline plans for the near future. He also congratulated the Russian delegation on the 20th anniversary of the Treaty on the Kazakh-Russian State Border, reiterating Russia’s role as a strategic partner and reliable friend for Kazakhstan.

Highlighting the growing partnership, Bektenov mentioned that 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 during the meeting 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. Bektenov expressed confidence that 2025 would be filled with joint initiatives and strengthened mutual cooperation at various levels.

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.