Kazakh president reaffirms strong energy partnership with Russia

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with Russia in the energy sector following his meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak in Astana.

The meeting focused on future of bilateral cooperation, deepening trade and economic ties between the two countries, with a particular emphasis on energy sector collaboration. The sides exchanged views on ways to further strengthen their relationship in this crucial area, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

Deputy Prime Minister Novak underscored the high level of dialogue and cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia.

President Tokayev responded by emphasizing the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of Kazakhstan’s ties with Russia. He described the relations between the two countries as being built on friendship, good neighbourliness, and strong alliance, marking another milestone in their ongoing collaboration.

The discussions underline the significance of Kazakhstan and Russia’s energy partnership, which continues to play a key role in both countries' economic development and regional stability.

By the end of 2024, Russia has emerged as Kazakhstan's largest trade partner in terms of imports, accounting for 30.5 per cent of the country’s total import volume, according to data from Kazakhstan’s Bureau of National Statistics.

In the energy sector, Kazakhstan and Russia maintain robust cooperation, particularly in oil, gas, and electricity. Notably, in 2024, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak reported on the development of a significant 45 billion cubic meter gas pipeline running from Russia to China via Kazakhstan. Of this volume, 10 billion cubic meters is designated for the gasification of Kazakhstan’s northern regions. This initiative, which aims to enhance Kazakhstan’s energy infrastructure, was officially included in Russia’s territorial planning scheme in February 2024.

In addition to gas pipelines, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) plays a crucial role in the energy cooperation between the two countries. The CPC pipeline, which runs through Russian territory, is vital for the transportation of a substantial amount of Kazakh oil to international markets.

By Vafa Guliyeva