Russia, Kazakhstan signal closer strategic alignment in talks VIDEO / UPDATED

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Russia Vladimir Putin held talks in a narrow format, Kazakh media reports.

Tokayev described the visit as being of “huge importance” for the development of strategic partnership and allied relations between the two countries.

“This visit, this event has huge significance in terms of developing strategic partnership and allied relations between our countries. And I believe it also has great importance for ensuring security and stability on the Eurasian continent, because our countries are the foundation of this vast Eurasian space,” Tokayev said.

The Kazakh president also highlighted a joint statement outlining seven pillars of strategic alliance between the two states.

“The word ‘seven’ itself is a good word, a good number in our region. And the document itself is very original. I worked on it myself, made amendments. I believe it will enter the chronicle of cooperation between our countries and will be of great importance,” he said.

Tokayev further referred to the upcoming signing of an agreement on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan.

“We are friends, brothers, we have a lot in common, including a rich historical past, cultural traditions and mentality. We discussed this in detail yesterday during an informal meeting,” he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the strategic partnership between the two countries is based on traditions of friendship and mutual respect built over centuries of coexistence between their peoples.

“In the economy, our relations are developing quite successfully. We are closely following what is happening in this sphere in brotherly Kazakhstan. We congratulate you on these achievements; they are evident,” Putin said.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin was officially welcomed in Kazakhstan during a ceremonial reception held at the Palace of Independence in Astana, Kazinform reports.

Putin, who arrived in Kazakhstan on a state visit at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was personally greeted by the Kazakh leader.

In honor of the visiting head of state, fighter jets from Kazakhstan’s Air Defence Forces carried out a demonstration flight over the Palace of Independence, leaving smoke trails in the colors of the Russian flag.

An honor guard was assembled inside the palace, where Tokayev and Putin introduced members of their official delegations to each other. The commander of the honor guard company then delivered a welcoming report, after which the national anthems of Kazakhstan and Russia were played.

The two presidents proceeded along a ceremonial carpet to the State Flag of Kazakhstan before beginning talks in a narrow format.

According to earlier reports, the discussions are expected to focus on the current state of and prospects for strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and allied relations between Kazakhstan and Russia.

Later on May 28, the Eurasian Economic Forum will take place with the participation of the heads of state of the member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union.

A meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council is scheduled for May 29.

By Vafa Guliyeva