Russian, Kazakh leaders discuss creation of "triple gas union"

Russian and Kazakh Presidents Vladimir Putin and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev talked about creating a "triple gas union" between Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan at a meeting in the Kremlin on November 28.

The statement came from Kazakh Presidential Spokesman Ruslan Zheldibay, Kommersant reports.

“There are some questions from the media regarding the head of state’s visit to Moscow. In this regard, it should be noted that during the talks in the Kremlin, the presidents of Kazakhstan and Russia talked about creating a 'triple gas union' consisting of Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to coordinate the transportation of Russian gas through the territories of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan," Zheldibay wrote on his Facebook page.

On November 28, Vladimir Putin and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks in the Kremlin. This was Tokayev's first foreign trip since his re-election as president for a new seven-year term on 20 November. At the meeting, Putin said that Russia is reorienting exports to new markets. For his part, Tokayev pledged to protect Russian investments flowing into his country's economy. He also noted that there are issues concerning the gas sphere in relations between Russia and Kazakhstan, but Astana is not dramatic about it.