Astana, Feb 12 (EFE).- Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met Wednesday in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, to discuss bilateral and regional security cooperation.
Strengthening Economic and Security Ties
“Russia is one of the largest investors in Kazakhstan’s economy, and I believe that cooperation between our security forces and defense structures is also developing satisfactorily,” Tokayev said, according to the Kazakh presidency.
The Central Asian leader noted that Shoigu’s visit “will allow us to once again review everything that is being done and agree on new avenues of cooperation between our countries,” in addition to the 171 projects already agreed upon.
Shoigu stated that 23,000 Russian companies are currently operating in Kazakhstan, underscoring Moscow’s economic footprint in the country.
Regional Cooperation and Security Concerns
The former Russian defense minister praised bilateral cooperation with what he called a “brotherly people”, adding that both nations are also “actively working within the frameworks of”:
- Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
- Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)
- Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
- Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)
Beyond Ukraine, Shoigu emphasized the need to closely monitor developments in Afghanistan and Syria, highlighting the broader regional security landscape.
Kazakhstan-Russia Diplomatic Relations
As part of the meeting, Tokayev sent his regards to Russian President Vladimir Putin and confirmed his attendance at the Victory Day parade set to take place in Moscow on May 9. EFE