The state visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Russia was the main event of the year and proved to be extensive in its scope. Over two days, full negotiations took place, including participation in the XXI Forum of Interregional Cooperation.
The main outcome was the signing of the Declaration on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Alliance between Kazakhstan and Russia, as well as 13 agreements on the economy, transport, energy, education, and ecology.
President Tokayev noted that the volume of bilateral trade is already close to $30 billion. By the end of 2024, it stood at around 28 billion, and over the first eight months of this year, it exceeded 17 billion. Russia became Kazakhstan's largest investor, with a record $4 billion. More than 20,000 companies with Russian participation operate in the country.
FROM AGREEMENTS TO SPECIFIC PROJECTS
According to President Tokayev, the signed Declaration is of historic significance and enshrines the countries' readiness to work together towards concrete results. In addition to this, 13 documents were signed, including the Comprehensive Programme of Cooperation until 2030, agreements on developing transport corridors, documents on nuclear energy with Rosatom, and arrangements for opening new educational centres.
The parties agreed to expand the capabilities of the North–South, Trans-Caspian International Transport Route transport corridors, and the Ayagoz–Bakhty, Dostyk–Moyynty railway lines. Particular attention was paid to improving cross-border logistics infrastructure and enhancing the operation of border crossing points.
NUCLEAR ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY
President Tokayev called the construction of the first nuclear power plant (NPP) with the participation of an international consortium led by Rosatom a breakthrough project. This is not only about building the plant itself but also about creating a new area of expertise. During the construction phase, the NPP will employ over six thousand workers and more than three thousand mid-level specialists. To train personnel, a branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI has been opened at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU).
In the energy sector, the parties agreed to strengthen their partnership in the field of extraction, transportation, and supply of oil, petroleum products, coal, and electricity. The prospects for gas cooperation and transit to third countries were discussed in detail.
EDUCATION AND YOUTH
At the forum, President Tokayev spoke about the importance of education and digital technologies, emphasising that a new type of economy is currently being formed. Kazakhstan has recently approved the conceptual foundations for introducing artificial intelligence into the system of technical and vocational education.
There are nine branches of Russian universities operating in Kazakhstan. This year, a branch of MGIMO was opened in Astana, and a branch of Al-Farabi KazNU was opened in Omsk – the first branch of a Kazakhstani university in Russia. In Almaty, a building will be constructed for a branch of the Sirius School.
President Tokayev stressed the need to pass the baton of friendship and cooperation to the youth.
"Our youth must understand that without this, further existence in this turbulent world is no longer possible," stated the Head of State.
A PRAGMATIC APPROACH TO PARTNERSHIP
The visit took place at the level of systemic agreements.
"The main thing that unites us is our rich history, rooted in centuries, active cultural and spiritual ties, shared values, and similar views on modern challenges," stated President Tokayev.
As the Head of State noted, the wisdom of many centuries is preserved in the Kazakh proverb "Құдай қосқан көрші" – "A neighbour given by God", which Russia is for Kazakhstan.
In a world of instability, where many ties are breaking down, the ability to strengthen genuine partnerships becomes a major advantage. This visit demonstrated the readiness of Kazakhstan and Russia to build projects that have a real impact on the economy, education, and technological development. Such a pragmatic approach lays the foundation for stable and consistent development of relations for years to come.