Kazakhstan & Russia: Tokayev’s Visit Cementing Strategic Alliance
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is embarking on a pivotal state visit to Russia from November 11-12, following an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin. This high-level engagement is set to delve into critical aspects of the enduring strategic partnership and alliance between the two nations, encompassing political, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation, alongside discussions on urgent regional and global issues. The visit underscores the deep-rooted ties and future ambitions shared by Astana and Moscow.
Ahead of the visit, the Rossiyskaya Gazeta published an insightful op-ed by President Tokayev, titled “Eternal Friendship – A Guiding Star for Our Peoples.” In his piece, Tokayev unequivocally stated, “Kazakhstan and Russia are allied states and strategic partners. History itself has predetermined our eternal friendship, large-scale cooperation across all sectors, and close interaction in the humanitarian sphere.” This sentiment sets the tone for the discussions anticipated in Moscow, emphasizing a shared past and a vision for future collaboration.
President Tokayev frequently highlights the centuries-long coexistence of the Kazakh and Russian peoples, sharing both joys and challenges, and collectively shaping the unique cultural landscape of Eurasia. For Kazakhstan’s leader, cultivating multifaceted cooperation with its neighbor, while upholding mutual respect for each other’s history, culture, and traditions, remains paramount. Since gaining independence, Kazakhstan has consistently prioritized strong relations with Russia, reflecting Moscow’s role as an unvarying priority in its foreign policy doctrines.
In these complex times, Tokayev identifies the strategic partnership as an indispensable element in establishing a robust Eurasian security system. He pointedly acknowledges the critical role of President Putin in global politics, asserting that the progress in bilateral cooperation is inextricably linked to the Russian leader’s energetic and productive efforts. Tokayev noted, “In Kazakhstan, he enjoys unwavering respect as a statesman of global stature, his name is on the lips of politicians and ordinary people in virtually all countries of the world.”
Reflecting on the significance of his upcoming visit, Tokayev revealed that recent substantive discussions with leaders such as China’s Xi Jinping, the US’s Donald Trump, and various European, Asian, and African counterparts, revealed a universal acknowledgment of Russia’s and its leader’s exceptional role in resolving key international issues. He concluded, “In other words, overcoming the contradictions of the modern world without Moscow’s participation is impossible.” The Kazakh President expressed confidence that his meetings with President Putin would usher in new dimensions of cooperation, with a landmark Declaration on transitioning relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance expected to be signed. This document, he believes, will undeniably inaugurate a new era in bilateral ties, affirming an unparalleled level of mutual trust and a shared commitment to closer collaboration across all spheres.
Economic cooperation stands as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. President Tokayev cited impressive figures, noting that bilateral trade is nearing the 30 billion dollar mark. The industrial cooperation framework includes over 170 joint projects, attracting investments exceeding 50 billion dollars. Major Russian corporations like Sibur, Gazprom, Lukoil, and EuroChem are actively involved in building high-tech manufacturing facilities in Kazakhstan, producing polyethylene, butadiene, mineral fertilizers, and other in-demand products. Collaborations with Tatneft for automotive tire production and KAMAZ for truck components further illustrate this symbiotic economic relationship.
Over 20,000 companies with Russian capital are successfully operating in Kazakhstan, a testament to a mutually beneficial partnership fostering new productions, creating tens of thousands of jobs, facilitating technology transfer, and strengthening regional and interpersonal connections. The energy sector holds special significance, with joint efforts ensuring uninterrupted transit of Russian energy resources to China and Central Asian countries. Tokayev also highlighted the proposed construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan with Russian assistance, envisioning not only the completion of a full nuclear fuel cycle but also new avenues for technology transfer, specialist training, job creation, and the development of related industries such as mechanical engineering and instrument making.
Enhancing cooperation in the transport and logistics sector is another priority for the Kazakh President. Kazakhstan’s strategic location hosts 13 international transport corridors (five rail, eight road), facilitating approximately 85% of overland freight between Asia and Europe. Given the vast territories of both Kazakhstan and Russia, further development of transit routes and infrastructure is crucial for sustainable Eurasian connectivity. Joint initiatives include upgrading the “Western Europe – Western China” highway and modernizing 30 checkpoints along their shared border.
President Tokayev also underscored significant historical and cultural milestones that bind the two nations. The upcoming 80th anniversary of the Great Victory (WWII) is viewed as a unifying historical event, and he expressed gratitude for volunteer search teams dedicated to preserving the memory of fallen soldiers. The 70th anniversary of the legendary Baikonur Cosmodrome, recognized as the cradle of global space exploration and a symbol of human ingenuity, also serves as an enduring link of strategic partnership, embodying scientific progress and a future-oriented vision.
A pivotal moment in their shared history, according to Tokayev, is the 20th anniversary of the Kazakhstan-Russia state border treaty, signed on January 18, 2005, which was celebrated this year. This document, he argued, established an unshakable legal foundation for mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity, transforming the world’s longest continuous land border into a “belt of friendship.” Ongoing multifaceted cooperation is further exemplified by the annual Forum of Interregional Cooperation, which has actively strengthened bilateral relations for over two decades, with the next session scheduled in Uralsk.
Profound cultural and humanitarian ties continue to flourish. This year, the “Eternal Friendship Alley of Kazakhstan and Russia” was inaugurated in Astana, with a similar “Kazakhstan-Russia Friendship Square” soon to open in Moscow. Tokayev also pointed to strengthening collaboration among museums, libraries, theaters, art galleries, and filmmakers, with several joint youth, scientific, and sports forums planned. A particular emphasis is placed on scientific and educational cooperation, with nine leading Russian university branches successfully operating in Kazakhstan. Recent advancements include the opening of an MGIMO branch in Astana and the first foreign university branch in Russia – the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Omsk. Plans for a branch of the Russian “Sirius” school in Almaty further cement this educational rapprochement, which Tokayev sees as building “strong bridges of real trust and genuine strategic convergence.”
President Tokayev, a proponent of linguistic diversity as a unique Kazakh advantage, reiterated the peaceful coexistence and mutual enrichment of dozens of cultures within the republic. He specifically highlighted the status of the Russian language, which he described as an “integral element of the socio-political, scientific-educational, and spiritual life of society.” Supporting the Russian language is viewed as part of broader humanitarian cooperation that fosters dialogue and trust, prompting his initiative to establish an International Organization for the Russian Language.
Concluding his op-ed in Rossiyskaya Gazeta, President Tokayev declared, “As the world seeks new benchmarks, Eurasia needs reliable anchors – an alliance that is not subject to market fluctuations but is nourished by common sense and a shared destiny.” He expressed confidence that the strategic partnership and alliance between Kazakhstan and Russia, rooted in historical and spiritual foundations, will always be a bastion of creation, security, and cooperation for the entire continent. This visit follows a meeting between the two presidents on October 10, 2025, at the CIS summit in Dushanbe, where Tokayev underscored the “very important significance” of his upcoming Moscow visit, anticipating it to be a “milestone” for further boosting their strategic partnership and alliance.