Putin and Tokayev hold talks on sidelines of SCO summit

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev used a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Bishkek to emphasize that Kazakhstan’s reforms would serve national interests, not proceed simply for their own sake.

The two presidents met on the sidelines of the anniversary Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, according to Kazakhstan’s presidential administration. They described cooperation between the neighboring countries as dynamic and multifaceted, developing in a spirit of friendship, good-neighborliness and alliance.

Putin congratulated Tokayev on the successful elections to the Kurultai. He said the results showed broad support for Kazakhstan’s strategic course, including economic development, domestic political stability and efforts to improve living standards.

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Reforms for the sake of reforms should never be carried out.

Tokayev also referred to constitutional reform and the implementation of agreements reached during Putin’s state visit to Astana in May. He called that visit historic and said the government was working to carry out the agreements signed during it.

“Reforms for the sake of reforms should never be carried out,” Tokayev said. “First and foremost, we must proceed from the interests of our citizens.” He added that trade was growing faster than the previous year and said Russia would remain Kazakhstan’s main investment and trade partner.

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First and foremost, we must proceed from the interests of our citizens.