Putin and Tokayev Hold Talks on Sidelines of SCO Summit: What Did They Discuss?

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Russian President Vladimir Putin used the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s anniversary summit in Bishkek to discuss the direction of their countries’ relationship.

Kazakhstan’s presidential office said the two leaders noted the dynamic development of broad cooperation between the neighboring countries, describing it as grounded in friendship, good-neighborly relations and partnership.

Putin congratulated Tokayev on what he called a successful Kurultai election. He said the result confirmed broad support for the Kazakh leadership’s strategic course, including further national development, stronger domestic political stability, economic growth and efforts to improve living standards.

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The modernization of Kazakhstan will continue in accordance with national interests. There can be absolutely no reform for the sake of reform; we understand this well. The issue must concern, above all, the interests of our citizens.

Tokayev spoke about work under Kazakhstan’s constitutional reform program. “The modernization of Kazakhstan will continue in accordance with national interests. There can be absolutely no reform for the sake of reform; we understand this well. The issue must concern, above all, the interests of our citizens.”

He also described Putin’s state visit to Astana in May as fully successful and historic in character and substance. Tokayev said the government was implementing the agreements signed during the visit, while trade continued to grow faster than expected. “Russia will remain our main investment and trading partner, I believe. I fully support this process.”

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Russia will remain our main investment and trading partner, I believe. I fully support this process.