Tokayev and Putin Meet in Bishkek: Focus on Reforms and Future Cooperation

On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a bilateral meeting with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. The heads of state discussed key issues regarding the expansion of trade, economic, investment, and humanitarian partnership between Kazakhstan and Russia.

During the talks, Vladimir Putin congratulated Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the successful conduct of the National Kurultai elections, noting that the voting results clearly demonstrate public confidence and support for the Kazakh President’s policy course.

In turn, President Tokayev emphasized that constitutional and structural reforms in Kazakhstan will proceed without delay:

"The modernization process of Kazakhstan will continue in strict accordance with our national interests. Superficial reforms that exist only on paper are entirely unacceptable. We understand this clearly. First and foremost, we must prioritize the future of our people."

The Kazakh leader highlighted that Russia remains a key trade and investment partner for Kazakhstan, confirming that both governments are actively implementing the agreements reached during President Putin's visit to Astana in May.

President Putin praised the steady growth in mutual trade turnover and underscored the strengthening of bilateral cultural and educational ties, noting that nearly 60,000 students from Kazakhstan are currently studying at Russian universities. The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to accelerate major joint industrial projects and maintain close dialogue on regional stability.