Tokayev and Putin discuss trade and transport links ahead of Kazakhstan visit

Tokayev and Putin discuss trade and transport links ahead of Kazakhstan visit
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev meets with Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 9 May, 2026
Akorda Website

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for talks on trade, infrastructure and preparations for Putin’s state visit to Kazakhstan later this month.

The meeting underlined the importance both countries continue to place on close economic and political relations amid shifting regional dynamics across Eurasia. Alongside discussions on international and regional affairs, the two leaders focused on investment, transport connectivity and industrial cooperation, which remain central to the bilateral agenda.

Tokayev said trade between Kazakhstan and Russia is expected to exceed $30 billion this year, describing Russia as one of Kazakhstan’s principal economic partners. According to Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry, bilateral trade had already surpassed $27 billion in 2025, with both sides continuing to pursue closer commercial cooperation.

Investment also remains a significant component of the relationship. Over the past two decades, direct Russian investment in Kazakhstan has totalled $29.3 billion, while Kazakh investment in Russia has reached approximately $9 billion. Russian companies are involved in major projects spanning energy, manufacturing, transport and industrial production.

Transport and regional connectivity

Transport and logistics featured prominently in the discussions as both countries seek to strengthen trade routes linking Asia and Europe. Tokayev and Putin discussed the further development of the North–South International Transport Corridor and the Western Europe–Western China motorway, as well as measures aimed at increasing the capacity of cross-border infrastructure.

Although energy and industry continue to form the backbone of economic cooperation, Astana and Moscow are also expanding collaboration in digital technologies, artificial intelligence and other high-technology sectors as part of broader efforts to modernise regional economies.

Humanitarian and tourism ties

Humanitarian ties were also addressed during the meeting. Tokayev highlighted the expansion of “Sirius” schools in Kazakhstan, including in Almaty and Astana, and noted that Russia ranked first for the number of tourists visiting Kazakhstan in 2025.

Putin’s upcoming visit to Kazakhstan is expected to continue discussions on trade, investment and regional connectivity as both countries seek to adapt their partnership to evolving economic and geopolitical conditions.

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