Putin and Tokayev to discuss comprehensive cooperation in Moscow talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will examine all dimensions of bilateral cooperation during their forthcoming meeting in Moscow, the Kremlin confirmed Tuesday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the comprehensive nature of Russian-Kazakh relations, describing trade and economic cooperation as "multifaceted, covering virtually every possible area of cooperation" and characterizing all collaborative domains as mutually beneficial.

Energy Cooperation Amid Sanctions

The discussions will address oil and gas cooperation despite recent US sanctions targeting Russian energy firms Rosneft and Lukoil, imposed last month citing Moscow's insufficient commitment to Ukrainian peace efforts. Peskov specifically highlighted trilateral gas initiatives involving Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan as particularly significant, noting that "President Putin attaches great importance to this trilateral cooperation" regarding natural gas supplies.

Diplomatic Context and Agreements

Tokayev's state visit to Moscow scheduled for November 11-12 will include bilateral talks and joint participation in an interregional cooperation forum via videoconference. The Kazakh leader revealed in a Russian newspaper article that both nations plan to sign a declaration elevating their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance, signaling deepening institutional ties between the neighboring states.

Regional Diplomacy and Syrian Relations

Peskov expressed Russian interest in Tokayev's recent communications with US President Donald Trump, including the Kazakh president's participation in the Washington C5+1 summit with Central Asian nations. The Kremlin spokesman also addressed Moscow-Damascus relations, describing Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's recent Moscow visit as "very meaningful and successful" while expressing confidence that Syria's engagement with the United States wouldn't complicate Russian-Syrian dialogue, a regional dynamic closely monitored by neighboring Türkiye given its substantial interests in Syrian stability.