Kazakhstan and Russia are allied, strategic partners united by centuries of shared history and cultural ties, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wrote in an op-ed published ahead of his state visit to Moscow.
“Kazakhstan and Russia are allied states and strategic partners. History itself predetermined our eternal friendship, broad cooperation in all sectors, and close humanitarian ties,” Tokayev said, describing relations between the two nations as “truly exemplary.”
The Kazakh leader emphasized that Astana and Moscow have built a foundation of mutual trust, respect, and equality, noting that their cooperation extends far beyond diplomacy to include trade, energy, education, and culture.
A Partnership Rooted in History
Tokayev recalled the 1992 Treaty of Eternal Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance, which laid the groundwork for bilateral relations following Kazakhstan’s independence.
“Eternal friendship is not just a figure of speech – it reflects the philosophical and political perception of our nations’ common destiny in today’s complex world,” he wrote.
According to Tokayev, relations between the two neighbors have reached the level of comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance, built on the conscious choice “to stand together in turbulent times.”
Putin’s Role and New Agreements
The president praised Russian leader Vladimir Putin, calling him “a statesman of global stature” who enjoys deep respect in Kazakhstan. Tokayev said the two leaders’ meetings have consistently produced “historic results.”
He noted that his upcoming visit to Moscow will include the signing of a Declaration on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Alliance, marking “a new era” in bilateral ties.
Despite international tensions and sanctions, Tokayev said both countries have maintained stability and strong cooperation, highlighting growing trade – which now approaches $30 billion annually — and major joint investments exceeding $50 billion.
Economic and Energy Cooperation
More than 20,000 Russian companies operate successfully in Kazakhstan, Tokayev said, creating jobs, transferring technology, and strengthening interregional ties. He pointed to projects with Russian energy giants including Gazprom, Lukoil, Tatneft, and Rosatom, such as the planned construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant.
“The plant will allow Kazakhstan to complete a full nuclear fuel cycle – from uranium mining to power generation – and will stimulate new high-tech industries,” he wrote.
Tokayev also underscored cooperation in transport and logistics, noting that 13 international corridors, including “Western Europe–Western China” and the “North–South” route, run through Kazakhstan. The two countries are jointly modernizing checkpoints and expanding rail and port capacity to support Eurasian connectivity.
Humanitarian and Cultural Bonds
Tokayev emphasized the humanitarian dimension of the partnership, citing the opening of the Kazakhstan–Russia Eternal Friendship Alley in Astana and the planned Kazakhstan–Russia Friendship Square in Moscow.
He highlighted educational and linguistic cooperation – with nine Russian university branches operating in Kazakhstan and a Kazakh National University branch opening in Russia – as symbols of “genuine trust and strategic convergence.”
The president reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to supporting the Russian language as an integral part of the nation’s cultural and educational life, proposing the creation of an International Organization for the Russian Language.
“A Partnership Tested by Time”
Concluding the op-ed, Tokayev wrote that Kazakhstan–Russia relations are “alive and dynamic”, capable of withstanding time and adapting to the challenges of a changing world.
“When the world seeks new reference points, Eurasia needs reliable anchors – alliances not driven by circumstance but nourished by shared meaning and a common destiny,” he said.
“The peoples of Kazakhstan and Russia look to the future while remaining faithful to their historical and spiritual roots. This gives confidence that our partnership and alliance will always serve as a pillar of peace, security, and cooperation across the continent.”
