The Russian presidents three-day state visit to Astana focuses on trade, energy, and regional integration, according to the Kremlin

Russia-Kazakhstan ties are built on "unbreakable principles of mutual trust" and are crucial to stability across Eurasia, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said ahead of a three-day visit to Astana starting on Wednesday.

The trip coincides with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit and marks Putin's second state visit to Kazakhstan during his current presidential term. Talks in Astana are expected to focus on trade, energy, and regional integration, according to the Kremlin.

Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov described relations between Moscow and Astana as being at an "exceptionally high level." "As a rule, one state visit takes place during one presidential term," he noted, stressing the unusual frequency of top-level contact between the two countries.

Putin's visit runs from May 27 to 29 at the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Ushakov said the Russian delegation includes more than 30 senior officials and business figures, among them Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and central bank chief Elvira Nabiullina.

Ahead of the visit, Putin published an article in Kazakh state newspaper Kazakhstanskaya Pravda, titled "Russia and Kazakhstan Alliance in the Heart of Eurasia." He described the two countries as key strategic and economic partners and said Moscow is committed to deepening "multifaceted allied relations" with Astana.

Putin said Russian investment in Kazakhstan has reached nearly $30 billion, with around 70 major joint projects currently underway in sectors ranging from heavy industry to chemicals and car manufacturing. According to the Russian president, the projects have already created more than 60,000 jobs.

Energy remains central to the partnership. Putin noted that the Caspian Pipeline Consortium handles more than 80% of Kazakhstan's oil exports through Russian territory. Russian energy giant Gazprom is also involved in plans to modernize Kazakhstan's gas transport infrastructure. Separately, Russian nuclear energy major Rosatom is expected to take part in the construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant.

Putin also mentioned work on the North-South and Europe-Western China transport corridors as well as preparations for the Soyuz-5 launch project at the Baiterek space complex - a joint Russian-Kazakh launch facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Putin last visited Kazakhstan in November 2024, while Tokayev traveled to Moscow on a state visit in 2025. During that trip the two countries signed a declaration elevating ties to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance - a status Russia has officially granted only to China, Iran, and North Korea.

(RT.com)