Officials from Russia and Kazakhstan met in Astana on Thursday to discuss key aspects of their economic relationship, with a strong focus on trade turnover between the two nations.
During the talks, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin highlighted the steady growth in trade between the two countries. He noted that in 2024, bilateral trade turnover exceeded 2.6 trillion rubles ($26.34 billion), stressing Russia’s position as Kazakhstan’s leading trade partner.
“Russia occupies a leading position among Kazakhstan's foreign trade partners. Trade turnover exceeded 2.6 trillion rubles or 13.7 trillion tenge,” Mishustin stated.
The discussions also covered joint economic projects, particularly in industries such as energy, transport, and logistics infrastructure. Mishustin praised the efforts of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, emphasizing that strategic projects are being successfully implemented.
A significant part of the talks focused on transport connectivity, particularly the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). This major transit route is seen as essential for boosting regional trade and linking Russia and Kazakhstan to international markets.
Mishustin expressed optimism about Kazakhstan’s growing role in global trade, predicting that the country would become a "real crossroads of Eurasia" and serve as a key trade hub.
INSTC aims to connect Russian ports on the Baltic and Arctic seas with the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, providing a crucial rail link from Russia’s Murmansk Port to Iran’s Bandar Abbas Port.
The corridor consists of three main routes: Trans-Caspian Route, connecting Russian ports like Astrakhan and Makhachkala to Iran’s major ports; Eastern Route, passing through Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran via existing railway lines; and Western Route, running through Azerbaijan and Iran, with some sections still under construction.
Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening ties with Russia. He described Russia as a "key strategic partner and reliable ally", stressing the importance of fulfilling previous agreements.
A primary goal discussed during the meeting was increasing trade turnover to $30 billion. Both sides expressed confidence that their continued cooperation would bring economic benefits to their nations.
Beyond trade and transport, the meeting also covered joint efforts in education, culture, and scientific collaboration, further strengthening the long-standing partnership between Russia and Kazakhstan.
“I am confident that 2025 will bring even more joint initiatives and stronger cooperation,” Bektenov stated.
Mishustin arrived in Astana on Wednesday for a three-day visit, during which he is also set to meet with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The visit underscores the growing cooperation between the two nations and their shared vision for economic growth and regional stability.