Kazakhstan and Russia Expand Cooperation
In Omsk, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the 22nd Kazakhstan–Russia Interregional Cooperation Forum. On the eve of the forum, meetings of the Business Council and a business networking exchange were held, bringing together more than 400 companies. As a result, agreements worth more than US$833 million were signed, 24KZ reports.
Roza Satkanova, correspondent:
– The Irtysh is often referred to as the «River of Friendship» for good reason. Flowing through China, Kazakhstan, and Russia, it is a vital waterway linking the cultures and economies of these countries. As a crucial water resource for millions of people, the Irtysh has once again become the focus of attention. Water-related issues are being discussed at the highest level with the participation of the heads of state.
The leaders of the two countries meet each other regularly as close neighbors. Since the beginning of 2024, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has made eight working visits and one state visit to Russia, while Vladimir Putin has paid two state visits and one working visit to Kazakhstan. Today, the presidents met again on the sidelines of the forum. The main topic was logistics. As the Head of State noted, under the current international circumstances, the theme of the forum is of exceptional importance.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
– Last year, rail freight traffic between our countries increased by 3.5%, reaching 92 million tonnes. Transit transportation through Kazakhstan is also developing rapidly. Over the past five years alone, container traffic through Kazakhstan along the China–Russia–China route has increased eightfold. A major milestone was the transportation of the one-millionth container along the Russia–Kazakhstan–China route. It is clear that this is far from the limit of our capabilities.
The focus on logistics is no coincidence. The two countries share the world's longest continuous land border, stretching approximately 7,500 kilometers. Following the withdrawal of Western companies from the Russian market and changes in global supply chains, trade flows between Kazakhstan and Russia began to adapt. At the same time, freight volumes have continued to grow. Last year, Kazakhstan's and Russia's railways transported 92 million tonnes of cargo—3 million tonnes more than in 2024. The main objective now is to increase the capacity of transit and customs terminals along the shared border.
Vladimir Padalka, Vice President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry:
– We have not yet managed to establish sufficient regional air connections. We still have to travel to each other by taking long routes through major central cities. However, regional aviation could be used much more effectively. These are the issues the business community continues to raise. Businesses are ready to invest and develop trade and logistics hubs, modernize railway border crossings, and support many other projects.
According to the President, another important transport route is the Western Europe–Western China corridor. The reconstruction of the Aktobe–Ulgaysyn highway will double its capacity. As the Head of State noted, Kazakhstan has set ambitious goals for the comprehensive modernization of its road infrastructure, the development of aviation hubs, and the expansion of the capacities of Caspian Sea ports. Work is also underway on a master plan for the joint use of the transboundary Irtysh River, based on a balanced approach that combines growing freight traffic, sustainable water resource management, and the preservation of the river ecosystem.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
– Based on the existing digital platforms, we propose launching, on a pilot basis, a digital transport corridor between Kazakhstan and Russia along one of the busiest routes. I am confident that effective digital integration of our transport and logistics systems, together with the wider use of new technologies, will allow us to increase bilateral trade, expand transit flows, and comprehensively strengthen our economic ties.
Russia remains one of the three largest investors in Kazakhstan's economy. Last year, Russian investment totaled approximately US$3 billion, while cumulative investment since 2005 has reached nearly US$29 billion.
At the same time, the potential of bilateral trade is far from exhausted. Total trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Russia reached approximately US$30 billion last year. Since the beginning of this year, it has already exceeded US$10 billion.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
– At the same time, Kazakh businesses continue to strengthen their presence in Russia. The total volume of our investments in the Russian economy has exceeded US$9 billion. Industrial cooperation occupies a special place on our economic agenda. Our countries have developed a broad portfolio of 177 major projects with investments exceeding US$52 billion. Of these, 122 projects have already been completed, creating more than 30,000 jobs.
Today, more than 20,000 enterprises with Russian participation operate across various sectors of Kazakhstan's economy. Kazakhstan and Russia are jointly implementing projects in automobile manufacturing, agricultural machinery production, railway equipment, the chemical industry, metallurgy, and oil and gas engineering. The two countries have already completed 122 projects worth US$22 billion, while another 24 projects are currently under implementation.
Special attention was also paid to cooperation in education. Today, more than 60,000 Kazakh students are studying at Russian universities. Kazakhstan hosts nine branches of leading Russian universities. Last year, branches of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University were opened in Omsk, while MGIMO University launched its branch in Astana. Plans are also underway to build Kazakhstan–Russia schools in both countries and to open Sirius educational centers in Astana and Almaty.
Roza Satkanova, correspondent:
– Where there is unity, there is life. The Head of State quoted this Kazakh proverb during the forum. Only through friendship, good-neighborly relations, mutual trust, support, and respect for each other's legitimate interests can we achieve success. Over the past few days in Omsk, the regions have signed a number of new agreements, memorandums, and commercial contracts. The outcomes of this year's forum will open another significant chapter in the history of the strategic partnership and allied relations between Kazakhstan and Russia.
Author: Roza Satkanova