Kazakhstan demonstrates steady growth – Putin

This was said by President of Russia Vladimir Putin during a press conference following his state visit to Kazakhstan, Kazinform News Agency reports.   

Kazakhstan, as I’ve said this many times, is more than just our ally, reliable partner. It’s important that Kazakhstan develops successfully under the leadership of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, demonstrating steady and robust growth. The social and political situation of the country is stable, which is important for planning work in the economy and for investments. We’ve invested billions in the economy of Kazakhstan, and, as I’ve already said, our trade turnover is worth almost 30 billion [US dollars – ed.] and it continues to grow steadily. The traditional areas of our cooperation are space and energy, said the Russian leader.

Purin went on to add that Kazakhstan and Russia have good prospects in the field of industry, especially in cooperation.

One of the problems that was and in part remains is payments, however over 80% of payments are made in national currencies, which eases our work in the financial sphere. Among other things, we have established humanitarian ties as well as our people have a very good contact. Kazakhstan is a Russian-speaking country. Unfortunately, there are always people with their opinions on what and how some things should be done, criticizing the ongoing processes both in Russian and Kazakh societies, said Putin, highlighting the importance of greater ties between the countries.

The Russian leader said that Kazakhstan and Russia enjoy traditional close ties in the field of energy, adding that more projects are likely to occur in the field of transportation of Russian energy resources to third countries via Kazakhstan.

President Putin called Kazakhstan and Russia natural partners and allies, as both countries could complement each other taking into account the countries’ vast territories.

I think that we have very good prospects for the future. And, together with President Tokayev we discussed these prospects during an informal dinner yesterday evening. I say again that I consider them as highly positive, concluded Putin.