Tokayev, Putin discuss creation of 'tripartite gas union'

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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the creation of a "tripartite gas union" between Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan at the Moscow meeting.

The two meet on Monday as the Kazakh leader was on a visit to the Russian capital.

Tokayev's Spokesperson Ruslan Zheldibay said on Tuesday that "during the talks in the Kremlin between the presidents of Kazakhstan and Russia, they talked about creating a 'tripartite gas union' consisting of Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan in order to coordinate actions in the transportation of Russian gas through the territories of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan."

It is noteworthy that Russia is Kazakhstan's largest trade partner.

Addressing a forum in the Russian city of Orenburg, the Kazakh President highlighted that in 2021, the volume of trade between Moscow and Astana reached a new record value of $24.5 billion.

During his first foreign visit since his re-election, Tokayev highlighted that his country celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations with Russia, saying that "today we sign the declaration, which is dedicated to this historic date."

He also underlined that Moscow has been and remains Astana's major strategic partner.

On his part, Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed to the "special nature" of relations between Russia and Kazakhstan, indicating that "we are talking about the economy because that is the basis for all our other successes in all areas. We appreciate that."

This comes days after Tokayev was sworn in as President of Kazakhstan for a new seven-year mandate at a ceremony held at the Palace of Independence in Astana on the fourth day after the election results were announced.

On November 20, Kazakhstan held an early presidential election. Six persons, including the incumbent president, Tokayev, have registered as presidential contenders. He received 81.31% of the votes cast, at a time when the overall turnout was 69.44%.