Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu, Moscow, April 11, 2023

Mr Nurtleu,

Friends,

We are glad to welcome you in Moscow.

I would like to congratulate you, Mr Nurtleu, once again on being appointed Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan. I am confident that together we will continue active efforts to implement the agreements reached by our presidents and ensure continuity in relations.

You have much experience working in the foreign policy area, among others. I believe that we will continue building up our allied, strategic and partner relations.

Let me congratulate you on the successful holding of elections on March 19, 2023. We sent a large group of observers who noted that everything had been organised in full conformity with the existing rules for such events.   

The presidents of Russia and Kazakhstan maintain intensive contacts. In 2022, our leaders and the heads of government met on more than 15 occasions. There are also regular contacts by phone, and our inter-parliamentary ties are growing stronger.  

The Intergovernmental Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation is busy at work, and cultural ties have made progress. Quite recently, Kazakhstan hosted the highly successful Russian Seasons.

We have been focusing on prospects for interaction within common multilateral associations, such as the EAEU, CSTO, CIS and SCO. All these areas require our constant attention. I am confident that today we will have a fruitful exchange of views on these issues and the international agenda.