Putin, Nazarbayev discuss bilateral relations, EAEU development in Astana

ASTANA, October 15. /TASS/. Presidents of Russia and Kazakhstan Vladimir Putin and Nursultan Nazarbayev are discussing at a meeting in Astana the bilateral relations and the development of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Putin suggested the agenda while opening the meeting. Putin noted that the status of a state visit with which he arrived in Kazakhstan "pointed to the level and nature of our relations." The Russian leader described cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan as "not just trust-based, but as allied relations in every sense." Putin noted that the global economy and the economies of the two countries were experiencing difficult times. He added though that trade between Russia and Kazakhstan in rubles demonstrated growth. The Russian president also pointed to the big volume of investment. According to Putin, the conditions for the development of the two countries’ economies are created by the EAEU as well. "We have already seen our partners’ suggestions concerning the development of relations between the economic associations. They are willing to cooperate with the Eurasian Union in different formats," the Russian president said. "All that will be a matter of discussion." Nazargbayev assured his Russian counterpart that Kazakhstan "had been Russia’s nearest reliable neighbor." He thanked Putin for the visit, adding that that the meetings of the two presidents had become regular. Nazarbayev also noted the EAEU was developing. "I believe that we are on the right track," he said. Kazakhstan’s president also invited Putin to discuss during today’s meeting "the pressing regional and international issues." Read more