Putin announced joint exercises of Russia and Kazakhstan within the framework of the CSTO

The Ministries of Defense of Russia and Kazakhstan are preparing joint exercises within the framework of the CSTO, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced this at a meeting with the head of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, transmits RIA Novosti agency.

He also noted that the cooperation between the two countries is developing in a positive direction, and recalled that this year will be 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. “In all areas, the work is moving quite actively, in a positive way. And our meeting gives additional impetus to the development of our trusting strategic partnership,” the Russian President said.

Putin also drew attention to the growth in trade between the countries: last year it grew by 34.4%, and in the first five months of this year – by almost 9%. In addition, Russia is in first place among Kazakhstan’s trade and economic partners.

Talks between the leaders of the two countries are taking place today in Sochi. Earlier, the press services of the Kremlin and the President of Kazakhstan reported that politicians would discuss issues of further development of Russian-Kazakh relations and strategic partnership and cooperation, and the issue of bilateral cooperation within the framework of integration associations, including the CIS, chaired by Kazakhstan this year, will also be touched upon.

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