An informal meeting between Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Russian President Vladimir Putin began in the Kremlin.
Kassym-Jomart TOKAEV:
Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich! I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptionally warm welcome you received literally from the very first moments in Moscow, on this sacred soil. I have just touched on the protocol aspects. Indeed, from this perspective, what I saw and felt was truly striking and delightful. I felt the full warmth of the welcome here in the Russian capital. Regarding bilateral cooperation, it is characterized by a strategic partnership, an allied relationship. There is not a single area where we do not interact or work together. There are no serious problems between our countries. If they arise, which is natural, they are resolved primarily through the efforts of the heads of state and, of course, the governments. I accepted your invitation with great pleasure. Indeed, today, in an informal atmosphere, we could exchange opinions. I have some thoughts and observations that I would be delighted to share with you.
Vladimir Putin:
Dear Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich! First of all, I want to thank you for taking the time to come, as we agreed, on a state visit. I am truly delighted. Of course, we are in constant contact, but such formal matters are also important in interstate relations. Today, we will have the opportunity to discuss informally all matters of particular interest, and tomorrow, together with my colleagues, we will review the entire agenda of our bilateral relations and, of course, look to the future. Overall, I think we will finish the current year very well and will draw up plans for the near future and the longer-term medium term.
By the Kazakhstanskya Pravda
