Putin and Tokayev Agree to Promote Cooperation Within the CSTO

On November 9, following the official visit of the Russian President to Kazakhstan and in honour of the 10th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourly Relations and Alliance, Vladimir Putin and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev issued a joint statement saying that Russia and Kazakhstan intend to promote cooperation in defence, military and military-technical areas.

The two sides agreed to deepen ties through the security councils, defence, law enforcement and special services of the two states.

In their statement, Putin and Tokayev emphasized the key role of the CSTO in ensuring regional stability.

“In light of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s presidency in this organization in 2024, the intention is confirmed to jointly build the CSTO’s capacity, improve crisis response mechanisms, combat international terrorism, illegal drug production and trafficking, organized crime and other cross-border challenges and threats, and develop peacekeeping forces,” the statement said.

The two leaders noted the relevance of the CSTO structures, including the CSTO Coordination Council on Biological Security.

After attending the plenary session of the 19th Interregional Cooperation Forum, the presidents of Kazakhstan and Russia held talks in a more exclusive setting. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that the visit of Vladimir Putin was not only a significant, but indeed a landmark event in the history of bilateral relations.