Tokayev and Putin meet on sidelines of SCO summit in Bishkek

September 1, 2026 at 12:09 AM2 min

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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO anniversary summit. Putin congratulated Tokayev on the successful Kurultai elections and praised the dynamic development of bilateral relations. The leaders discussed trade, investment, and humanitarian cooperation.

Key Facts

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the SCO anniversary summit.
Vladimir Putin congratulated Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the successful Kurultai elections.
Putin noted that 60,000 Kazakh students are studying in Russian universities.
Tokayev described Putin's May state visit to Astana as historic and successful.
The leaders discussed prospects for strengthening trade, economic, and investment cooperation.

Meeting Context

The meeting between Tokayev and Putin was held on the sidelines of the SCO anniversary summit. Both sides noted the dynamic nature of multifaceted cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia, developing in the spirit of friendship, good neighborliness, and alliance. The leaders exchanged views on current issues on the international and regional agenda.

Election Congratulations

Putin congratulated Tokayev on the successful holding of the Kurultai elections. According to Putin, the voting results confirmed broad support for Tokayev's strategic course aimed at further development of Kazakhstan, strengthening domestic political stability, advancing the economy, and improving the quality of life. Tokayev thanked the Russian leader for the congratulations and spoke about the work being carried out within the framework of constitutional reform.

Bilateral Cooperation

Tokayev stated that the modernization process of Kazakhstan will continue in accordance with national interests. He emphasized that reforms for the sake of reforms must not be carried out, and that the interests of citizens must come first. Tokayev noted that the government has begun implementing all agreements signed during Putin's May state visit to Astana. Putin highlighted that trade turnover indicators were good last year and have grown further this year. He also mentioned that a branch of a leading Kazakh higher education institution was recently opened in Omsk.