A bilateral meeting of the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission of Kazakhstan and Russia took place, APK News reports, citing the press service of the Government of Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstani representative Serik Zhumangarin noted that Russia remains a key strategic partner and one of Kazakhstan's main trade and economic partners. Last year, mutual trade volume amounted to $27.4 billion. Investment cooperation continues to show positive momentum: over the past 20 years, Russian investors have invested $28.5 billion directly in Kazakhstan's economy, while Kazakh investments in Russia during this period totaled $9 billion.
Over 22,000 companies with Russian participation operate in Kazakhstan, exceeding 35% of the total number of enterprises with foreign capital.
A wide range of bilateral cooperation issues was discussed during the meeting. Key attention was paid to transportation, including the development of the eastern route of the North-South international transport corridor and other issues.
The development of a master plan for water management and hydropower use of the Irtysh River, which will be used for scientific research, was also discussed. A draft agreement on the provision of technical assistance to relevant agencies of the two countries is also currently being developed.
In the agricultural sector, the Kazakh side raised the issue of lifting current restrictions. This concerns the transit of Kazakh grain and legumes through Russian seaports with the possibility of accumulation, as well as the import of flaxseed, lentils, sunflower seeds for sowing, cut flowers, and buds originating from third countries.
As Deputy Minister of Agriculture Yermek Kenzhekhanuly noted, this issue has been on the agenda since 2024. Since then, restrictions have been lifted on a number of items, including tomatoes, peppers, and wheat supplies from certain regions. However, restrictions on these product categories remain in place.
He emphasized that no violations of sanitary and quarantine requirements have been recorded in the supply of these products since last year, and therefore the Kazakh side proposes to consider lifting the remaining restrictions.
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further explore all the issues raised to develop constructive solutions.