Leonid Slutsky: “Kazakhstan under Tokayev will remain Russia’s strategic partner”


Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev as the President of Kazakhstan will continue the policy of the first leader of the country, Nursultan Nazarbayev, both in Russian-Kazakh relations and in the international arena. This opinion was expressed on Monday by Leonid Slutsky, head of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs.

“The election of Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev as president of Kazakhstan ensures the continuity of the country’s course and its first leader, Nursultan Nazarbayev, in Russian-Kazakhstan relations and internationally. Kazakhstan has been and remains a strategic partner of Russia, including in the trade, economic and political spheres,” said parliamentarian to reporters. He noted that the cooperation of the two countries “at all international platforms, primarily within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, is respectful, mutually beneficial and most productive.”

Slutsky also noted that he was personally acquainted with Tokayev. “We closely cooperated, including during the transition period for Kazakhstan. This is an intelligent and educated person, a highly professional diplomat and a real statesman,” the head of the international committee of the State Duma concluded.

On Sunday, Kazakhstan held an extraordinary presidential election. For the first time since the country’s independence, the first president Nursultan Nazarbayev did not take part in them as a candidate. Seven candidates, including the current President Tokayev, claimed the presidency. According to preliminary data of the CEC, Tokayev wins the presidential election in all regions of the country and gains 70.76% of the vote. According to the CEC data released on Sunday, voter turnout was 77.4%.

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