Kazakhstan Moves to Enact Laws for Upgraded Alliance With Russia

Overview

• Senate Chair Maulen Ashimbaev said lawmakers are ready to pass measures needed to implement agreements from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's state visit to Russia.
• He delivered the message after meeting Federation Council Chair Valentina Matviyenko in Dushanbe, indicating active coordination between the two legislatures.
• Tokayev told Vladimir Putin that the new declaration would significantly strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
• The declaration upgrades relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance and includes plans for energy cooperation, including Russia's commitment on Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant.
• It also calls for deeper economic integration within the EAEU, wider use of national currencies, cooperation on Baikonur and language policy, improved conditions for citizens' stays, and joint work on Caspian water resources.