Russia to Conduct Military Exercises with CSTO Member Kazakhstan

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] It has been reported that Russia is planning joint military exercises with Kazakhstan, a member country of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the former Soviet military security alliance.

According to Kazakh media and foreign reports on the 20th, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated during a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who was visiting Sochi the day before, that joint exercises between Russia and Kazakhstan are being prepared within the framework of cooperation among CSTO member countries.

President Putin also mentioned that the two countries have been broadly discussing cooperation measures, including preparing various events within the CSTO framework and issues related to strategic diplomatic relations.

In response, President Tokayev emphasized the need to enhance bilateral relations and invited President Putin to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit hosted by Kazakhstan in October. Kazakhstan is the chair country of the CIS this year.

Meanwhile, Tokayev had a conflict with Russia after refusing to recognize the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), established following the declaration of independence by Russian separatist forces in Ukraine in June, but it is known that tensions were eased following a phone call with Putin in July.

Kazakhstan has maintained a close relationship for a long time, including signing a treaty of friendship and cooperation with Russia shortly after its independence in 1992. In particular, Russia is Kazakhstan's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade volume reaching approximately $24.5 billion last year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.