Putin’s Kazakhstan visit to include nuclear plant agreement and energy talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to make a state visit to Kazakhstan beginning May 27, with meetings in Astana expected to cover a broad agenda that includes energy, trade, political ties and regional issues. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said the trip will be Putin’s second state visit to Kazakhstan during a single presidential term, underscoring what both sides describe as close bilateral relations.

Putin is due to meet Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in one-on-one and expanded formats. Ushakov said the discussions will span political, economic, military-technical, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as regional and international matters. The visit will coincide with Eurasian Economic Union events in Astana through May 29, including the Eurasian Economic Forum and the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting.

A major outcome of the trip is expected to be an agreement on the construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant, a project to be developed with Rosatom using Russian technology. Ushakov said key parameters of the project and its financing through a Russian state export loan will be formalized during the visit.

Energy cooperation more broadly is also expected to feature prominently, including discussions on increasing Russian oil transit through Kazakhstan. In addition to the nuclear plant deal, preparations are under way for agreements covering energy, finance, healthcare and tourism, along with a declaration on friendship and good-neighborliness.