Despite new agreements with Russia in the energy and transportation spheres, Kazakhstan will continue its strategy of reducing dependencies on Russia in favor of deeper ties with China, the West and Turkey, which over time could result in conflict with Moscow. On Nov. 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, joined by a delegation of high-ranking Russian officials, visited Kazakhstan to hold talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and attend the 19th Forum of Interregional Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia. The visit also marked the 10th anniversary of the two countries' Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Alliance in the 21st Century. During the meeting, Putin said Russia and Kazakhstan are ''not just allies, but the closest of allies.'' Tokayev, for his part, said his country was deepening and expanding cooperation with Russia. The presidents signed a plan for joint cooperation for 2024-2026 in the energy, agriculture, trade and investments sectors and other documents, most notably...
