Russian, Kazakh leaders discuss Astana process
Vladimir Putin, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev agree to continue efforts in Astana process to resolve Syrian crisis
Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (L) meets President of Russia, Vladimir Putin (R) in Moscow, Russia on April 03, 2019. ( Presidency Of Kazakhstan / Handout - Anadolu Agency )
MOSCOW
The presidents of Russia and Kazakhstan agreed Wednesday to continue efforts in Syria in the framework of the Astana process.
In a joint statement, Vladimir Putin and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev confirmed a mutual commitment to the peace process after a meeting in the Russian capital Moscow.
Tokayev said his duty was "to strengthen the potential of friendship" between the two nations and stressed his first foreign visit is to Russia, confirming the importance Kazakhstan attaches to bilateral relations.
"My duty is to ensure the continuity of the current strategy in our relations with Russia,” Tokayev said. “I will do everything possible to strengthen the potential of friendship among our people."
On Feb, 19, Nursultan Nazarbayev unexpectedly announced his resignation as president of Kazakhstan. Tokayev, who was the country's Senate head, replaced as prescribed by the country's constitution.
