Russian diplomats and experts discussed Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's reforms, foreign investment and nuclear power plant construction in Kazakhstan. The occasion was the president's address to the country's people. The round table was held at the Kazakh embassy in Moscow. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Kazakhstan's ambassador to Russia, Dauren Abayev, recalled that over the past year the country adopted a new Constitution, held elections to the Kurultai and changed its public administration system. According to him, the address defines Kazakhstan's next steps after these transformations.
Particular attention was paid to the economy. Russian Foreign Ministry representative Dmitry Birichevsky noted that in recent years Kazakhstan has attracted more than $150–160 billion in foreign investment. He also stressed that neighborhood and close economic ties open up new opportunities for both countries.
"Our geographical position, neighborhood, close partnership and allied ties allow us to create a win-win situation where both countries benefit," Birichevsky said.
Deputy head of the Russian president's administration Anton Rybakov believes that the results of the constitutional referendum showed support for reforms among Kazakhstanis. In his opinion, attention will now focus not only on political changes but also on the construction of roads and social facilities.
Diplomat Alexander Sternik called 2026 a historic year for Kazakhstan, linking this to the adoption of the new Constitution and the formation of parliament.
Expert Alexey Vlasov highlighted the social part of the address. In his opinion, Tokayev set realistic tasks that affect people's daily lives. Journalist Leonid Mlechin also believes that the president well understands the problems of Kazakhstanis and relies not only on official reports.
The construction of a nuclear power plant was discussed separately. Boris Martsinkevich, editor-in-chief of Geoenergetika, positively assessed Kazakhstan's decision to develop nuclear energy. He drew attention to the fact that a country that has experienced the consequences of nuclear tests approaches this issue in a balanced way.
RANEPA vice-rector Andrey Margolin noted that Kazakhstan seeks to strengthen its sovereignty while maintaining economic ties with other states. In his opinion, for further growth the country needs to improve the quality of public administration.
Participants in the meeting believe that after political reforms Kazakhstan will need to focus on developing the economy, infrastructure and solving social problems.
Earlier, Dauren Abayev spoke about the relationship between Tokayev and Vladimir Putin. According to the ambassador, the presidents meet more than once or twice a year, and regular negotiations help develop cooperation between the two countries.