Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received Alexander Drozdenko, governor of the Leningrad Region of Russia, the presidential press service reported. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
During the meeting, it was noted that interregional interaction plays an important role in developing the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Russia.
The head of state highlighted the significant potential of the Leningrad Region in the industrial and transport-logistics sectors and confirmed Kazakhstan's readiness to expand the scope of effective cooperation with the region.
According to him, trade and economic relations with the Leningrad Region are developing dynamically. Last year, mutual trade turnover exceeded 400 million dollars.
Alexander Drozdenko thanked the head of state for his hospitality and conveyed greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The governor particularly noted the courage and heroism of Kazakhstanis who fought for Leningrad during the Great Patriotic War. He also drew attention to the fact that the memory of their feat is carefully preserved.
At the end of the meeting, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded Alexander Drozdenko the Order of Dostyk (Friendship) of the II degree.