MOSOW, April 3. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has highlighted the contribution made by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as a member of Nursultan Nazarbayev’s team to cultivating ties between Russia and Kazakhstan, expressing the hope that the visit by Kazakhstan’s new president will give a fresh impetus to the development of bilateral cooperation.

"You are aware of the level of our relations, you yourself have done a lot to make sure that contacts between Russia and Kazakhstan reach such a level," Putin said opening face-to-face talks with his Kazakh counterpart. "Of course, Kazakhstan’s first president deserves credit for that, but the entire team worked to accomplish that goal, and we have achieved a great deal."

Putin pointed to the allied nature of relations, both in terms of international cooperation and bilateral ties. "I am confident that your current visit together with a team that came with you will contribute to strengthening our multifaceted, multilateral allied relations," the Russian leader said.

Putin noted that he had known Tokayev for a long time, adding that he was glad to welcome him to the Kremlin as the head of state. He congratulated Tokayev on assuming office.

During his official visit to Moscow, Kazakhstan’s president is accompanied by Presidential Chief of Staff Bakytjan Sagintayev, Foreign Minister Beibut Atamkulov, First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Alikhan Smailov and Chairman of the National Security Committee Karim Massimov.

Taking part in the negotiations are Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov and Kremlin Aide Yuri Ushakov.