MOSCOW, November 7. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to Kazakhstan is not contingent in any way upon the Central Asian nation’s international relations with other countries, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

When asked if Putin’s visit was connected in any manner with the recent heightened interest among European countries in working with Kazakhstan, Peskov said: "Of course, it (Russian-Kazakh relations - TASS) is an absolutely independent dimension. [It’s] not related to any [of Kazakhstan’s] other relationships. We aim to continue boosting our good-neighborly relations and cooperation with Kazakhstan."

Peskov pointed out that, as long-term partners and allies, Moscow and Astana have developed independent relations that are "far closer than the ties that Kazakhstan has with many other countries." "The upcoming visit is very important for the future development of the entire system of our bilateral relations," he stressed, adding that a significant aspect of relations pertains to regional cooperation, which is one of the critical agenda items that Putin and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will discuss at a plenary session of the 19th Russia-Kazakhstan Interregional Cooperation Forum.

In addition, they will "compare their positions on the entire range of relations" between the two countries, Peskov said, noting that cooperation between Moscow and Astana encompassed a diverse range of areas.