ASTANA, November 27. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Astana for the second time in 2024, this time to pay a state visit — the highest-level event under diplomatic protocol.

The official welcome ceremony took place at Akorda, the residence of the Kazakh leader. After that, the leaders headed to hold private talks as well as discussions with delegations.

The Akorda Residence, built in 2004, is located in downtown Astana, adjacent to an administrative quarter that includes the Kazakh government building, the two chambers of the republic's parliament, the House of Ministries, and other government institutions. It is also near notable landmarks such as the Baiterek monument, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, and the Khan Shatyr shopping mall. The residence's design features light colors, accented with gold, blue, and green. The total area of the building is 36,720 square meters, and it is crowned with a spire that rises 86 meters high.