ASTANA, October 18. /TASS/. Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tleuberdy has said relations between Kazakhstan and Russia have reached a high point and are routinely enriched by new developments, according to his address to the readers of the International Affairs journal published on Tuesday.

"It can be said with confidence that Kazakh-Russian relations are at a high point in regards to trust and are enriched by new developments and concrete actions every year," he said.

The minister said that Russia is Kazakhstan’s most important trade and investment partner.

"The trade turnover between the two countries exceeds $24 billion. Total investments from Russia over the past 16 years totals $17 billion. Kazakhstan has also invested in Russia, with an amount exceeding $5 billion. There are more than 8,000 companies with Russian involvement and 3,500 joint ventures in our country," the minister said.

He said Astana and Moscow also cooperate effectively within the UN and its specialized organizations.

"There is a rich history of cooperation in the CIS, SCO, EAEU, CSTO, CICA and other international and regional structures," the minister said.

He also said relations between the two countries are fruitfully developing in cultural and humanitarian areas, including in the field of education, scientific research, culture, healthcare, preservation of historical heritage and values, news media and other areas.

"Our peoples are closely bonded together by cherishing the memory of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The large Kazakh diaspora in Russia and the Russian diaspora in Kazakhstan, which are provided with equal opportunities, rights and freedoms, serve as a strong ‘bridge of friendship’ between the two countries. The preservation of traditions, language, culture and good relations makes it possible to pass on to descendants the historical memory of friendship between peoples and strengthen it further. Our young people are also actively cooperating. Citizens of Kazakhstan appreciate high-quality education provided by Russian educational institutions," the official said.

Effective model of cooperation

Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Russia Yermek Kosherbayev has said separately in an article for the journal that relations between Kazakhstan and Russia represent the most successful and effective model of cooperation, which is the key to stability and security throughout the Eurasian space.

"In their relations, both countries proceed from the principle of pragmatic expediency. However, our policy is dictated not only by cold reason and sober calculation, but also by a sincere and heartfelt affection for each other. They say friendship is the capital that yields an everlasting interest. Kazakhstan and Russia have repeatedly demonstrated the accuracy of this rule of political economics," the diplomat said.

He said there is great potential for joint work in the field of nuclear energy.

"Kazakhstan has a number of competitive advantages for the development of nuclear energy. The country is the world’s biggest producer of natural uranium, has its own production of nuclear fuel components and has the appropriate capabilities for uranium enrichment. The approximate place for the construction of a nuclear power plant has already been determined: it’s in the region of Lake Balkhash, the village of Ulken, Almaty Region. The focus on the development of nuclear energy as an important element of the state's energy security remains unchanged," the ambassador said.

Kosherbayev believes there are conditions for the relations to continue developing at a similarly rapid pace.

"Our dialogue is always a communication of equal partners, countries that respect each other and sincerely strive to find common ground on all important issues without exception. Geographical, spiritual closeness and mutual trust are the main guarantees of confident movement forward, that unique joint advantage that helps to address the tasks of both the present and the future," he said.

Diplomatic relations between Russia and Kazakhstan were established on October 22, 1992. To date, more than 480 treaties and agreements have been concluded between the countries in various fields.