Central Asian and Russian Foreign Ministers Reviewed Positions and Future Cooperation Plans

Moscow, 17 April 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev took part in the regular meeting of Foreign Ministers in the “Central Asia - Russia” format.

During the meeting, the parties reviewed progress in implementing the agreements reached following the Second Central Asia – Russia Summit held in October 2025 in Dushanbe. The agenda covered key areas of cooperation in trade, energy, transport and logistics. The ministers also exchanged views on pressing international issues and regional security.

“The combination of the economic potential of Central Asia and Russia opens long-term prospects for strengthening a comprehensive partnership, creating a solid foundation for future achievements and new horizons of cooperation,” said Minister Kosherbayev in his remarks.

According to the results of last year, the region’s total trade turnover with Russia increased by 6.5 percent and reached approximately 50 billion US dollars, with more than half of this volume accounted for by Kazakhstan. Alongside growing trade, investment cooperation and industrial collaboration have also continued to expand steadily. In Kazakhstan alone, a portfolio of 177 joint projects with Russia has been formed with a total investment volume of more than $ 55 billion, of which 122 projects have already been implemented. This clearly demonstrates the scale and substantive nature of economic cooperation within the Central Asia – Russia format.

The Kazakh Foreign Minister particularly emphasized the relevance of regional security issues, noting that contemporary challenges and threats are becoming increasingly complex and require coordinated responses.

“In these circumstances, particular importance is attached to coordinating efforts to counter terrorism, extremism, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, illicit arms trade and illegal migration,” Minister Kosherbayev noted.

Special attention was also given to the humanitarian dimension, including education, culture and people-to-people ties, which remain one of the solid pillars of cooperation between Central Asia and Russia.

Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening multifaceted cooperation within the Central Asia – Russia format, noting its key role in ensuring sustainable regional development, and expressed readiness for the consistent implementation of the agreements reached.