Russia and Kazakhstan has now adopted an ambitious interregional and cross-border cooperation programme, which includes about 150 joint projects aimed at promoting the comprehensive development of both countries' regions, improving the quality of life, and diversifying the economic ties between the two nations.Kazakhstan has firmly established itself as one of Russia's key economic partners. At last year end, the trade between the two countries reached an all-time high, coming close to the $30 billion mark, and in January–September 2024, it exceeded $20 billion. Importantly, it is specifically the border regions of the two nations that account for a significant share of trade.Russia is among the largest investors in the Kazakhstani economy. Russia's accumulated capital investments in Kazakhstan amount to $13 billion. About 60 joint investment projects are being implemented by the two countries at the moment, covering mechanical engineering, chemical industry, and agriculture, among other sectors.The two parties signed an agreement to build new modern power plants in the Kazakhstani cities of Kokshetau, Semey, and Ust-Kamenogorsk. A joint modernization project for hydroelectric facilities on the Kazakhstani section of the Irtysh River is currently under discussion.The eastern branch of the International North-South Transport Corridor, which extends from Russia and Belarus to the coast of the Indian Ocean, passes through Kazakhstan. Over a million tonnes of freight have travelled along the branch since the start of the year.Russian universities provide skilled workforce for the Kazakhstani economy. At the moment, about 60,000 Kazakhstani nationals study in Russia.
Russia-Kazakhstan cooperation in energy is developing at a steady pace. Thanks to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, the bulk of Kazakhstani oil exports pass through Russia and its port infrastructure on the Black Sea coast. In turn, Russian oil exports are delivered to China through Kazakhstan. Additionally, Russia imports Kazakhstani coal, and the two countries trade electricity with each other. The construction of three new thermal power plants in Kazakhstan is on the agenda. Russia's Gazprom remains a reliable natural gas supplier for Kazakhstani consumers and processes natural gas extracted at the Karachaganak Field at its Orenburg Gas Chemical Complex. Russia-Kazakhstan cooperation in nuclear energy is advancing as well. Six joint ventures involved in uranium extraction and enrichment are in operation at the moment. Companies from the two countries are also successfully implementing several major projects in machine engineering, chemical industry, and production of mineral fertilizers. Russia continues to operate the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The Baiterek project, involving the construction of a new rocket and space complex intended for Russia's future Soyuz-5 launch vehicle, is now underway.Russia endorses the construction of new Russian-language school in Kazakhstan and, more broadly, the improvement of the quality of Russian-language education in the country. Three more Russian-language schools are to open in Kazakhstan shortly.
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In 2023, the economy of the region expanded by 104 percent. Since the start of this year, industry grew by 16 percent, with not only the manufacturing sector, but also agriculture experiencing growth, particularly the dairy industry.Wage growth averaged 18 percent last year, reaching 128 percent in the construction sector. The region puts an emphasis on the comprehensive development of land: instead of isolated "human anthills", residential spaces complete with social infrastructure are built.Demographics is the region's main challenge. To increase the birth rate, the regional authorities have introduced an additional monetary benefit for mothers who have their first child: for a year after the child's birth, they are entitled to a monthly payment amounting to the average salary in the region.By 2029, households across the entire Kirov Region will be provided with access to natural gas; Gazprom has increased the spending for this purpose fivefold, to 31 billion rubles.
The city of Kirov is celebrating its 650th anniversary this year. For the anniversary, the city authorities renovated the airport, train stations, streets, houses, and monuments — more than a thousand various facilities and objects in total over the last 18 months.
Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian at the initiative of the Iranian sideThe discussion focused on the recent deterioration of the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic. Both sides regard the large-scale aggression by terrorist groups and criminal gangs as an attempt to undermine the sovereignty as well as the social and economic stability of the Syrian state. They expressed unconditional support for the actions of the legitimate Syrian authorities aimed at restoring constitutional order in the country and its territorial integrity and emphasised the importance of coordinating efforts within the Astana format with the participation of Turkey.Current issues related to the development of Russia-Iran cooperation in various areas were addressed as well, particularly in the light of the agreements achieved between Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian following their talks in Kazan on October 23, 2024.A schedule of further engagements, both between the two leaders and on other levels, has been outlined during the conversation.the Government, together with the State Council Commission on Physical Culture and Sport, to ensure amendments are made to the Development of Physical Culture and Sport state programme so that it covers events and efforts aimed at the development of adapted physical education and adaptive sports, including measures designed to increase the talent pool in the field;the Cabinet of Ministers, together with executive bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, to take steps aimed at implementing the County Coach programme starting in 2025 (including measures covering the recruitment of qualified physical education instructors, guideline developers, and adapted physical culture and adaptive sports instructors to work in rural areas and smaller towns) as well as at increasing the share of domestically produced sports goods in the purchases made by federal and municipal authorities;the Sport Ministry to take additional measures aimed at the promotion of universal values of physical culture and sports, primarily among children and young people, and at expanding the opportunities to engage in mass sports activity for people with disabilities, including participants in the special military operation (with provision made for engaging the Defenders of the Fatherland State Foundation to take part in implementing relevant measures); additionally, executive bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation were recommended to include physical education and health services (including teaching swimming and other basic skills to children) in the regional lists of state or municipal services.
