Russia attaches special importance to enhancing cooperation with Kazakhstan in EAEU, CIS - PM

MOSCOW. March 30 (Interfax) - Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has congratulated his new Kazakh counterpart Alikhan Smailov on his appointment.

"I would like to especially note your significant personal contribution to enhancing Russian-Kazakh relations based on the principles of friendship, good neighborliness and alliance," Mishustin said in a telegram published on the Russian government's website.

Mishustin noted that Russia attaches special importance to boosting fruitful cooperation with Kazakh partners in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and other multilateral formats.

"The government is working systematically to expand trade and economic, scientific and technological, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and joint projects in various fields are being successfully implemented," the telegram reads.

As previously reported, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree appointing Smailov as the country's prime minister. The previous day, the Kazakh government, in accordance with the constitution, resigned before the newly elected Majilis of the parliament.

Smailov, 49, has headed the government since January 11, 2022. He was appointed to the position immediately after the January events in Kazakhstan.