Nazarbayev’s aide explains why the ex-president visited Moscow

Kazakhstan’s Ex-President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s recent visit to Moscow was personal and informal. According to the ex-president’s press secretary Aidos Ukibay, Nazarbayev shares a longstanding and friendly relationship with Vladimir Putin that remains strong regardless of whether he holds state authority.

According to him, Nazarbayev keeps in touch with various world leaders via phone calls, private correspondence and separate meetings. This applies not only to Russia, but also to Turkey, China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Belarus and other nations.

«Interactions like this are common in international relations, reflecting personal bonds built over the years. Therefore, personal meetings with prominent political figures not currently in office are a common diplomatic practice. For instance, on the same day Vladimir Putin received Nazarbayev, he also held a private meeting with Akie Abe, the widow of the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,» Ukibay elaborated.

Notably, Nazarbayev was supposed to attend the official celebration of the 80th Victory Anniversary in Moscow. However, the ex-president could not participate due to external factors, so he visited Moscow privately later, his aide said.

Ukibay also noted that Nazarbayev resides permanently in Kazakhstan, asking the public to ignore rumors about him leaving the country.

The Kremlin reported on the meeting between Putin and Nazarbayev on May 30.