Screenshot from video
The May 29 meeting between Kazakhstan’s First President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow was private and informal, reflecting their long-standing personal friendship. This was confirmed by Aidos Ukibay, spokesperson for the former Kazakhstani leader.
“In response to media inquiries, I would like to clarify that Nursultan Nazarbayev’s visit to Moscow was personal and unofficial. He and Vladimir Putin share a friendship spanning many years, which continues regardless of official duties,” Ukibay stated in a comment published on the website of the First President.
According to Ukibay, Nazarbayev had been invited to events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. Due to “objective circumstances,” he was unable to attend the official celebrations and made a private visit to Moscow afterward.
The spokesman also emphasized that Nazarbayev maintains contact with a number of world leaders “through phone calls, personal correspondence, and individual meetings.” “This includes not only Russia, but also Turkey, China, the UAE, Uzbekistan, Belarus, and other countries. Such forms of communication are consistent with international norms and reflect the personal relationships built over years of public service,” he noted.
Ukibay added that Nazarbayev continues to reside in Kazakhstan and dismissed media reports suggesting he had left the country as false.
On May 29, the Kremlin published an announcement and footage of the meeting, showing the two leaders shaking hands and embracing warmly. Putin regularly meets with Kazakhstan’s former president—the previous meeting took place in December 2024 at Novo-Ogaryovo.
