Russia, Kazakhstan pledge to strengthen oil partnership, discuss gas transit to third countries - Kazakh President Tokayev

MOSCOW. Nov 12 (Interfax) - Russia and Kazakhstan have agreed to reinforce their partnership in the field of oil and petroleum products and held a detailed discussion on gas exports to Kazakhstan and gas transit to third countries, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said following talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

"We have agreed to strengthen our partnership in production, transportation and supply of oil and petroleum products, coal and electricity. We discussed in detail prospects for a gas partnership, for example, gas supply to the regions of Kazakhstan which border with Russia, as well as transit to third countries," he said.

According to the text of the signed declaration on the transition of interstate relations between the countries to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance, "the parties will continue to solidify their partnership in the energy sector, including the production, transportation, and supply of oil and petroleum products, natural gas, coal, and electricity."

"In order to ensure the economic and energy security of Russia and Kazakhstan, the parties will continue to create conditions for the unimpeded transportation of energy resources, the implementation of joint energy projects, including in the exploration and development of new fields, and improving the energy efficiency of their economies," according to the text.

The parties will pay special attention to developing cooperation in the gas sector, including gas transportation to third countries, as well as ensuring reliable protection of critical cross-border energy infrastructure. Russia previously proposed building a gas pipeline through Kazakhstan to deliver 35 billion cubic meters of gas per year to China.

Russia and Kazakhstan "emphasized the importance of the timely and high-quality implementation of the gas supply project to the northern and eastern regions of Kazakhstan as one of the priority areas of bilateral cooperation."

The parties support the uninterrupted and sustainable operation of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which plays a key role in ensuring energy stability and developing economic cooperation in the region. The CPC, which runs through Russian territory, accounts for approximately 80% of Kazakhstan's oil exports.