We have not only good relations, but special strategic partnership with Kazakhstan - Dmitry Medvedev

"Russia and Kazakhstan show the world how to build relationships between neighbors. For 20 years we have built absolutely equal and good neighborly relations. I must say that during your presidency we have solved a lot of important historical problems, adopted common customs tariffs, set up the Customs Union, Single Economic Space. At regional meetings, we addressed specific issues. I hope the extensive experience and knowledge will enable you to work very effectively as Head of the Government and, of course, continue to develop the traditional friendly relations between our countries," Nazarbayev said.

"After I was elected President of Russia, I came to Kazakhstan. And now this is my first visit as Prime Minister of Russia to a very friendly and close country. We have not only good relations with Kazakhstan, but special strategic partnership. This as a symbol of the changes we made in recent years. I think we have advanced significantly our bilateral cooperation and have established a very powerful integration union," Medvedev noted.

The most important aspect of bilateral cooperation is trade and economic ties. Russia is the largest trade partner of Kazakhstan. Turnover between Russia and Kazakhstan amounted to USD 23.9 billion in 2011. Exports from Kazakhstan amounted to USD 7.7 billion, while imports to Kazakhstan was USD 16.2 billion. In the 1st quarter of 2012 trade turnover amounted to USD 5 billion, which is 1,3% more than in 2011.