Putin highlights the enormous potential of Russia and Kazakhstan for food security

Astana, Nov 9 (EFE).- Russian President Vladimir Putin today highlighted the “enormous agricultural potential” of Russia and Kazakhstan, for food security not only of his own, but also of his partners in the world, when meeting with his Kazakh counterpart, Kasim-Yomart Tokáyev.

“We have very good potential given what is happening in the world. I am referring, first of all, not even to conflicts, but to what is happening in the area of ​​development, demographic development,” said the head of the Kremlin.

Putin, who arrived today in Astana on an official visit, described by the Kazakh president as having “great political, one could say historical, importance”, specified that he was alluding to the “enormous agricultural potential” of the two countries.

“We have good opportunities to guarantee our interests and help many of our partners in the world, in global markets. That is what we are doing,” he emphasized.

Before starting bilateral talks, Tokayev and Putin addressed the participants of the 19th Interregional Cooperation Forum between Kazakhstan and Russia by videoconference.

“Our countries have enormous opportunities to expand trade and mutually beneficial cooperation in the agricultural sector. Suffice it to note that Kazakhstan and Russia are among the largest producers of agricultural products and among the ten world leaders in grain exports,” said the president. Kazakh to the Forum participants.

He recalled that the two countries own almost 10 percent of the arable land and 9 percent of the planet’s grasslands.

Putin highlighted for his part that Russia is a key supplier to Kazakhstan of product groups such as wheat, barley, poultry meat, sugar and fermented dairy products.

He added that the turnover of bilateral trade in agricultural products and food in general increased last year by 22%, up to $4 billion.

“Our country intends to continue uninterruptedly supplying the Kazakh market with these and other types of vital food,” said the Russian president.