KUALA LUMPUR - Astana played host to the 26th session of the Kazakhstan–Russia Intergovernmental Commission, placing the city at the forefront of regional cooperation discussions.

The meeting brought together Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin and Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk for wide-ranging talks on trade, transit, and broader bilateral ties, The Caspian Post reported.

Transport connectivity emerged as a central theme, especially in light of the recent launch of the second track along the Dostyk–Moiynty railway segment.

Officials concentrated on plans to raise transit capacity along the China–Europe–China route as part of a broader effort to streamline cross-continental freight movement.

Both governments also agreed to jointly assess cargo potential at border crossings and continue advancing the North–South International Transport Corridor.

Kazakhstan raised concerns about Russia’s updated migration regulations, which from 1 January shorten the permitted stay of foreign nationals from 180 to 90 days without registration.

In response, Russia indicated it was prepared to reinstate the 180-day allowance specifically for Kazakh lorry drivers working in international freight.

Agriculture featured prominently as both sides committed to developing high-yield crop varieties and expanding their bilateral trade in food and agricultural products.

Russian authorities further expressed readiness to remove phytosanitary restrictions on Kazakhstan’s flax and lentil seed imports and to permit the transit and temporary storage of Kazakh grain and pulses across its territory.

The talks additionally touched on cooperation across several sectors, including energy, finance, oil and gas, nuclear power, industry, tourism, education, and information and communications technology.

The session concluded with the signing of an official protocol, with the next meeting scheduled to take place in Omsk in 2026.

The timing of the discussion coincided with the opening of the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development’s new headquarters in Astana, underscoring the capital’s rising profile as a hub for regional economic diplomacy.