Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: Kazakhstan Is Our Ally and Partner

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Almaty this week to participate in two significant diplomatic events: a meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers and the eighth gathering of foreign ministers from Russia and Central Asia. On April 10, Lavrov held a bilateral meeting with Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, during which both sides reviewed the implementation of earlier high-level agreements and discussed expanding cooperation in political, economic, and humanitarian spheres. “Maintaining the high dynamics of political dialogue and the consistent implementation of the agreements reached remain priorities in our bilateral cooperation. This is the direction set by our presidents,” Nurtleu stated. Lavrov, for his part, emphasized the depth of the strategic partnership between the two countries: “Kazakhstan is our reliable ally and neighbor. We traditionally support each other both at the bilateral level and on the international stage.” The foreign ministers also gave particular attention to strengthening trade and economic ties. On April 11, Lavrov will participate in a CIS Council of Foreign Ministers meeting. According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the ministers will discuss major international and regional issues, including preparations for the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, and matters related to cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as border security. Later that day, Lavrov is expected to take part in the eighth meeting of foreign ministers of Russia and Central Asian states, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The agenda includes political and economic priorities, joint humanitarian initiatives, and measures aimed at enhancing regional stability. Discussions will also focus on global challenges, particularly the coordination of security efforts in Central Asia. Lavrov's last visit to Kazakhstan was in November 2024, as part of preparations for President Vladimir Putin’s official visit to the country. Earlier, in 2023, Foreign Minister Nurtleu had met Lavrov in Moscow, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

Russian Foreign Ministry Opposes Visa Regime for Central Asian Countries

Russia’s Foreign Ministry has voiced opposition to the introduction of a visa regime for citizens of Central Asian countries, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated during a session at the State Duma (Russia’s parliament). Lavrov emphasized that tightening Russia’s approach to labor migrants from Central Asia “would not serve our long-term interests.” While acknowledging concerns over violations committed by migrants in various regions, he argued that increased oversight, not additional barriers, was the appropriate response. “We believe that enhancing control over their activities is necessary, but erecting barriers, let alone introducing a visa regime, is not the right course of action,” Lavrov stated. Lavrov noted that Russia’s latest measures regarding migration aim to improve monitoring rather than obstruct labor migration. “We have held multiple meetings with ambassadors from Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states to discuss their concerns and clarify our policies. The EAEU’s founding documents guarantee equal rights for all member states' citizens, allowing them to enter Russia without formal invitations or prior declarations of employment. However, these provisions now require further clarification. Authorities must track migrant arrivals, verify their employment status, and ensure compliance with Russian law. I am convinced this can be done without creating artificial obstacles in relations with our closest allies,” Lavrov stated. In contrast, some Russian politicians have called for stricter migration controls. In late March 2024, just days after the deadly terrorist attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, Sergei Mironov, chairman of the A Just Russia - For Truth party and head of its State Duma faction, proposed introducing a visa regime with Central Asian states. Mironov argued that such a policy “should in no way be regarded as an unfriendly gesture toward our neighbors” and expressed hope that Central Asian governments would understand the rationale behind the move. For the past 30 years, Russia has been the primary destination for hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of labor migrants from Central Asia. However, economic challenges, stricter migration policies, and growing anti-migrant sentiment in Russia have increasingly pushed many workers to seek opportunities elsewhere.