The Russian State Duma reacted to Astana’s decision.
The media became aware of Kazakhstan’s decision to close a trade representative office in Russia. The reason for the official decision is the intention to optimize the work of state bodies.
As stated on the portal of the Government of Kazakhstan on February 1, the closure takes place “ taking into account the high level of interaction with the Russian Federation ”.
At the same time, it is indicated that all “institutes” for the work of Kazakh business in Russia are available.
Personnel from the trade mission will be sent to diplomatic work in other countries. The closing draft will be accepted until February 15.
As noted in a conversation with “Tape.State Duma deputy Konstantin Zatullin, such a step indicates Astana’s intention to maintain ties with the West and avoid sanctions.
The Deputy Chairman of the CIS Affairs Committee pointed out that Kazakhstan continues to move away from Russia not only in the political, but also in the economic spheres.
Thus, the closure of the representative office will lead to a decrease in trade and financial turnover between the two countries.
“I think Kazakhstan is maneuvering,” the deputy said.
According to Zatullin, similar behavior of Astana was observed before the start of the SVO, and Russian representative offices have been working inside diplomatic missions for a long time.
He also noted Astana’s desire to make money on transit, which is successful due to the geographical location of the country.
Earlier, Topnews wrote that the Kazakh deputy was deprived of his mandate for publicly expressing support for his own and Russia’s policy in Ukraine.