Kazakhstan 'key' partner for Russia, says Putin

Kazakhstan has been a "key" and "strategic" partner for Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.

"In general, I would like to say that Kazakhstan has been and remains our key partner in the sphere of the economy.

"And, of course, our strategic partner in general, meaning in the field of security and ensuring the defense capability of our states," Putin said at a meeting with his Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev, according to a Kremlin statement.

Putin said the relations between Moscow and Astana were getting stronger.

He added the bilateral trade between the two countries has increased by over 34 percent in the first ten months of 2107. "This is a major step forward," Putin said.

He added Moscow invested over $10 billion in accumulated direct investment in the economy of Kazakhstan, adding: "What is important is that we are transitioning to another level in our relations."

For his part, Nazarbayev said there were no "unsettled" problems between the two countries.

"Over the 26 years of their independence, both Russia and Kazakhstan grew ever closer together and created a legal framework for normal cooperation," he added.

Regarding Putin's decision to run for the 2018 presidential election, Nazarbayev said: "I do not see any other leader for Russia at this point of time."

Nazarbayev said Putin proved the ability to stand up against pressure and to develop the economy. "Let me put it bluntly: Kazakhstan is on your side."

On Dec. 6, Putin announced that he would contest the election next March 18 to seek a fourth term as president.

If victorious in the upcoming election, Putin will stay in office until 2024.