Moscow, November 13, 2025 – The Europe Today: Kazakhstan and Russia have signed an agreement to establish a joint intergovernmental commission to oversee the flight testing of the Soyuz-5 and Baiterek rocket systems, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan announced.
The agreement was signed in Moscow following talks between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and President Vladimir Putin of Russia during the Kazakh leader’s state visit to the Russian Federation on November 11–12.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev signed the agreement on behalf of Kazakhstan.
According to the ministry, the new intergovernmental commission will coordinate preparations and flight testing of the rocket systems as well as oversee the implementation of the Baiterek project, one of the flagship areas of Kazakhstan–Russia space cooperation.
Based at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the Baiterek project is being developed under an intergovernmental agreement signed in 2004. It aims to enhance Kazakhstan’s technological and industrial capacity and strengthen its position in the international space sector.
The first rocket for the Baiterek project was delivered to Baikonur by rail on November 11, marking a significant milestone in the joint space initiative.
The signing of the commission agreement was among 14 documents concluded between Kazakhstan and Russia on November 12, following the high-level talks between Presidents Tokayev and Putin.
President Tokayev’s state visit began with a ceremonial welcome, including a fighter jet and helicopter escort of his aircraft upon arrival — a gesture symbolizing special respect. The official reception continued at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport, where he was greeted with a military band and honor guard.
During his stay, the Kazakh and Russian presidents held informal discussions on bilateral relations, and President Putin hosted a state dinner in honor of his Kazakh counterpart.
President Tokayev also laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow’s Alexander Garden and held a meeting with Valentina Matviyenko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of Russia.
Additionally, President Tokayev participated via videoconference in the 21st Kazakhstan–Russia Interregional Cooperation Forum held in Uralsk.
The visit concluded with the signing of the Declaration on the Transition of Interstate Relations between Kazakhstan and Russia to the Level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Alliance, underscoring the deepening of cooperation across key sectors — from space exploration and energy to education, technology, and culture.
