The statement also notes that Putin maintains regular contact with Nazarbayev. According to the Kremlin, their previous meeting was held on May 29.

Nazarbayev led independent Kazakhstan from its founding in 1991, assuming the presidency after the first national elections held on December 1 of that year. On March 19, 2019, he announced his resignation, naming Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as his successor.

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