During a recent meeting in Moscow, Vyacheslav Volodin, the Speaker of the Russian State Duma, highlighted the growing economic ties between Russia and Kazakhstan, which continue to thrive despite sanctions. He noted that trade turnover is nearing $30 billion, marking Kazakhstan as Russia's largest trade and investment partner. Volodin praised the development of Kazakhstan's economy under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, stating that Russia has remained the world's fourth-largest economy, surpassing Germany and Japan. He attributed the ongoing challenges and sanctions to attempts to hinder the progress of both nations. Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan’s Parliament, echoed Volodin's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of joint projects and production facilities being established in Kazakhstan with Russian collaboration. Additionally, Ashimbayev informed Volodin about upcoming changes in Kazakhstan’s state structure following new constitutional provisions, which will take effect on July 1. He also mentioned that Kazakhstan is set to conduct its first elections for a unicameral parliament in August, inviting State Duma deputies to participate in the observer mission.