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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, Mr Tokayev, friends.

Thank you very much for joining us at this sporting event of a purely humanitarian nature. You have heard me emphasise this many times, but I will say it again, sport should be outside politics. On the contrary, it should bring people closer.

We have many participants from more than 100 countries here, 104 countries from different continents, young people who enjoy digital sports and real sports. Well, both are real, so let’s say conventional sports.

We will see what it looks in real life. Without a doubt, this will benefit everyone, especially so since young people in many countries around the world enjoy new sports. The good part is that it is a combination of computer, which can take all the time one can spare, and traditional sports.

Our bilateral relations are moving forward successfully in many – well, why many? – almost all areas that are of vital importance to us.

I remember the successful visit of our delegation to Kazakhstan last year. We outlined areas to work on. By the way, thank you very much for your warm and businesslike hospitality.

We can use this opportunity to discuss all areas of cooperation, if need be. Our colleagues reported to me on progress in the energy sector and investment, and in region-to-region cooperation. All these matters are important for our respective countries in general and for the individual regions in Russia and Kazakhstan, as well as our respective industries.

We are delighted to see you. Welcome.

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: Thank you, Mr Putin.

I am very glad to be here today. Indeed, the Games of the Future are a unique format that combines IT and sports, which appears unusual, but it is a unique format after all. We have brought a fairly strong team and hope to make our mark.

The IT sector, the IT format is making strides in Kazakhstan. We hold our own games and host international competitions. I would like to propose holding the next Games of the Future in Kazakhstan in order to continue this tradition and the initiative that the Russian Federation put forward in due time.

Vladimir Putin: Super.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: This is our first meeting this year.

Everyone is anticipating the outcome of the presidential election in Russia on March 17. Truth be told, I have no doubt about the outcome, because under your distinguished leadership Russia has achieved notable, impressive successes. In fact, your statements and actions are shaping the global agenda.

Despite the extremely challenging circumstances, the Russian economy has achieved major success, and 3.5 percent [GDP growth] is an impressive result.

Vladimir Putin: 3.6.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: Okay, 3.6. (Laughter.)

As you indicated in a recent interview, the Russian economy now ranks first in Europe in terms of purchasing power parity. This is also something to be mindful of.

Without a doubt, this is good for cooperation and for our efforts to implement the agreements that were signed during your state visit to Kazakhstan last November.

I believe both governments are successfully moving forward with the agreements, and there are concrete results to show for our efforts. So, we will continue to work.

We appreciate the signing of an agreement to build thermal power stations in three cities in Kazakhstan, and two hydroelectric power stations. The result is there for everyone to see.

On the other hand, we held talks in St Petersburg about the construction of a gas pipeline across Kazakhstan to China. There were several issues that needed extra attention. Eventually, we arrived at solutions which I think are very positive for our side and, I think, for the Russian side, too. I will not delve deep into it, because some details have yet to be discussed. In any case, the route of the main line has been identified.

I believe the construction of three Russian schools in southern Kazakhstan is a major humanitarian achievement.

Vladimir Putin: No doubt about it.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: I believe it will have a positive effect.

Other areas of our strategic partnership will provide a beneficial effect as well. So, things are moving in the right direction, and both sides are absolutely positive about moving our partnership forward, and I am positive about the ongoing developments as well.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

Mr Tokayev, your athletes will compete in 13 disciplines.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: Exactly so.

Vladimir Putin: You have a strong team with many creative young people. I was caught off guard seeing such a representative delegation from Kazakhstan.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: Truth be told, after I learned about these games, I instructed two ministers to form a strong team, including the athletic bloc and the IT team which is also strong.

We won the title of world champion in the previous games, the world cup, in a subgroup. I am unable to come up with the name, they have their own categories in IT games, in e-sports. I hope we will not fail the organisers of these competitions and show what we are capable of. I do not want to get ahead of myself, let alone to brag. We will see.

Vladimir Putin: We will see. In any case, I think it will be interesting to see how it goes. Indeed, it looks like we can even become leaders in these creative sports that are becoming increasingly popular with young people internationally.

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