Rusian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was absent during high-level meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh leader Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Lavrov has been absent at a number of events after falling out of favor with Putin due to cancelled meeting with Donald Trump. On Wednesday, Lavrov was replaced by his deputy Andrei Galuzin. Sergey Lavrov was also absent from the Security Council meeting held on November fifth.
MOSCOW NOVEMBER 13: Rusian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was absent during high-level meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh leader Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Moscow, amid the growing tension surrounding the top Russian diplomat. Lavrov has been absent at a number of events after falling out of favor with Putin due to cancelled meeting with Donald Trump scheduled for October.
On Wednesday, Lavrov was replaced by his deputy Andrei Galuzin during Putin-Tokayev meeting in which the two leaders attended a signing ceremony related to strengthening ties. Addressing the meeting, Putin said “Our relations with Kazakhstan are developing steadily, adding that “Russia is one of Kazakhstan’s leading trade and economic partners, ranking first in investment.”
In turn, Tokayev called his visit to Russia “the highlight of the year.” “The scale of our cooperation is truly unique. There is not a single area where we do not interact and cooperate with the Russian Federation,” he added. After the talks, the leaders addressed the participants of a Russia-Kazakhstan forum via video link and signed various documents including a declaration on a comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance.
It should be noted that Sergey Lavrov was also absent from the Security Council meeting held on November fifth, raising speculations over his possible dismissal from post. On Friday, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied these speculations, stating: “Lavrov continues to serve as foreign minister, of course.” Lavrov was also absent from G20 summit in South Africa later in November, a role that he has filled in the past.
Featured Image: Sebastian Zwez
