Putin and Tokayev took part in the creation of a picture about friendship between Russia and Kazakhstan

Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Kazakhstan on Wednesday, November 27, together with the head of the republic Kasym-Jomart Tokayev helped artist Asel Sabyrzhankyzy to paint a picture depicting the bridge of friendship between Russia and Kazakhstan.

"This painting is called 'Bridge of Friendship'. As you can see, on the left side is the Akorda, on the left side is the Kremlin. These are symbols of statehood of our countries. Between them there is a bridge of friendship. It speaks about friendship of our peoples - Russia and Kazakhstan. The most part of the picture is the sky, it speaks of a bright future," explained the artist, who painted the picture on an easel in the lobby of the residence of the head of Kazakhstan.

She then suggested Putin take a brush and paint and add his own elements to the painting. The Russian president invited Tokayev to participate in the painting as well, and the leaders put strokes of brown paint on the bridge spans.

"Vladimir Vladimirovich's hand did not shake," the Kazakh president pointed out.

Then the girl showed Putin and Tokayev her technique of working on the painting with two hands, applying colored strokes with quick movements. The Kazakhstani president said the canvas would be ready the next day.

Kazakhstan and Russia: new horizons of strategic partnership

"Izvestia" publishes an article by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the eve of the state visit of Russian leader Vladimir Putin to Astana

Earlier in the day, Putin arrived in Kazakhstan for a two-day visit, and Tokayev met him at the airport. At the meeting, the presidents discussed the development of bilateral relations, and the Kazakh leader noted that Astana has been and remains a reliable strategic partner and ally of Moscow.

In Kazakhstan, the Russian president will attend a session of the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). About 20 documents and a joint statement on deepening the strategic partnership of the two countries are expected to be signed following the visit.