Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has characterized Russia as his country’s “main partner and ally,” adding that bilateral relations are “at a very high level.” In a Wednesday interview with the country’s Egemen Qazaqstan newspaper, the leader also said that close ties between the two neighbors are crucial for “ensuring regional stability and international security.”

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Seoul has previously touted its ability to “swiftly strike” any North Korean target The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has warned of increased tensions with South Korea after its defense minister spoke out about his country’s ability to strike Pyongyang with precision weapons.