Kazakhstan’s decision not to pursue BRICS membership is seen as a setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has promoted the bloc as a “global majority” alliance intended to challenge Western

The restrictive measure comes shortly after Kazakhstan, Central Asia’s largest economy, refused to join BRICS, the bloc of emerging economies of which Russia currently holds the presidency.

The ban follows Kazakhstan's decision not to apply for Brics membership, the bloc of emerging economies currently led by Russia

"With respect. Kazakhstan is our friend, our strategic partner, our ally, we value our relations. Therefore, of course, Kazakhstan itself decides on the format of its participation in certain organizations,

Russia’s agricultural safety watchdogbanned the import of tomatoes, melons, wheat and other food products from neighboring Kazakhstan amid ongoing trade disputes between the two countries. “The decision was made because Kazakhstan’s competent authorities failed to take measures to ensure the phytosanitary safety of [products sent to] Russian