Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Moscow, saying his visit is "of particular importance."

Their meeting on Monday came days after the inauguration of Tokayev, who was reelected as president earlier this month.

Putin said Tokayev's choice of Russia as the first foreign country to visit upon reelection underscores the "special nature" of their countries' relations.

Putin apparently sought to use the meeting to highlight political and economic ties with Kazakhstan -- a member of the former Soviet Union which he views as being under Russia's sphere of influence.

Tokayev told Putin that Russia has been and remains the main strategic partner for Kazakhstan.

Tokayev has kept his distance from Putin's government amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Kazakh leader, who is scheduled to visit France on Tuesday, apparently wants amicable relations with European countries as well.