Kazakhstan and Bulgaria are actively strengthening
cooperation. Last year, trade turnover between the two countries increased
fourfold, reaching $375 million. In the first four months of 2025 alone, mutual
trade exceeded $83 million. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Bulgarian
President Rumen Radev, who is currently on an official visit to Astana,
discussed areas of cooperation during a meeting held today. The Head of State
emphasized that Bulgaria is an important and reliable partner for Kazakhstan in
South-Eastern Europe.
«Nearly 60 companies with Bulgarian participation
successfully operate on our market. Currently, we cooperate fruitfully,
productively in such sectors as mining, manufacturing, transport, and
construction. And we see great potential to collaborate in such promising
fields as energy, transport and logistics, green transition, nuclear sector,
space, agriculture, digitalization, healthcare, and tourism,» Tokayev noted.
The Presidents of Kazakhstan and Bulgaria held talks in
narrow and extended formats. Tokayev emphasized that the Intergovernmental
Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation is expected to play a key role in
economic and investment collaboration. The Head of State proposed the creation
of a joint working group within the Commission for cooperation in the transport
and logistics sector. Most importantly, the two sides agreed to explore the
integration of the Bulgarian seaports of Burgas and Varna into the Trans-Caspian
International Transport Corridor project. Following the talks, the Presidents
of the two countries issued a joint press statement.
«Last week marked the 33rd anniversary of the establishment
of diplomatic relations between our countries. Your visit to Kazakhstan
coincided with this significant milestone. Over the years, Astana and Sofia
have developed an active political dialogue at all levels, based on mutual
trust. A robust legal and contractual framework has been established, and ties
in the trade, economic, and investment sectors continue to strengthen,» Tokayev
added.
«I am confident that today’s talks will give a new impetus
to bilateral cooperation. The signed Memorandum on the further development of
the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor is the embodiment of our aspirations. It
is necessary to make the most of the strategic geographic location of
Kazakhstan and Bulgaria along this route, which connects Asia and Europe. We
have huge opportunities not only in cargo transportation, energy, and
digitalization, but also in expanding our cultural ties,» said Bulgarian President
Rumen Radev.
In addition, Kazakhstan is interested in studying Bulgaria’s
advanced experience in space research and technology, as well as in the defense
industry. The two sides agreed to strengthen cultural, educational and
interregional ties. For example, a street in Astana will soon be named after
the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. Meanwhile, a street named Astana has existed in
Sofia for the past seven years. In total, Kazakhstan and Bulgaria have signed
five documents today.
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