Today, Kazakh President
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived for an official visit to Yerevan. The talks with
Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan held in narrow and expanded formats
mark an important stage in the development of bilateral relations between
Kazakhstan and Armenia. The Head of State emphasized that Armenia is the
country’s important and reliable partner in the South Caucasus. The states have
great potential to enhance cooperation, particularly in the fields of investment,
trade and economy, transport and logistics.
“We have come to a unanimous
agreement that it is necessary to explore new directions that will boost the
growth of trade between the two countries. We should take concrete measures to
expand the range of export-import goods. To this end, it is essential to make
the most effective use of the available opportunities. Kazakhstan is ready to
increase its exports to Armenia to $350 million,” said President Tokayev.
President Tokayev noted the need
to intensify interaction through business missions. Kazakhstan commends Armenia’s
readiness to restore transit communication in the South Caucasus. The parties are
set to launch direct air communication that will connect not only Astana and
Yerevan but also other cities. Economic partnership is not all common ground,
as Kazakhstan and Armenia effectively cooperate within multilateral structures
as well. The parties have agreed to further continue cooperation in processes
aimed at strengthening peace and stability.
“We wholeheartedly welcome the
desire of Armenia and Azerbaijan to conclude a peace treaty. As the
distinguished Prime Minister has just noted, Kazakhstan is ready to provide
full support and undertake a mission of goodwill. Our main goal is to bring our
friendly countries closer together and open the way to lasting peace, good
neighborliness, and stability in the region,” added the Head of State.
Following the talks, Kassym-Jomart
Tokayev and Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement and a series of documents,
among which is a roadmap for trade and economic cooperation between the
governments of the two countries for the next two years. As for cultural ties,
this year Kazakhstan will host the Days of Armenian Culture, while next year
the works of Kazakh poets, scientists, and composers will be presented to
Armenia residents. One street in Yerevan will be named after the great Kazakh
philosopher Abai, while one street in Astana will be named after the creator of
the Armenian alphabet, Mesrop Mashtots.
