The Presidents of
Kazakhstan and Türkiye held talks. Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was
solemnly greeted at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, where his motorcade was
accompanied by horse guards, and he was personally welcomed by Recep Tayyip
Erdogan. At the meeting, the heads of state discussed prospects for further
development of strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Türkiye, with a
particular focus on strengthening trade, economic, investment, cultural and
humanitarian cooperation.
Later, the 5th meeting
of the Kazakhstan-Türkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council took place
with both presidents in attendance. The parties underscored their readiness to bring
relations to a higher level. Last year, mutual trade reached $5 billion.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan can supply at least 34 types of products to the Turkish
market worth $1 billion. The country also intends to increase the range of
imported Turkish goods. Tokayev emphasized that the transport and logistics
sector is of particular importance in increasing trade turnover. Following the
session, the Presidents signed a Joint Declaration, a resolution of the fifth
meeting, as well as 18 intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents.
The heads of state traditionally
held a briefing, where Tokayev noted that relations between the two countries
have grown into an expanded strategic partnership. Today, about 4,000 Turkish companies
operate in Kazakhstan, with joint projects implemented in energy, construction,
industry, agriculture, infrastructure, medicine, and tourism totaling $6
billion. At the same time, the volume of Kazakh investments in Türkiye exceeded
$2.5 billion.
«About 85% of land
cargo transported between Europe and China currently passes through Kazakhstan.
The development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known
as the Middle Corridor, is also of great importance. This initiative serves the
interests of both countries. Kazakhstan is modernizing its railways,
constructing highways, and upgrading infrastructure to enhance shipping
activity in the Caspian Sea. We invite Turkish investors to actively
participate in these projects. Our government is ready to offer special incentives
to Turkish entrepreneurs,» Tokayev said.
There are also great
prospects for cooperation in the energy sector.
«Currently, 1.4
million tons of Kazakh oil are transported annually to Turkiye via the
Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline. We discussed the possibility of increasing supply
volumes and welcome the intention of Türkiye Petroleum to operate in the Kazakh
market. We are also interested in leveraging the investment potential of
Turkish companies and their experience in diversifying energy sources and
constructing power plants. We are ready to jointly implement large-scale
projects,» Tokayev added.
The parties also
discussed cooperation in agriculture, defense, information technology, and the
development of cultural and humanitarian ties. They exchanged views on current
global issues as well. The Presidents of Kazakhstan and Türkiye are unanimous
in their opinion that the resolution of all conflicts and contradictions is
possible only through peaceful means, based on diplomatic negotiations. Tokayev
also noted Erdogan’s special role in the settlement of the Russian-Ukrainian
conflict.
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