A ceremonial welcome was held at the Akorda Palace for Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who arrived in Astana on an official visit. After the introduction of delegations, the commander of the honor guard delivered a welcome report, and the national anthems of both countries were performed. The two presidents then held talks. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that Mattarella’s visit to Kazakhstan would give a powerful impetus to strengthening bilateral cooperation. President Mattarella, in turn, underscored the importance of expanding ties. Following their one-on-one discussions, Tokayev and Mattarella continued negotiations with their respective delegations.
«Italy remains one of Kazakhstan’s top three trading partners. Our economic cooperation is very dynamic and has tremendous potential for further growth. We welcome Italian plans to further increase its exports to Kazakhstan. Over the past 20 years, Italy has invested up to $7.5 billion into our economy, and there are 250 Italian companies that successfully operate on our market,» Tokayev said.
Last year, trade between Kazakhstan and Italy reached $20 billion, and in the first eight months of this year it has already exceeded $11 billion. Critical raw materials, petrochemicals, mechanical engineering, transport and logistics, food processing, artificial intelligence, tourism, and education are among the most promising areas for expanding bilateral cooperation. The Central Asia Plus platform and the first Central Asia – Italy summit, held in Astana in May, stand out as successful examples of engagement not only with Kazakhstan but with the wider region.
«Your visit to Rome last year marked a crucial milestone in the development of our relations and laid a solid foundation for their further strengthening. These steps make our partnership truly exceptional in every aspect. In the cultural sphere, cooperation between our countries is actively developing. Italy has opened the first Cultural Center in Central Asia, located in Astana. The initiative to name one of the capital’s streets after Marco Polo reflects your commitment to further strengthening our ties. I sincerely thank you for this support,» Mattarella said.
The two sides will also expand cooperation in
education. Today, more than 4,000 Kazakh students are studying at leading
universities in Italy. This year, a branch of Marche Polytechnic University
opened at Zhetisu University. In Rome, a monument to the great Kazakh poet Abai
Kunanbaiuly will soon be unveiled, while in Naples an opera of the same name
will be staged. Next year, Italy will host the exhibition “Gold of the Nomads.”
President Tokayev expressed confidence that such cultural and educational initiatives
will help bring the peoples of the two countries closer together. Today, the
Head of State presented the President of Italy with the Order of Dostyk, First
Class, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to strengthening
friendship and cooperation between the two countries. In turn, Mattarella
awarded Tokayev Italy’s highest honor – the Order of Merit of the Italian
Republic.
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