Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrives in Kazakhstan for state visit
Kazakhstan and Turkey intend to triple their trade turnover – to $15 billion, reports «24KZ». The Kazakh side is already prepared to increase exports to Turkey across 34 types of products. This was announced during Recep Tayyip Erdogan's state visit to Astana.
Economic cooperation became one of the key topics of the sixth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council between Kazakhstan and Turkey. The negotiations covered a wide range of issues: from trade and investments to logistics and joint production. Currently, the countries are implementing about 50 joint projects worth nearly $4 billion. In the coming years, the scale of economic cooperation could grow significantly.
Astana is moving to a special rhythm today. A motorcade, accompanied by a ceremonial column of motorcyclists, travels along the central avenues of the capital. The city is decorated with the flags of Kazakhstan and Turkey, and on this day, the state symbols look particularly fitting here. Even down to the details: a blue tie on Tokayev and a red one on Erdogan.
Then comes the greeting of the presidents – and all attention turns to the sky. Fighter jets leave behind blue and red trails, matching the colors of the two countries' flags. Such a gesture is a sign of special respect for the arriving guest.
The ceremony then continues inside the Palace of Independence. First comes the introduction to the delegations and a brief exchange, followed by the important negotiations.
Guldana Kalen, correspondent:
- The welcoming ceremony today looks like more than just diplomatic protocol. The warm greeting between Tokayev and Erdogan, the long handshakes, and the special attention during the introduction of the delegation members—in diplomacy, details often speak louder than official statements. All of this shows how actively Kazakhstan and Turkey are growing closer today.
Next, the commander of the guard of honor delivers his report, and the hall stands still to the sounds of the national anthems. Following the final march by the orchestra, the presidents proceed to the main part of the visit: the negotiations.
Today, Astana and Ankara reaffirm their status not just as strategic, but as fraternal states. At the foundation of this unshakable friendship lies a shared history and deep spiritual ties. But if in the past this was mostly about culture, today it is about a robust social and economic union. Trade turnover between the countries has already exceeded $5 billion, and Kazakhstan is ready to increase exports to Turkey across more than 30 types of products.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
- Turkey is among our largest investors. To date, $6 billion in investments have been attracted from your country into our economy. Kazakhstan's investments in Turkey have also grown, approaching $2.5 billion. Furthermore, Turkey is among our top five main trading partners.
KAZAKHSTAN AND TURKEY PLAN TO INCREASE TRADE TURNOVER TO $15 BILLION
The topic of logistics is sounding increasingly prominent in the negotiations. In the current global climate, transport routes are a matter of major economics and security. Kazakhstan and Turkey are key partners here. The focus is on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which passes through Kazakhstan, the Caucasus nations, and Turkey, linking Asia with Europe. To ensure the route operates at full capacity, Astana is inviting Turkish companies to more actively enter its ports—Aktau and Kuryk.
There are also massive plans in the aviation sector.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
- The company TAV Airports Holding plans to develop the Almaty International Airport as a logistics hub in Central Asia, and our country is ready to provide comprehensive support for this project.
Beyond transport, Turkish capital is involved in building hospitals, greenhouses, and factories in Kazakhstan. The parties also extensively discussed cooperation in the energy sector, the defense industry, and artificial intelligence.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan is confident: the potential is enormous, and the $15 billion trade turnover target is entirely achievable.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey:
- To achieve this figure, we consider it important to ensure the implementation of the 67-point Action Plan adopted at the 14th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in Astana on April 15. We will continue to provide support to companies in the investment sphere.
Speaking of investments, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev suggested that their partners actively develop Kazakhstan's tourism sector by leveraging the vast experience of the Turkish hospitality industry. Additionally, the parties intend to collaborate in medicine, education, and culture.
Guldana Kalen, correspondent:
- The behind-closed-doors negotiations have concluded. By all appearances, the conversation was highly productive. The parties are now signing a series of bilateral documents. The package of agreements covers almost all key areas. In education, this means new curricula and the opening of schools; in the economy, it involves the protection of investments and the integration of financial markets. The partners also agreed on joint work in the oil and gas sector, drone manufacturing, and cooperation in the media sphere.
Author: Guldana Kalen