Kazakhstan and Cyprus launch direct flights between Astana and Larnaca

Kazakhstan and Cyprus have launched direct air service between the two countries. The new Larnaca–Astana route began operations this week, with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides among the first passengers on the regular flight. He arrived in Kazakhstan on his first official visit to the country. During the visit, the two sides held talks and strengthened their partnership through a package of agreements covering digitalization, science, business, and other areas, reports «24KZ».

The first-ever direct flight from Larnaca to Astana brought an unusual passenger to the Kazakh capital. President Nikos Christodoulides traveled to Kazakhstan aboard a Kazakh airline, personally testing the new route. The launch opens another direct gateway to the Mediterranean for Kazakh travelers.

As the Cypriot presidential motorcade made its way through the capital to the official welcoming ceremony, final preparations were underway at the Independence Palace. Delegations from both countries began informal discussions before the official program commenced. Following protocol, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed his Cypriot counterpart. After the greeting ceremony and the national anthems, the leaders proceeded to formal negotiations.

Diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Cyprus have lasted for more than three decades and are now entering a new stage. Cyprus regards Kazakhstan as a leader in Central Asia and its key strategic partner in the region.

Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus:

- We recognize the geopolitical importance of Central Asia and Kazakhstan’s role in the world. Kazakhstan is a strategic partner of the European Union. As a member state of the European Union, Cyprus can serve as a reliable gateway to the European market for Kazakh investors and companies.

Cyprus is particularly interested in Kazakhstan’s fintech sector and information technologies, including the country’s experience in implementing e-government solutions. For Kazakhstan, Cyprus is far more than a tourist destination—it is a significant financial partner. Direct Cypriot investment in Kazakhstan has already exceeded $5 billion, while bilateral trade surpassed $40 million in the first quarter of this year.

Kazakhstan exports pharmaceuticals, textiles, and broadcasting equipment to Cyprus, while importing dairy products, lighting equipment, and toys. More than 400 companies with Cypriot participation currently operate in Kazakhstan, including nearly 30 registered with the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). Last year alone, these companies paid over 13 billion tenge in taxes.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:

- Kazakhstan welcomes Cypriot companies willing to invest and expand their presence in our country. Creating favorable conditions for businesses and investors remains one of Kazakhstan’s key policy priorities. Cypriot companies can count on practical support from our government in implementing investment projects.

To place bilateral cooperation on a more systematic footing, Tokayev proposed developing a roadmap through 2028, establishing an intergovernmental commission, and launching a business council.

Following both closed-door and expanded-format talks, the presidents addressed the media.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:

- Cyprus is a world-class maritime hub. Within the framework of the Middle Corridor, significant opportunities exist to effectively connect Kazakhstan’s land infrastructure with Cyprus’s maritime infrastructure. This step will help create a new multi-vector logistics network linking Central Asia, the Caspian region, and the Mediterranean, while also boosting trade between our countries.

The leaders also discussed regional and international issues. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to resolving conflicts exclusively through peaceful and diplomatic means.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:

- We agreed to work closely within the United Nations, the OSCE, and other international organizations. We will actively contribute to peace and stability. Kazakhstan’s position remains unchanged: all countries must strictly adhere to the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of international law. Kazakhstan respects the territorial integrity of all states and calls on others to prioritize this principle as well.

The President expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to develop steadily through joint efforts.

Guldanа Kalen, correspondent:

-  The talks concluded with the signing of several key documents aimed at translating political agreements into practical cooperation in education, science, digital technologies, and other fields.

In total, the parties signed five major agreements, with a strong focus on high technology. Relevant ministries agreed to jointly develop IT initiatives, e-government solutions, and cybersecurity projects. Additional memorandums on culture, science, and sports will create new exchange programs for students, researchers, and athletes.

To strengthen business ties, the foreign trade chambers of both countries signed an agreement designed to directly connect Kazakh and Cypriot businesses and encourage new investment projects.

At the conclusion of the official visit, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded President Nikos Christodoulides the Order of Dostyk (Friendship), First Class, in recognition of his contribution to the development of bilateral relations.