Astana, Nov 21 (EFE).— Kazakhstan and Armenia on Wednesday elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership during Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s first official visit to Central Asia’s largest country.
“Kazakh-Armenian relations are reaching the level of a strategic partnership. This is stated in the joint declaration we signed,” Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said as he welcomed the Armenian leader.
Tokayev said the agreement “will strengthen the friendship between our countries and open a new stage of multifaceted cooperation.”
Trade and investment at the center of talks
The meeting focused on boosting trade, economic ties and investment between the two nations.
“To increase bilateral trade, Kazakhstan is ready to offer the Armenian market products worth a total of $350 million. We also expressed our readiness to support Armenia’s export potential and stressed the importance of implementing investment projects,” Tokayev said.
He added that “the Kazakh people have special respect for the Armenian people, their ancient history, rich culture and traditions.”
Geopolitical shifts open new opportunities
Pashinyan said recent geopolitical changes in the South Caucasus are creating new opportunities for economic cooperation and stronger transport links.
“I believe we must fully exploit the existing potential in the transport sector,” he said.
Kazakhstan expressed interest in joining the so-called Trump Corridor, which will run through southern Armenia and connect Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave and Turkey.
Tokayev stressed the importance of linking this strategic corridor with the Trans-Caspian transport route and the North–South corridor.
Trade routes reopen across the South Caucasus
Tokayev also thanked Azerbaijan for lifting restrictions that had prevented direct trade between Kazakhstan and Armenia through Azerbaijani territory.
Following the policy shift, Astana shipped its first load of Kazakh wheat to Armenia via Azerbaijan and Georgia.
Kazakh authorities said they are ready to supply Armenia with foodstuffs and other goods on a regular basis using this route, pending the opening of the new connection through southern Armenia, which will significantly shorten delivery times.
Expanding two-way trade
Kazakhstan, in turn, is interested in importing Armenian fruits and vegetables, as well as the country’s well-known brandy. EFE