Astana, May 14 (EFE).- The presidents of Kazakhstan and Turkey, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, signed an “eternal friendship” and strategic partnership declaration on Thursday during the Turkish leader’s visit to the Kazakh capital, Astana.
“This declaration will give new momentum to the development of Kazakh-Turkish relations,” Tokayev said during the talks.
The signing ceremony took place at the Palace of Independence in the heart of Astana, instead of the Kazakh presidential palace (Akorda), where receptions for foreign leaders are usually held.
Bilateral trade
“Last year, trade turnover (between Kazakhstan and Turkey) grew by 8.8%, surpassing $5.4 billion,” the Kazakh president said, stressing the importance of “creating favorable conditions to increase and diversify trade.”
Tokayev added that Kazakhstan could increase exports to Turkey across 34 categories of goods worth more than $630 million.
The Kazakh leader expressed confidence that financial and e-commerce cooperation between the two countries, as well as the Kazakh-Turkish business forum being held simultaneously in Astana, “will further deepen trade and economic ties.”
He also highlighted “the growing interest of other countries in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route” and called on Turkish companies to actively participate in projects aimed at increasing cargo traffic through the ports of Kuryk and Aktau.
For his part, Erdogan stressed that Turkish-Kazakh relations are strengthening in all areas.
“We exchanged views on various issues, from trade to cooperation in energy, defense, transport, and logistics,” he said, noting that both countries hope to increase bilateral trade volume to $15 billion.
This is Erdogan’s second state visit to Kazakhstan, following his trip in 2022. EFE