Astana, 12 April 2023 (TDI): President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, met with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to discuss the Kazakh-Azerbaijani strategic collaboration and association.
A traditional greeting ceremony at the Akorda House preceded the sessions, during which the heads of state introduced their delegations.
The two presidents reviewed the strategic partnership and alliance between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. They focused on strengthening political, trade-economic, transportation-transit, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev acknowledged the value of President Aliyev’s visit for fostering bilateral cooperation. He stated that Azerbaijan is an essential and trustworthy partner and a fraternal and close state.
Both Presidents applauded the two nations’ notable advancements in trade and economic cooperation, with their bilateral trade increasing by 40% to reach $500 million.
According to Tokayev, this sum might reach $1 billion once the economies of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are fully realized. He also emphasized that cultural cooperation is essential in improving Kazakh-Azerbaijani relations.
Both Presidents agreed to hold decades of cultures of the two nations, including Kazakhstan’s Days of Culture this year. They also decided to consolidate the foundation of the Supreme Interstate Council during the meeting, which will provide a tremendous push to bilateral relations.
Kazakh President stated that last year, the two nations inked the Declaration on Improving Strategic Relations and Deepening Allied Partnership and the Comprehensive Program for Cooperative Development until 2026, with numerous crucial agreements to be adopted during President Aliyev’s visit.
In honor of Heydar Aliyev’s 100th birthday and to commemorate the great son of the Azerbaijani nation, the presidents of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan officially inaugurated a roadway titled after him.
The President of Kazakhstan also mentioned that the Kurmangazy Center for Children’s Creativity in Fizuli is a gift from the Kazakh people to Azerbaijan. This center is another audible illustration of their nations’ sincere friendship and mutual support. This facility is being constructed swiftly, and it will shortly begin working.
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In exchange, Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the invitation to visit Astana and the Kazakh people’s traditional hospitality.
President Aliyev noted that their interstate ties are established on the humanitarian track. The two nations are achieving a qualitatively new level of contact and alliance. He also mentioned a comprehensive discussion on bilateral relations and international concerns occurred.
The two leaders signed a Joint Declaration and Protocol establishing the Highest Interstate Council of the Republics of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, reinforcing the two countries’ strong ties.
During President Aliyev’s visit to Astana, several additional agreements were signed, including MoUs and cooperation with various ministries and organizations from both nations. These agreements cover media, diaspora work, sports, information and social development, and small and medium company development.
