Astana (TDI): The Presidents of Kazakhstan and Cyprus have held narrow-format talks in Astana, focusing on expanding political, economic, and transport cooperation between the two countries.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that relations between Kazakhstan and Cyprus have strengthened significantly in recent years, highlighting progress in diplomatic engagement, aviation links, and institutional cooperation.
He recalled that in 2019, when the Cypriot leader was serving as foreign minister, he had described himself as a committed supporter of closer ties between Cyprus and Kazakhstan and even as an informal advocate for Kazakhstan within the European Union. Tokayev said that since then, both countries had achieved tangible progress, including the opening of embassies in each other’s capitals and the launch of direct flights.
At the same time, he stressed that there remains substantial untapped potential for further cooperation across a wide range of sectors, and expressed Kazakhstan’s readiness to deepen engagement in areas of mutual interest.
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For his part, President Nikos Christodoulides welcomed the opportunity to visit Kazakhstan, arriving on the first direct flight from Cyprus accompanied by a business delegation.
He said the new air link reflects growing economic and diplomatic connectivity between the two countries and could help stimulate trade, tourism, and investment.
Christodoulides emphasized that both sides have significant potential for expanding cooperation and expressed hope that the Astana talks would help advance bilateral ties further.
He also noted his role as Cyprus currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, adding that this position provides an opportunity to strengthen dialogue between the EU and Kazakhstan. He said discussions during the visit would also focus on broader EU–Kazakhstan relations, given the region’s strategic importance.
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The meeting was held at the Palace of Independence in Astana, where President Tokayev formally welcomed the visiting Cypriot leader, marking another step in the gradual deepening of engagement between Central Asia and the European Union.
