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Tengrinews.kz — Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a media briefing in Astana, according to Akorda.
Highlighting the significance of the Turkmen leader’s state visit, the President of Kazakhstan emphasized that brotherly Turkmenistan is an important and reliable partner.
“Our peoples are united by bonds of sincere friendship, common historical roots, and shared spiritual and cultural values. It is on this solid foundation that Kazakh–Turkmen relations continue to develop dynamically in the spirit of strategic partnership. High-level political dialogue has been established, and our trade and economic ties grow stronger every year. Our countries actively contribute to maintaining security and stability in the region,” Tokayev said.
The President also congratulated Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the brotherly Turkmen people on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
“Turkmenistan’s consistent policy of neutrality has earned it great respect on the international stage and has become a symbol of the country’s commitment to peace, stability, and security,” Tokayev stated.
According to Tokayev, the negotiations covered a wide range of bilateral issues and outlined priorities for further cooperation. A key focus was placed on strengthening trade and economic relations.
“Thanks to our joint efforts, bilateral trade consistently exceeds half a billion dollars. This year’s figures are also encouraging. We agreed to take the necessary steps to increase mutual trade to one billion dollars. Kazakhstan proposed adopting a roadmap to boost trade. To support entrepreneurs of both countries, we decided to establish bilateral trade houses. We also agreed to explore the possibility of launching direct commercial flights between cities of our two countries,” Tokayev said.
Photo by the press service of Akorda
He also stressed the growing strategic importance of the transit and transport sector. The Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran railway is becoming a key link in the North–South transport corridor.
“In the first 10 months of this year, freight volumes reached 1.5 million tons, a 14% increase. Work is underway to optimize tariffs and simplify administrative procedures. Border infrastructure is being actively developed, and the checkpoint is undergoing modernization. Progress is being made on connecting road infrastructure along the Turkmenbashi–Garabogaz–Kazakhstan border route. We agreed to fully utilize the transport and logistics capabilities of the Caspian ports Aktau, Kuryk, and Turkmenbashi to expand container transportation,” the President added.
In addition, during the negotiations the sides discussed prospects for constructing a railway line toward South Asia through Afghanistan.
The President emphasized that agriculture is an important area of cooperation.
“We discussed in detail the prospects for increasing supplies of Kazakh wheat to the Turkmen market. We also have reserves for increasing exports of vegetable oils, pasta, and meat and dairy products. We touched on the prospects of building a grain terminal on the Turkmen–Afghan border,” Tokayev said.
The Head of State also highlighted joint projects in the energy sector.
According to him, for many years Kazakhstan has been a reliable partner in transporting Turkmen natural gas to China. Following the talks, the sides agreed to continue cooperation within ongoing gas-processing projects and the development of gas transportation infrastructure. Last year’s Agreement on Strategic Cooperation in the Development of the Gas Industry provides a good basis for this work.
Taking into account Kazakhstan’s experience in digitalizing public services and implementing IT technologies, the country invited the Turkmen side to carry out joint projects in this field.
“The visit became a historic milestone in relations between the two countries”
The President noted that the cultural and humanitarian agenda traditionally occupies a special place in bilateral relations.
“The people of Kazakhstan warmly welcomed the Days of Turkmen Culture in Astana and the unveiling of the monument to Magtymguly Fragi on his 300th anniversary, as well as the monument to Abai in Ashgabat, which have become symbols of friendship between our nations. The importance of expanding cultural cooperation (festivals, tours, and joint projects), as well as developing scientific, educational and youth ties, was emphasized. Kazakhstan proposed considering the opening of a branch of one of its universities in Turkmenistan,” Tokayev said.
During the negotiations, both sides also confirmed their shared vision and alignment of positions on key regional and international issues.
“We are ready to continue close cooperation with the Turkmen side to ensure stability, security, and sustainable progress on both regional and global scales. The Consultative Meetings are of great importance, as is cooperation on issues related to the Caspian Sea. Kazakhstan highly appreciates the events held by Turkmenistan within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust, declared at the initiative of Ashgabat,” the President stated.
In conclusion, Tokayev once again expressed confidence that President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s visit would make a significant contribution to strengthening Kazakh–Turkmen relations of friendship, good neighborliness, and strategic partnership.
The President of Turkmenistan presented his country’s position on further strengthening the strategic partnership.
Photo by the press service of Akorda
“When discussing the bilateral agenda, the sides focused on developing trade and economic cooperation: expanding and diversifying mutual trade, boosting investment, and implementing joint industrial projects, as well as strengthening ties between the business communities of the two countries. It was noted that energy remains a priority area: Turkmenistan is ready to continue cooperation and has significant potential in the electric power and chemical industries. Transport and logistics were identified as strategic components of cooperation, including the activation of existing East–West and North–South corridors in the current geopolitical and geoeconomic environment,” Serdar Berdimuhamedov reported.
