Aliyev counts meetings with Tokayev: leaders reaffirm close partnership between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan

Tengrinews.kz – Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Ilham Aliyev held a joint press briefing in Astana following bilateral talks and the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

During his remarks, President Ilham Aliyev noted that over the past three years, he has met with Tokayev more than ten times, underscoring the intensity of cooperation between the two nations.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude to Aliyev for accepting the invitation to visit Kazakhstan, calling the Azerbaijani leader’s state visit “an event of special importance.”

“It is a great honor to welcome the leader of the brotherly Azerbaijani people to Kazakh soil. Our countries share common roots, a shared history, and a similar mindset. Azerbaijan is an important and reliable strategic partner of Kazakhstan,” Tokayev said.

He added that the visit is symbolic, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Treaty on Strategic Partnership and Alliance between the two states, and highlighted the progress achieved in political, economic, and cultural cooperation.

Tokayev also praised Aliyev’s personal contribution to strengthening Azerbaijan’s independence and international influence, calling him “a statesman of historic stature.”

“Under your leadership, Azerbaijan has achieved remarkable success in social and economic development. The stable macroeconomic indicators of your country clearly demonstrate this progress,” Tokayev emphasized.

Both leaders agreed to take steps to double bilateral trade to $1 billion in the near future. They identified opportunities in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, construction, and digitalization, and expressed interest in creating joint enterprises.

Tokayev noted that joint projects are already underway — including the production of transformers, housing construction, and shipbuilding initiatives. Governments were instructed to prepare a roadmap for industrial cooperation and strengthen the Kazakh-Azerbaijani Direct Investment Fund.

The presidents also reviewed major infrastructure projects, particularly the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR).

“Cargo transportation along this corridor increased by 62 percent last year to reach 4.5 million tons. We plan to expand this to 10 million tons by eliminating bottlenecks and introducing unified tariffs,” Tokayev said.

He also announced the construction of a container hub in Aktau and a new cargo terminal in the Azerbaijani port of Alat, with international partners, including China, participating.

Energy, digital, and cultural cooperation

The two leaders reaffirmed cooperation in the energy sector, including the transportation of Kazakh oil through the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline, and discussed plans to increase export volumes. Tokayev highlighted a joint undersea power cable project that will enhance renewable energy exports and the transit of Kazakh uranium through Azerbaijan.

In the digital sphere, both sides agreed to accelerate the laying of a fiber-optic communication line under the Caspian Sea, and to launch joint IT initiatives using Kazakhstan’s experience in digital governance.

Tokayev also emphasized the importance of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including cultural festivals, film weeks, and educational exchanges. The Kazakh-Azerbaijani Scientific and Educational Center in Baku continues to play a key role in this partnership.

Shared vision for peace and stability

Both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to peace and regional security. Tokayev commended Aliyev for his “historic role in signing the peace declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington,” expressing confidence that the agreement will strengthen trust in the South Caucasus.

In his remarks, President Ilham Aliyev praised the high level of bilateral relations.

“Our peoples are united by centuries-old friendship and brotherhood based on spiritual and cultural commonality. Over the past three years, we have met more than ten times — clear evidence of how dynamic our relations are. Each meeting brings tangible results that benefit both nations,” Aliyev said.

The Azerbaijani leader concluded that the outcomes of the council meeting and the signed agreements reflect the “deep mutual trust and shared commitment to progress between the two brotherly states.”