The presidents of Kazakhstan and Mongolia held a joint briefing for media representatives.
The head of state emphasized that President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh's visit is of particular importance for Kazakhstan, as Mongolia is an important regional partner and good neighbor for Kazakhstan.
We are united by shared historical and cultural roots. Our countries are the heirs of a great nomadic civilization and the yurt culture. The worldviews and lifestyles of our peoples are deeply consonant. Therefore, we consistently provide mutual support and sincerely rejoice in each other's successes. It is gratifying that in recent years, bilateral cooperation has demonstrated progressive momentum. As you know, a year and a half ago, I paid a state visit to Ulaanbaatar. I recall with great warmth the warm hospitality extended to our delegation by the esteemed President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh and the entire Mongolian people.
During that visit, we signed the Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership, a landmark document that further strengthened the centuries-old bonds of brotherhood between our peoples. Active interparliamentary and interdepartmental cooperation has been established between our countries. The Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council are functioning successfully. I am confident that President Khurelsukh's current visit will give new impetus to bilateral cooperation," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
As the President reported, the parties held substantive and fruitful negotiations on the entire bilateral agenda.
We agreed to further expand cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, humanitarian, and other spheres. Specifically, we reached an agreement to open a Kazakh consular office in the Bayan-Ulgii province of Mongolia. This step undoubtedly confirms the special nature of the strategic partnership and the historical closeness of our fraternal countries. It also serves as a clear demonstration of the goodwill and sincere friendship of the Mongolian people towards the Kazakh people. This decision deserves the highest praise, for which I express my sincere gratitude to President Khurelsukh. Overall, a number of important agreements were signed during the visit. The agreements reached today will undoubtedly provide a solid foundation for the further strengthening of our bilateral partnership.
Last year, trade between Kazakhstan and Mongolia exceeded $130 million, an increase of 7.7%. Moreover, the economic potential of our countries allows for a significant increase in current figures. Therefore, we intend to increase trade turnover to $500 million in the near future. Achieving this goal requires expanding the range of supplies and consistently eliminating barriers hindering economic cooperation. About a month ago, a Kazakh trade mission visited Mongolia, during which a number of proposals for diversifying economic cooperation were initiated. Kazakhstan has ratified the Interim Trade Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Mongolia, which opens up extensive opportunities for our countries, he noted.
According to the President of Kazakhstan, one of the key topics of the talks was increasing cooperation in the transit and transport sector.
Everyone knows that a road is not just a means of communication, but a guarantee of strong relations between countries. We are well aware of the particular importance of this issue. In this regard, Mr. Khurelsukh and I confirmed our interest in establishing a direct link between Kazakhstan and Mongolia. We agreed on the need to build a highway that will connect our countries. Of course, this is a complex project that requires comprehensive analysis and careful study. What's crucial is that we strive to achieve a common goal. Therefore, my Mongolian colleague and I agreed to establish a joint intergovernmental working group at a preliminary stage. This group will be tasked with comprehensively reviewing all complex issues, coordinating negotiations with neighboring countries, and monitoring the project's implementation. Clearly, the launch of the Kazakhstan-Mongolia highway will give a powerful boost to trade relations, and its transit potential will bring tangible benefits to our neighbors.
As you know, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit held in China last year, I proposed launching the Trans-Altai Dialogue. There is no doubt that the states of the Altai region will reach consensus on issues of trade, transport and logistics, tourism, and culture. Integrating the transport and logistics potential of the four countries will create a unified transit corridor that will not only stimulate trade but also facilitate the development of the unique Altai tourism cluster. Restoring air service between our countries remains a priority. Regular flights are currently operating between Almaty and Ulaanbaatar. Passenger air travel between Astana and Ulaanbaatar is planned to resume soon. Furthermore, during the negotiations, we concluded an agreement to establish air service between Ust-Kamenogorsk and Ulgii. This important step will take our partnership to a new level and open up broad prospects for strengthening interregional ties. In this regard, I would like to thank the esteemed Mr. Khurelsukh and the Mongolian side for their assistance in resolving this issue,” noted Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The speech also focused on other areas of cooperation with Mongolia.
Our countries possess colossal natural resources. Kazakhstan has extensive experience in the mining industry, including geological exploration and subsoil development. We are ready to combine our efforts in developing this sector. Modernizing the agro-industrial complex and supporting livestock farming are of paramount importance for our countries. Ensuring that livestock products comply with international safety standards is of fundamental importance today. Kazakhstan has established the production of an effective vaccine to protect farm animals from disease.
We are interested in supplying our domestic vaccine to Mongolia and are considering the possibility of establishing joint production facilities in the future. Kazakhstan is ready to support Mongolia's plans to create an Earth remote sensing system, and we could also train qualified specialists for this industry. Our country places special emphasis on digital development. This is a strategic area that determines Kazakhstan's future and its place in global competition. Today, Mr. Khurelsukh will visit the Alem.AI International Center and the Smart City Management Center. Overall, our countries are interested in developing cooperation in the field of digitalization, the President said.
In addition, during the negotiations, issues of strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties were raised.
"In 2025, Mongolian singer Michelle won the Silk Way Star international vocal competition in Astana, captivating the audience. Undoubtedly, projects like these contribute to the deepening of centuries-old spiritual ties between the two countries. There are also promising prospects for expanding scientific and educational ties," noted Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The head of state noted that Kazakhstan annually allocates educational grants to citizens of Mongolia.
"We are ready to increase the number of grants and assist in training the necessary personnel. This year, Mongolia plans to hold the Study in Kazakhstan educational fair. Furthermore, we have proposed establishing a branch of one of Kazakhstan's leading universities in Ulaanbaatar. Furthermore, an agreement has been reached to expand cooperation within the framework of sister city agreements. These measures will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening friendship, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties. I believe it is important to continue working in this direction," the Head of State stated.
As Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized, the current state visit of the Mongolian leader to Kazakhstan is proving very fruitful.
"We share similar positions on many pressing regional and global issues. The environmental summit, which will take place tomorrow, is a clear example of this. Kazakhstan places particular emphasis on developing cooperation with Mongolia. Our countries consistently support each other within international organizations, which clearly reflects the mutual trust and strategic nature of our partnership. I highly appreciate this," the President concluded.
In turn, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh highly praised the negotiations that took place.
"Dear Mr. President, we particularly appreciate your contribution and efforts to expanding relations and developing cooperation between Mongolia and Kazakhstan. I am absolutely confident that our negotiations, agreements reached, and coordinated joint actions have been fruitful and will contribute to the well-being of both countries. May the fraternal friendship between our peoples grow stronger from generation to generation, and may our strategic partnership and cooperation be unshakable," said the President of Mongolia.
By the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
