The head of state noted that the deep historical ties that bind both countries today serve as a solid foundation for further strengthening the unshakable friendship between the two peoples.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Recep Tayyip Erdogan held the sixth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
In his speech, the head of state emphasized that Kazakhstan considers Turkey a fraternal state and an important and reliable partner.
Kazakh-Turkish relations are currently developing dynamically in the spirit of an expanded strategic partnership. There are no disagreements or contradictions between our countries. Interstate and intergovernmental ties are strengthening. Our interparliamentary cooperation is also at a high level, as evidenced by the presence of a group of parliamentarians and party members in the Turkish delegation. Bilateral economic ties are rapidly expanding. Turkey is among our largest investors. To date, $6 billion in investment from your country has been attracted to our economy.
Kazakhstan's investment in Turkey has also grown, approaching $2.5 billion. Furthermore, Turkey is among our top five trading partners. The cultural and humanitarian ties between our two peoples serve as an invaluable link in our relations. We are interested in maintaining these positive trends and expanding the scope of our interaction. Today, we will adopt the Declaration "On Eternal Friendship and Expanded Strategic Partnership." This important document will undoubtedly give new impetus to the development of Kazakh-Turkish relations. We are united by common aspirations, so there is every reason to believe that enormous prospects and opportunities await us," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
According to him, today Türkiye has entered a new stage of socio-economic development, having achieved significant success in various areas.
"Thanks to your balanced and far-sighted policies, Ankara's influence on the global stage is steadily growing. Turkey, with its powerful economy and authoritative diplomacy, is recognized as a 'golden bridge' connecting Europe and Asia, as well as the entire Turkic world. We view Turkey's achievements as the result of your tireless efforts to protect national interests," the Head of State stated.
The parties discussed further strengthening trade and economic cooperation. Last year, trade turnover increased by 8.8%, exceeding $5.4 billion.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev believes it's important to create favorable conditions for expanding trade volumes and further diversifying trade. He stated that Kazakhstan can already increase its exports to Turkey across 34 types of goods, totaling over $630 million.
The President expressed confidence that the partnership between the two countries' financial centers and digital trading platforms, as well as the results of the Kazakh-Turkish business forum held in Astana, will contribute to the further deepening of trade and economic ties.
Agricultural cooperation received special attention at the meeting. In 2025, agricultural trade grew by more than 25%, reaching nearly $360 million. A number of investment projects are being implemented, including by Tiryaki Agro, a gluten producer, and by Alarko Holding, a greenhouse complex being built.
The Turkish side was also invited to adopt a Roadmap for enhancing mutual trade in agricultural products for 2026-2028.
The speech further noted that in the current geopolitical situation, the strategic importance of the transport and logistics sector is increasing.
The head of state noted the growing interest of other countries in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and called on Turkish companies to actively participate in projects to increase cargo transportation through the ports of Kuryk and Aktau.
Kazakhstan places particular emphasis on cooperation in aviation. TAV Airports Holding plans to develop Almaty International Airport as a logistics hub in Central Asia, and our country is ready to provide comprehensive support for this project.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also spoke about the large-scale efforts to improve the investment climate. He invited Turkish partners to implement projects in non-resource sectors.
In addition, prospects for cooperation in the fields of energy, mining, digitalization and artificial intelligence, and the defense industry were discussed.
The speech also emphasized the intensive development of cultural and humanitarian contacts between the two countries.
In the Turkish province of Gaziantep, which suffered a powerful earthquake in 2023, the Kazakh side built a new school named after Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. An agreement has been reached to open Maarif Foundation schools in Astana and Almaty.
Currently, approximately 14,000 Kazakhstani citizens are studying in Turkey, while approximately 260 Turkish students are pursuing higher education in Kazakhstan. A branch of Turkey's Gazi University will soon open in Shymkent at the Pedagogical University.
Currently, Turkish business is effectively represented in a number of regions of Kazakhstan.
Given the high potential of tourism, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called on Turkish partners to share their best practices and invest in the development of this industry in Kazakhstan.
Partnerships in the medical field continue to actively strengthen. Turkish pharmaceutical giants Abdi İbrahim and Nobel have launched a plant in our country. Orzax Group will begin construction of a dietary supplements plant in the Turkestan region. YDA Group is participating in the construction of multidisciplinary hospitals in Turkestan and Petropavlovsk.
The Turkish President expressed confidence that the new Constitution, which received popular support in the national referendum, will further strengthen the unity of Kazakhstan.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also noted that Turkish-Kazakh relations are strengthening in all areas within the framework of the expanded strategic partnership.
"During the meeting, we exchanged views on many issues: from trade to cooperation in energy, defense, transportation, and logistics. We also discussed the global agenda. We confirmed our intention to increase bilateral trade turnover to $15 billion. To achieve this goal, we consider it important to ensure the implementation of the 67-point Action Plan adopted at the 14th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in Astana on April 15. We will continue to support companies in the investment sector. I believe that events such as today's business forum, which bring together the business communities of our two countries, are of great importance for deepening our trade and economic ties," the Turkish leader said.
At the Council meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin and Chairman of the Board of JSC Samruk-Kazyna Nurlan Zhakupov also spoke on the Kazakh side, while Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Minister of Trade Bolat Omer spoke on the Turkish side.
By the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
