Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan entering new era of cooperation

Modern Kazakh-Azerbaijani relations are on the rise, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in an interview with the Azerbaijan newspaper, Report informs.

“The foundation for the successful development of our relations is, first of all, the centuries-old fraternal ties between the Kazakh and Azerbaijani peoples, many years of fruitful cooperation between our states, and mutual support in the international arena.

And, of course, an important aspect is the personal, trusting and friendly relationship that we have developed with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. This helps to strengthen mutual understanding on the entire range of issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to once again congratulate the esteemed Ilham Aliyev on his substantial victory in the recent presidential elections. The voting results confirmed the popular support of the leader of Azerbaijan and recognition of his merits in ensuring national unity, territorial integrity and dynamic development of the state.

My official visit to Azerbaijan in 2022 was, in a certain sense, a breakthrough for the partnership between Baku and Astana.

Firstly, this was my first visit to Azerbaijan as head of state. Secondly, it took place on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. And thirdly, following the visit, the adoption of a joint Declaration on strengthening strategic relations and deepening allied cooperation became the starting point for a new stage of our cooperation.

Modern Kazakh-Azerbaijani relations are on the rise. Systematic work is underway to build up contacts in the political, trade and economic, transit and transport, energy, agricultural, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres.

In addition to traditional mechanisms of interaction, Business and Expert Councils have been formed and operate. During my visit to Baku, we will launch the Supreme Interstate Council and hold its first meeting.

The regulatory and legal framework is gradually expanding; over the last year and a half alone, about 40 important bilateral documents have been signed. Another substantial package of documents is being prepared for signing during the upcoming visit. Naturally, this will give a new pace to our interaction.

Since 2020, trade turnover between our countries has increased almost 5 times (from $109 million to $529 million). This is an impressive dynamic, and we plan to continue increasing volumes.

Our portfolio includes many projects that are important both for our countries and for the region as a whole. These are the expansion of the capacity of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), the laying of a fiber-optic communication line (FOCL) and an energy cable along the bottom of the Caspian Sea, the export of oil and uranium through Azerbaijan, and the supply of wheat from Kazakhstan to the Azerbaijani market. Several joint initiatives are aimed at strengthening cultural ties and increasing tourist flows between the two countries.

Our common goal is to create truly strong relations between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, both in a strategic and allied sense. I am confident that through joint efforts we will achieve this goal,” said the President of Kazakhstan.