Kazakhstan Explores Cooperation Opportunities with Mongolia, Turkmenistan, and India
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan recently engaged in bilateral talks with foreign high officials following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit that took place on July 4 in the Kazakh capital of Astana.
Meeting with Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh
According to the Akorda press service, President Tokayev met with the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, to discuss prospects for trade and economic cooperation, increasing trade turnover, and transit and transport communications. Emphasizing the need to explore new areas of trade and economic interaction between both countries, Tokayev proposed setting a goal to increase trade turnover to $500 million and early creation of the Kazakh-Mongolian business council. The discussions also revolved around enhancing cooperation at various international and regional platforms, increasing the number of flights between Kazakhstan and Mongolia, and proposing the construction of a highway to reduce travel time. Khurelsukh extended an invitation to Tokayev to make a state visit to Mongolia, which was accepted, potentially marking a turning point in bilateral relations.
Meeting with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov
During the talks with Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council) of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the discussion centered around the current state and prospects for bilateral cooperation in industry, transport, and logistics. President Tokayev expressed gratitude to Berdimuhamedov for supporting the cultural heritage of the Kazakh people and proposed discussing energy relationship topics during the meeting. In return, Berdimuhamedov thanked Tokayev for the invitation to the SCO summit and for his personal support in opening a monument to the Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy in Astana.
Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan and India held talks
Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu had a bilateral meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on the eve of the SCO Summit on July 2. The discussions primarily focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and India, addressing urgent topics on the bilateral agenda such as cooperation in energy, transportation, IT, tourism, human capital, and climate change. Jaishankar congratulated Kazakhstan on its successful chairmanship of the SCO, extended full support for Kazakh initiatives, and conveyed the best wishes of the Indian leadership.
These bilateral talks signify the commitment of Kazakhstan to further enhancing cooperation with Mongolia, Turkmenistan, and India, paving the way for increased collaboration and mutual benefits in various sectors.
