Kazakhstan plans to boost exports to Armenia to $350 million
Kazakhstan is ready to boost exports to Armenia to $350 million, according to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The announcement came during a joint media briefing with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on April 15th, as reported by Akorda. Tokayev’s visit to Yerevan marks an important step in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
Describing Armenia as a crucial and reliable partner in the South Caucasus region, Tokayev emphasized the strong friendship and mutual support that underpin bilateral relations. Both countries share common interests in enhancing regional and international security and cooperation, making it imperative to further develop their comprehensive partnership.
Over the past five years, mutual trade volume has been steadily increasing, prompting the need for measures to diversify export and import goods as well as explore new avenues for trade stimulation. Tokayev highlighted the potential for cooperation in various sectors such as industry, construction, transport, logistics, agriculture, finance, innovations, and tourism.
In light of the current geopolitical and geo-economic complexities, the President stressed the relevance of intensifying cooperation, particularly in the transport and logistics sector. He commended Armenia’s efforts to reestablish transit connections in the South Caucasus and expressed support for Pashinyan’s Crossroads of Peace initiative.
Furthermore, Tokayev proposed the establishment of direct flights between the capitals and other cities of Kazakhstan and Armenia. The two leaders also discussed potential collaborations in agriculture, digital technologies, and cultural exchange, with the Days of Armenian Culture in Kazakhstan set to take place this year.
As a gesture of cultural exchange, an agreement was reached to name a street in Yerevan after the renowned Kazakh philosopher Abai, and a street in Astana after the creator of the Armenian alphabet, Mesrop Mashtots. Additionally, initiatives such as forming a scientific group to study Kipchak manuscripts in Armenian script and inviting Armenian athletes to participate in the World Nomad Games were welcomed.
On the regional and global agenda, President Tokayev reiterated Kazakhstan’s commitment to supporting peace efforts in the South Caucasus. He expressed readiness to facilitate a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, underscoring the importance of fostering lasting peace, good neighborliness, and stability in the region.
The official visit concluded with Tokayev meeting with Alen Simonyan, the president of the National Assembly of Armenia, to discuss effective legislative support for the agreements reached. The President also visited the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, highlighting the institute’s role in preserving Armenian national memory and cultural heritage.
Overall, the outcomes of the negotiations during Tokayev’s visit pave the way for stronger ties between Kazakhstan and Armenia, signaling a new chapter in their interstate relations.
