Kazakh President and Qatari Amir Foster Bilateral Ties through High-Level Talks

Doha, The Gulf Observer: In a meeting with Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and announced his acceptance of the invitation to undertake a state visit to Qatar. President Tokayev emphasized the historical significance of his first state visit to Qatar, stating that it holds great importance for the bilateral relationship between the two nations, as reported by Kazinform News Agency, citing the Akorda press service.

Acknowledging Qatar as a key and reliable partner in the Islamic world, President Tokayev proposed elevating the cooperation between Kazakhstan and Qatar to the level of a full strategic partnership. He anticipated the signing of crucial documents during his visit, aiming to solidify and enhance the strategic nature of the collaboration between the two countries.

“Qatar is a special country for us, and we are ready to exert every effort to further strengthen our bilateral ties,” stated President Tokayev. He expressed his commitment to giving a new impetus to the existing two-way cooperation, with the goal of fostering closer ties and mutual benefit.

Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani warmly welcomed President Tokayev’s visit, expressing optimism about the positive impact the meeting would have on the development of bilateral relations. The Amir highlighted the mutual interests in energy, trade, economy, and investment, emphasizing the potential for joint projects that could further strengthen the partnership between the two nations.

President Tokayev underscored the achievements of the past 30 years, noting the close political dialogue, expanding economic partnership, and flourishing cultural and humanitarian ties between Kazakhstan and Qatar. He envisioned Qatar becoming one of the top 10 investors in Kazakhstan in the near future.

During the meeting, the leaders discussed cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, transport, logistics, and tourism. President Tokayev called for joint efforts to develop an inter-modal transport network connecting the Gulf and Central Asia to stimulate economic activity in the region. He expressed Kazakhstan’s readiness to increase exports to Qatar and proposed raising mutual trade to $500 million in the near future.

Cultural and humanitarian ties were also a focal point of the discussion, with President Tokayev proposing the organization of the Days of Culture of Kazakhstan and Qatar in their respective capitals in 2025. This initiative aims to bring the people of both countries closer together and showcase the richness of their cultural heritage.

The leaders also delved into current regional and international issues of mutual interest, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the discussions during the meeting.