Kazakhstan and Finland Presidents Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation and Promoting Sustainable Development
Astana, The Gulf Observer: At the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb paid an official visit to Kazakhstan on October 28–29, 2025, the press service of Akorda reported.
During the visit, the two Presidents held comprehensive discussions on a wide range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing the longstanding partnership between Kazakhstan and Finland, which has been built over 33 years of friendship, mutual respect, and productive cooperation.
Both leaders underscored their determination to further strengthen and diversify cooperation, emphasizing the importance of regular high-level exchanges and constructive dialogue on areas of mutual interest. They also reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, while stressing the peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomatic means.
The Presidents agreed to expand cooperation across key sectors, including economy, trade, investment, energy, environmental technologies, water and forestry management, construction, information and communication technologies, transport and logistics, and industrial innovation. They also highlighted opportunities for collaboration in digital development and artificial intelligence, with a focus on promoting sustainable business practices and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.
President Tokayev and President Stubb acknowledged Kazakhstan’s pivotal role in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), noting its growing importance as a reliable link between Asia and Europe. Both parties expressed support for the European Union’s Global Gateway project and emphasized the significance of the Kazakhstan–Finland Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation as a key mechanism for advancing bilateral economic relations.
The leaders welcomed the convening of a Kazakhstan–Finland Business Forum during the visit, and commended the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) for promoting international investment and financial innovation. They encouraged greater cooperation between AIFC and Finnish financial and innovation institutions to enhance sustainable finance and fintech development.
In the sphere of defense and peacekeeping, the Presidents reaffirmed their interest in continued cooperation between the Kazakhstan Peace Operations Center (KAZCENT) and Finland’s International Centre (FINCENT). They also highlighted the potential for collaboration in tourism, education, science, research, and cultural exchange, emphasizing joint efforts to promote sustainable tourism and strengthen people-to-people connections through exhibitions, festivals, and film screenings.
Both sides expressed their readiness to enhance dialogue on migration policy and visa facilitation, welcoming the ongoing negotiations between Kazakhstan and the European Union aimed at simplifying visa procedures. They also underscored the importance of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Kazakhstan and the EU, which entered into force in 2020, as a foundation for advancing mutual interests.
President Stubb commended the role of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia in promoting regional peace, trust, and cooperation, while both Presidents reaffirmed their shared commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The two leaders agreed to intensify joint efforts to combat climate change, focusing on water resource management, biodiversity preservation, pollution control, and disaster risk reduction. They welcomed the upcoming Regional Ecological Summit, to be held in Kazakhstan in April 2026, in partnership with the United Nations and other international organizations.
Finland expressed strong support for Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish a UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, commending Kazakhstan’s leadership in promoting sustainability and regional cooperation.
Addressing international developments, both Presidents emphasized the importance of achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the principles of the UN Charter. President Tokayev also congratulated Finland on its active 2025 OSCE Chairpersonship, wishing success in the fulfillment of its mandate.
Concluding the visit, the Presidents expressed confidence that the agreements reached would provide new impetus to the comprehensive development of Kazakhstan–Finland relations, contributing to the prosperity and mutual benefit of both nations. They agreed to maintain close dialogue and continue deepening cooperation across all areas of shared interest.
