Kazakhstan and Türkiye Elevate Ties to “Eternal Friendship” and Enhanced Strategic Partnership
Astana, The Gulf Observer: In a historic move that signals a new era for Turkic integration, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Thursday signed the Declaration on Eternal Friendship and Expanded Strategic Partnership between Kazakhstan and Türkiye.
The signing ceremony followed high-level bilateral talks and the 6th meeting of the Kazakhstan-Türkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council held at the Independence Palace in Astana.
A Comprehensive Strategic Shift
The newly signed declaration elevates bilateral relations to their highest historical point, formalizing a commitment to long-term stability and mutual development. During the session, the two leaders oversaw the signing of 13 additional agreements spanning critical sectors:
- Defense & Technology: Establishment of a joint venture for the production and maintenance of ANKA Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
- Trade & Investment: A reaffirmed commitment to increase bilateral trade turnover to $15 billion, supported by mutual investment protection deals.
- Energy & Infrastructure: Strategic agreements between KazMunayGas and Turkish Petroleum, alongside a major investment deal for Almaty International Airport by TAV Holding.
- Education & Media: The opening of Turkish Maarif Foundation schools in Kazakhstan and expanded broadcasting cooperation between national broadcasters.
Symbols of Unity
President Tokayev underscored that the declaration would provide “fresh impetus” to the fraternal ties between the two nations. In a symbolic gesture of these strengthening bonds, Tokayev presented President Erdoğan with the newly established Order of Qoja Ahmet Yasaui, making the Turkish leader its first-ever recipient.
“Kazakhstan and Türkiye share common intentions and aspirations. We have great potential and broad opportunities, and our relations are developing dynamically in the spirit of this expanded strategic partnership,” President Tokayev stated.
Regional Leadership
President Erdoğan highlighted the strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor, describing it as a modern Silk Road essential for global energy security and logistics.
The summit also served as a precursor to the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), scheduled to take place in Turkistan on May 15, where the leaders will continue discussions on artificial intelligence, digital development, and regional connectivity.
