Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan Discuss Trans-Caspian Route, Trade and Industrial Cooperation
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have discussed measures to further develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), expand non-resource exports and strengthen industrial cooperation as part of efforts to deepen their strategic partnership and alliance.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev and Azerbaijan’s newly appointed Ambassador to Kazakhstan Alimirzamin Asgarov in Astana on August 21, according to the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.
Kosherbayev congratulated Asgarov on his appointment and wished him success in his diplomatic mission. The sides reviewed the current state of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on prospects for further strengthening relations between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
The Kazakh minister emphasized that regular high-level contacts and a relationship based on mutual trust between the presidents of the two countries provide a strong foundation for advancing bilateral ties.
Kosherbayev also briefed the Azerbaijani ambassador on Kazakhstan’s ongoing political and socio-economic reforms, noting that the Qurultay elections scheduled for August 23 would represent an important step in implementing the country’s new constitutional model.
Particular attention was devoted to trade and economic cooperation. The two sides noted positive momentum in bilateral trade and highlighted opportunities to increase non-resource exports, expand industrial collaboration and promote mutual investment.
The officials also emphasized the importance of strengthening transport and transit cooperation. Kazakhstan considers Azerbaijan a key partner in developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which serves as an important link connecting Central Asia with the South Caucasus and European markets.
The meeting also covered cooperation within international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization of Turkic States, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Ambassador Asgarov expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed his readiness to contribute to further strengthening Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan relations in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance.
Earlier, it was reported that Azerbaijan plans to expand the number of countries whose citizens are eligible for visa-free entry to 34 as part of efforts to promote inbound tourism.
