Kazakhstan, Cuba Discuss Expanding Parliamentary and Bilateral Cooperation

Astana, The Gulf Observer: Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Majilis Yerlan Koshanov held talks with Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa, who arrived in Astana to participate in the Eurasian Economic Forum, focusing on strengthening interparliamentary cooperation and expanding bilateral ties across key sectors.

Welcoming the Cuban delegation, Koshanov expressed appreciation for Cuba’s active participation in the events of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and highlighted the longstanding relations between the two countries. He noted that 2025 marks the 34th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Cuba, emphasizing that Cuba was among the first nations to establish an embassy in Kazakhstan and later relocate its diplomatic mission to Astana.

Koshanov underscored the strong and trusting relationship between the two countries, recalling that Kazakhstan’s President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, visited Havana in 1995 while serving as foreign minister and later signed a decree in 2021 to open Kazakhstan’s embassy in Cuba. He added that President Tokayev and Miguel Díaz-Canel continue to maintain a close and constructive dialogue.

The Majilis speaker stressed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in enhancing bilateral relations. He noted that parliamentary friendship groups have been established in both countries and that efforts are underway to increase exchanges of legislative experience and strengthen cooperation within international parliamentary organizations. Koshanov also invited the chairman of Cuba’s National Assembly of People’s Power to pay an official visit to Kazakhstan.

During the meeting, Koshanov briefed the Cuban side on Kazakhstan’s ongoing political reforms initiated by the head of state. He highlighted the adoption of a new Constitution through a national referendum and outlined reforms aimed at building a “Fair and Progressive Kazakhstan” under the principle of a “Strong President, Influential Parliament, and Accountable Government.” He also discussed recent institutional changes designed to modernize the country’s governance framework.

For his part, Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa thanked the Kazakh leadership for the warm reception and praised the high level of organization of the Eurasian Economic Forum, describing it as an important platform for addressing a wide range of contemporary issues.

Valdés Mesa noted Kazakhstan’s impressive development trajectory and growing role as a modern and dynamic state, expressing confidence in the considerable potential for further strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

The two sides also exchanged views on enhancing collaboration in trade, investment, education, tourism, sports, cultural exchanges, and humanitarian cooperation. They emphasized the importance of further expanding the legal and contractual framework governing bilateral relations in order to advance the interests of the peoples of both Kazakhstan and Cuba.