President of Azerbaijan Arrives in Astana
Astana, The Gulf Observer: President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has arrived in Astana to participate in the 24th meeting of the Council of the Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The distinguished leader was warmly welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev upon his arrival, marking the continuation of strong bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
The economic ties between the two nations have shown significant progress, with bilateral trade turnover experiencing a robust growth trajectory. In 2023, mutual trade between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan surged by 14.4%, amounting to a total of $529.4 million. This positive momentum has carried forward into the current year, with trade reaching $184.9 million in early 2024, reflecting a 0.5% increase compared to the same period last year.
Moreover, Kazakhstan continues to leverage Azerbaijan’s strategic position as a key transit route for European-bound oil shipments. From January to April 2024 alone, Kazakhstan successfully transported 494,000 tons of oil through Azerbaijan, underscoring the vital role of cooperation in energy transportation infrastructure.
President Ilham Aliyev’s participation in the SCO summit is expected to further strengthen diplomatic ties and foster cooperation on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The meeting serves as a pivotal platform for discussing strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing stability and prosperity across the SCO member states.
The ongoing collaboration between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan not only underscores their shared commitment to economic integration but also highlights their pivotal roles in promoting regional stability and development.
