Turkmenistan’s Balkan Province and Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Region Back Visa-Free Regime to Boost Cross-Border Ties
Aktau, The Gulf Observer: Authorities from Turkmenistan’s Balkan Province and Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Region have expressed support for reinstating the five-day visa-free regime for residents of border areas. The issue was discussed during a meeting between Hojamyrat Ashirmyradov, Hyakim of Turkmenistan’s western region, and Nurdaulet Kilybay, Akim of the Mangystau Region, held on Thursday in Aktau.
According to the regional administration, both sides agreed that restoring the visa-free arrangement would significantly contribute to strengthening humanitarian, cultural, and economic relations between the neighboring regions.
The talks also addressed the strategic partnership development program for 2025–2027, setting out key priorities for interregional cooperation.
“We are ready to support partnership between the Mangystau Region and the Balkan Province in all areas. There is strong potential in the oil and gas sector, logistics, agriculture, culture, and tourism,” Kilybay stated.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides confirmed their intention to jointly implement targeted initiatives aimed at deepening collaboration across multiple fields.
Situated along the Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Region shares a border with Turkmenistan and plays a crucial role in the country’s oil and gas sector. It also serves as a major transport and logistics hub, anchored by the port city of Aktau.
