Relations between Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, based on shared history, culture, language, and spiritual-moral values, are distinguished by their strategic partnership. The two countries, which occupy an important place in the global energy market, pay special attention to strengthening political dialogue, developing economic cooperation, and ensuring regional security. In this regard, the state visit of our esteemed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Kazakhstan on 24–25 November marks a new chapter in the history of bilateral cooperation.
Diplomatic relations between our countries were established in 1992, and over the past period a solid contractual and legal framework, including numerous agreements, has been formed. The Treaty on Strategic Partnership is the main document confirming the high level of bilateral relations. The Heads of State of the two countries maintain regular dialogue both bilaterally and within regional and international organizations. Our countries coordinate their actions within international organizations, primarily within the framework of the UN, supporting each other's initiatives aimed at ensuring peace, security, and sustainable development. Kazakhstan consistently supports Turkmenistan’s internationally recognized status of permanent neutrality, viewing it as an important factor of regional stability. In turn, Turkmenistan also consistently supports Kazakhstan’s effective initiatives.
On the second day of the state visit to Kazakhstan, bilateral talks between the Head of our State and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took place in the “Akorda” Palace. As the President of the friendly country noted, Kazakhstan regards Turkmenistan as a fraternal neighboring state and a strategic partner. Our esteemed President emphasized that relations between our countries are developing on the principles of friendship and good neighbourliness and comprise broad areas of cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. It was noted that each of these areas is supported by effective cooperation mechanisms — intergovernmental commissions, sectoral working groups and other coordinating structures. These bodies help to effectively implement previously reached agreements and promote joint initiatives.
The talks continued in an expanded format with the participation of members of the delegations of both countries. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed confidence that, thanks to joint efforts, the strategic partnership will continue to strengthen for the benefit of the two brotherly peoples. He also noted the dynamic development of cultural and humanitarian ties, drawing attention to the fact that monuments to prominent figures of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the two nations were recently opened in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan — in particular, a monument to Magtymguly Pyragy in Astana, and monuments to Kurmangazy Sagyrbayuly and Abay Kunanbayev in Ashgabat. This was received with great enthusiasm by both peoples.
The Leader of the friendly country congratulated the President of Turkmenistan and all the Turkmen people on the 30th anniversary of the country’s permanent neutrality. He also noted the importance of the events held by our country jointly with the UN within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust, and confirmed his participation in the international forum to be held in December in Ashgabat.
Our esteemed President emphasized that Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan are effectively cooperating on key issues of the global agenda — ensuring peace and security, strengthening energy sustainability, developing transport connectivity, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and combating climate change. In particular, the Head of State confirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to further develop cooperation within the framework of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia, the “Central Asia +” format, and other regional mechanisms. It was also noted that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the accession of Azerbaijan as a full-fledged participant in the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia. This will help strengthen the role of the regional format and enhance connectivity between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
The importance of strengthening cooperation in the environmental field in such areas as industrial waste recycling, “green” construction, and protection of the ecosystems of the Aral and Caspian Seas was also highlighted. In the trade-economic sphere, steady growth of mutual trade turnover was noted. Our esteemed President confirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to continue cooperation with Kazakhstan in the energy sector, exchange experience in increasing the efficiency and environmental safety of hydrocarbon production, and work in areas such as electric power generation, chemical industry, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, textile industry, petrochemistry, natural gas processing, and urban development.
As noted by the Head of State, the transport and logistics system is one of the strategic areas of bilateral cooperation. Currently coordinated work is underway to develop the road infrastructure connecting our countries. At the beginning of this month, a motor bridge across the Garabogazkol Bay was commissioned, and construction of the highway from Turkmenbashi to the Turkmen-Kazakh state border continues. The digital economy, innovations, and the agro-industrial complex are also priority areas of cooperation. Efficient use of water resources holds an important place in the bilateral and regional agenda. Our esteemed President underlined that the cultural and humanitarian sphere is a significant component of Turkmen-Kazakh relations and drew attention to the wide opportunities for cooperation in science, education, healthcare, physical culture, and sports.
During the state visit, a ceremony was held to award the Head of State with the highest award of the friendly country — the “Altyn Kyran” Order. During the ceremony, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the special role of our esteemed President as an outstanding statesman and wise leader who consistently strengthens Turkmenistan’s socio-economic potential, international authority, and statehood. The awarding of the “Altyn Kyran” Order is a vivid recognition of the enormous contribution of Arkadagly Hero Serdar to strengthening political, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties and friendship between the two countries and peoples, as well as recognition of the high prestige of our Homeland on the international arena.
A signing ceremony of the Joint Statement and exchange of bilateral documents then took place. Under applause, our esteemed President and the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan signed the Joint Statement. These documents will further strengthen the contractual and legal basis of Turkmen-Kazakh relations, founded on the principles of friendship, goodwill, neighbourliness, and mutual trust.
The Heads of State addressed representatives of the media. The President of the friendly country, commenting on the results of the negotiations, confirmed his readiness to continue close cooperation with the Turkmen side to ensure stability, security, and sustainable development at the regional and global levels. In particular, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed implementing joint projects in digitalization of public services and the introduction of information technologies, taking into account the experience gained by Kazakhstan in this area. He also noted that Kazakhstan proposed considering the possibility of opening a branch of one of Turkmenistan’s higher education institutions.
Our Head of State also addressed the media, noting that during the meetings the current state of bilateral cooperation was reviewed. As emphasized, the sides agreed to carry out joint activities aimed at expanding trade-economic cooperation and strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties. Our esteemed President noted that this was his second state visit to Kazakhstan and expressed deep satisfaction with the results of the negotiations.
Within the framework of the visit, the Head of State visited the International Artificial Intelligence Center “Alem.AI”. The center was established with the aim of developing artificial intelligence technologies, education, and innovation. Located in Astana, it is one of the strategic projects aimed at placing Kazakhstan among the leaders in high technology. The main goals of the center include supporting technological and economic development, creating a comprehensive environment for scientific research, startups, and advanced solutions in the field of artificial intelligence, training highly qualified specialists, and expanding the export of AI solutions.
It should be noted that during the state visit to Kazakhstan, members of the Turkmen delegation laid flowers at the monument to Magtymguly Pyragy in Astana. In addition, members of our country’s delegation held bilateral meetings with their Kazakh counterparts, during which opportunities for developing cooperation in areas of mutual interest were discussed. Several documents were signed following these meetings.
In summary, the state visit of Arkadagly Hero Serdar to the Republic of Kazakhstan became clear evidence of the increasingly strengthening strategic partnership between the two brotherly peoples. The agreements reached and the documents signed during the visit are aimed at creating a solid foundation for further deepening bilateral and regional cooperation.
Atayev Dowlet,
IT Specialist, “Digital News” Section, Editorial Office of the “Oil, Gas and Mineral Resources of Turkmenistan” Journal, State Concern “Turkmennebit”
Source: State Concern "Turkmennebit"
