ASTANA — Kazakhstan and Türkiye signed the Declaration on Eternal Friendship and Expanded Strategic Partnership on May 14 as the two countries moved to deepen trade, investment and transit cooperation amid growing regional shifts. From L to R: Erdogan and Tokayev.
Photo credit: Assel Satubaldina/ The Astana Times The agreement was signed during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s state visit to Astana and the sixth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, where both leaders reaffirmed plans to increase bilateral trade to $15 billion and expand cooperation across transport, energy, investment and cultural ties.
The document, Tokayev noted, “clearly demonstrates the enduring friendship and shared aspirations” of the two countries. “The talks were productive. We identified new areas that will give fresh momentum to our partnership. We agreed to further deepen political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation,” Tokayev told reporters at the Palace of Independence following talks with Erdoğan.
Tokayev said the two sides have expanded the package of intergovernmental agreements. Türkiye remains among Kazakhstan’s largest foreign investors. Turkish companies have invested nearly $6 billion in Kazakhstan over the past two decades, while Kazakhstan’s investments in Türkiye have reached approximately $2.5 billion.
Nearly 4,000 Turkish-linked companies currently operate in Kazakhstan. “This reflects the depth of our long-term partnership,” said Tokayev. According to official figures, bilateral trade reached nearly $5.5 billion last year, with both governments aiming to double that figure in the coming years.
“We have always attached great importance to supporting Turkish investors and will continue to do so. Therefore, we invite Turkish companies to participate more actively in major strategic projects,” Tokayev said. Transport connectivity featured prominently in the talks as both leaders pointed to the growing strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, amid disruptions to traditional trade routes and broader geopolitical uncertainty.
“This year, cargo transportation by rail between our countries rose by 35%, while road transportation increased by 5%. Our countries can be seen as a bridge connecting East and West. We must use these advantages effectively,” Tokayev said.