The presidents of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan hailed their countries’ “brotherly alliance” and expanding strategic cooperation during joint statements in Astana, following President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit and the signing of 14 bilateral agreements across energy, logistics, digitalization, and cultural sectors.
Tokayev: Partnership Entering a New Phase
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described Aliyev as a “statesman of historic stature” and praised Azerbaijan’s rapid development under his leadership:
“Azerbaijan has achieved impressive progress in economic and social reforms, strengthening its position on the global stage.”
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Tokayev noted that bilateral trade has grown by 2.5 times in the past three years, reaching $547 million, and set a new target to double the figure to $1 billion in the near term.
He also emphasized joint efforts to expand the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), targeting a 10-million-ton annual capacity, and underlined plans to develop new port terminals in Aktau and Alat, as well as a new Trans-Caspian ferry system.
On energy cooperation, Tokayev confirmed ongoing growth in the export of Kazakh oil via the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline, which exceeded 1.5 million tons last year, and expressed interest in expanding collaboration in green energy and digital technologies, including AI-driven government services.
Aliyev: “Peace Is Now a Reality in the South Caucasus”
President Ilham Aliyev thanked his Kazakh counterpart for his hospitality and consistent support for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and post-war reconstruction in Karabakh, particularly Kazakhstan’s role in establishing the Kurmanhazy Children’s Creativity Center in Fuzuli.
Aliyev also confirmed that Azerbaijan lifted all transit restrictions for Armenia, allowing the first shipment of Kazakh grain through its territory – a gesture he described as “a sign that peace is not only on paper but in practice.”
Discussing regional connectivity, Aliyev announced that construction of the Zangezur Corridor on Azerbaijani territory will be completed by mid-2026, with the corridor expected to open by the end of 2028.
He also highlighted the new TRIPP initiative (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity), agreed during the August peace summit in Washington:
“President Trump gave his name to this project, which will open another branch of the Middle Corridor through Zangezur with a 15-million-ton capacity.”
Shared Vision for Eurasia
Both leaders reaffirmed their alignment on regional and international issues, pledging to strengthen cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States, the UN, and the Islamic Cooperation Organization.
Aliyev extended an invitation to President Tokayev to attend the 2026 summits of the OIC and the CICA (Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia), to be held in Baku.
The visit marked 20 years since the signing of the Treaty on Strategic Partnership and Allied Relations, and both presidents agreed that the next decade of Azerbaijan–Kazakhstan relations will be defined by “deep industrial cooperation, joint digital transformation, and shared Eurasian connectivity.”
