By Ilgar Velizade
On July 28–29, Kazakh President Kassym‑Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to Turkey marked a new stage in bilateral cooperation. The 5th High Strategic Cooperation Council in Ankara signaled deeper ties across economic, defense, and cultural spheres.
Key outcomes include:
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Nearly 20 agreements signed, with the aim of expanding bilateral trade to $15 billion by 2030.
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Launch of a Kazakh‑Turkish investment platform worth $2 billion, expanding joint ventures and Turkish investment in Kazakh agriculture and industry.
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Early 2025 saw Kazakh investments in Turkey reach a record $610 million.
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More than 3,500 Turkish firms now operate in Kazakhstan.
Energy cooperation includes traditional oil routes and new green and hydrogen energy collaborations.
In logistics and transport, Turkey commits $100 million to Kazakh railway infrastructure, supports cargo-tracking tech, and launches container corridors linking China–Kazakhstan–Turkey–Europe.
Defense ties deepen as Kazakhstan plans to procure Turkish UAVs, communications, and air-defense systems, along with agreements on technology transfer and joint exercises.
Cultural and educational initiatives:
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A “Cross-Cultural Year” in 2026–2027,
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Expansion of Turkish university scholarships,
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Mutual diploma recognition and a joint education fund.
Visa-free travel extended to 90 days. In 2024, over 860,000 Kazakhs visited Turkey, and over 12,000 Kazakh students study in Turkish universities.
Ankara now stands as more than a trade partner to Astana—it is a strategic, cultural, and developmental ally. Operating under the Turkic Council but on an independent path, both countries are redefining Eurasian cooperation.
