In Nur-Sultan, the XII meeting of the Kazakh-Turkish Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov and Vice President of Turkey Fuat Oktay.

During the meeting, the parties discussed a wide range of issues related to the development of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. In particular, issues of interaction in the transit and transport area, in the areas of industry, tourism, geology, healthcare and the agro-industrial complex were considered. Also, attention was paid to the need to expand the geography of airlines between the two countries and increase the number of regular flights.

Turkey is one of the most priority trade, economic and investment partners of Kazakhstan. At the end of last year, the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Turkey increased by 33% and exceeded $4.1 billion.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan emphasized the strategic nature of the Kazakh-Turkish partnership, noting that exports from Kazakhstan to Turkey in 2021 increased by 39% and amounted to about $3 billion, imports to Kazakhstan from Turkey in 2021 increased by 20.5% and amounted to $1.1 billion.

“Under the current circumstances, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route passing through the territories of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and European countries, presents great opportunities for realizing the transit potential of Kazakhstan. In this context, we propose to actively use the seaports of Aktau and Kuryk with further shipment of goods via the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line,” Smailov said.

In turn, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay noted that the Republic of Turkey is ready to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Kazakhstan in all areas, which will contribute to the development of mutually beneficial partnership.

Within the framework of the meeting, comprehensive negotiations on economic cooperation were held. The Kazakh side was attended by the Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development, Vice Ministers of Trade and Integration, National Economy, and Health, etc. The Turkish side was attended by Vice Ministers of Industry and Technology, Trade, Transport and Infrastructure, Health.

As a result of the discussions, the final protocol of the Intergovernmental Council meeting was signed and a joint plan was adopted. Members of official delegations held bilateral meetings to discuss topical issues of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.