$1 Billion and Transport Corridors: Outcomes of Talks between the Presidents of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan
Following the state visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Astana, the two heads of state held a joint briefing for media representatives. The briefing concluded the extensive package of agreements signed earlier and outlined specific strategic goals.
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that fraternal Turkmenistan is an important and reliable strategic partner. He congratulated the Turkmen people on the 30th anniversary of neutrality, calling Turkmenistan's policy a symbol of its commitment to the ideals of peace and stability.
In his speech, President Tokayev focused on the operational goals achieved during the talks:
Trade. The parties agreed to take steps to increase trade turnover from the current $500 million to $1 billion. To this end, a special Work Plan will be adopted and Trade Houses will be established on a reciprocal basis.
Transportation. The special role of the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway (North-South Corridor) was emphasized, with traffic volumes increasing by 14% over 10 months. An agreement was reached to fully utilize the potential of Caspian ports (Aktau, Kuryk, and Turkmenbashi) for container shipping, and to consider the construction of a railway line to South Asia via Afghanistan.
Agriculture. Prospects for increasing supplies of Kazakh wheat, oils, and meat and dairy products were discussed. Kazakhstan proposed considering the construction of a grain terminal on the Turkmen-Afghan border.
Infrastructure. A decision was made to consider the issue of opening direct commercial flights between cities of the two countries.
Education. Kazakhstan proposed exploring the possibility of opening a branch of a Kazakh university in Turkmenistan.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov briefed the two countries on Turkmenistan's position, confirming its readiness to deepen strategic partnership.
The head of state emphasized the key importance of intensifying investment policy for the implementation of large-scale joint projects in industrial cooperation. He noted significant opportunities for expanding partnerships in the electric power and chemical industries.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov placed particular emphasis on transport and logistics. He stated that, given the current geopolitical and geo-economic situation, it is crucial to intensify the operation of existing transport and transit corridors in the East-West and North-South directions.
The heads of state reaffirmed their shared vision and close positions on pressing regional and international issues, including the Caspian Sea. Kazakhstan highly commended the events held by Turkmenistan as part of the International Year of Peace and Trust, initiated by Ashgabat.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's visit was hailed as a historic milestone in relations between the two countries, according to the Akorda website.
ORIENT
