Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Noted the Importance of the Work of the Kazakh-Turkmen Business Council

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called his visit to Turkmenistan "an important step towards achieving a common goal – to bring multifaceted interstate relations to a new level", the Akorda press service reports. He also noted the importance of the work of the Kazakh-Turkmen Business Council.

According to the President of Kazakhstan, significant progress has been made in the development of commercial and economic cooperation in recent years. In this context, the Head of State stated Kazakhstan's readiness to expand exports to Turkmenistan totaling about $120 million for 80 commodity items.

In addition, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the importance of maintaining contacts between the business circles of the two countries.

"As I was informed, it is small and medium-sized businesses that demonstrate high investment potential. Last year, a business tour of Kazakhstani companies to Turkmenistan was successfully completed. In this regard, it is important to stimulate the development of entrepreneurial activity on the site of the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan Business Council. The main driver should be the business community. I consider it crucial to focus the efforts of representatives of large commercial and national companies of the two countries on launching real projects in industry, construction, logistics, communications and other sectors of the economy. I am confident that the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Promotion and Mutual Protection of Investments today will give this process an additional impetus," the President believes.

The Head of State commended the progressive development of cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as good prospects for cooperation in the field of higher education.

Taking this opportunity, the President congratulated the fraternal Turkmen people on the 300th anniversary of the outstanding poet Magtymguly Fragi.

In turn, Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's visit to Turkmenistan in terms of strengthening bilateral relations.

The official visit of the President of Kazakhstan serves to further strengthen good-neighborly relations and close cooperation between our countries, expand the areas of partnership, and enter new promising areas. The history of relations between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan dates back many centuries. During this time, truly fraternal ties have been formed. The two states and peoples are united not only by geography, but also by an awareness of the inseparability of historical destinies, an understanding of the necessity of each other. We profess common values, carefully preserve and honor the traditions inherited from our ancestors," said Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

During the meeting, special attention was paid to the implementation of joint initiatives in the gas sector, the systematic increase in mutual trade and cargo transportation across the territory of the two countries, as well as the intensification of interregional cooperation.

In conclusion, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov adopted a Declaration of Strengthening Partnership and Deepening Multifaceted Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

The members of the delegation also signed the following documents at the intergovernmental, interdepartmental, and interregional levels.