Kazakhstan's President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev participated in the first meeting of the High Inter-State Council of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan on March 11, 2024. During his speech, President Tokayev expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani side for their hospitality and congratulated Ilham Aliyev on his convincing victory in the presidential elections.
Highlighting the strong cooperation between Astana and Baku, President Tokayev emphasized the high level of collaboration between the two countries in various fields, such as trade, economy, investment, and international relations. He praised the historical victory of Azerbaijan and the restoration of sovereignty over its territory.
President Tokayev also commended the positive trend in the economic relations between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, noting a fivefold increase in trade since 2020. He expressed satisfaction with the broad spectrum of cooperation between the two nations, ranging from transportation and logistics to digitalization and energy.
Furthermore, President Tokayev underscored the importance of cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, mentioning the establishment of sister city relationships between several cities. He emphasized the significance of cultural exchanges in bringing the two nations closer together.
President Tokayev believes that the activities of the High Inter-State Council will boost cooperation between the two countries and elevate Kazakh-Azerbaijani relations to new heights. In response, President Aliyev acknowledged the historical significance of the inaugural meeting and expressed optimism about the future agenda of bilateral relations.
The meeting addressed various aspects of cooperation, including trade, investment, energy, transportation, digital communications, and cultural exchange. Both presidents discussed joint projects aimed at further enhancing collaboration between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
President Tokayev's visit to Azerbaijan began with a warm reception at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, where he was greeted by high-ranking Azerbaijani officials. The visit culminated in an official meeting at the "Zagulba" presidential residence, where the two leaders engaged in discussions on mutual projects.
The meeting between President Tokayev and President Aliyev signifies a strong commitment to strengthening the longstanding ties between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual prosperity in the years to come.
