Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan discussed a wide range of issues related to trade, economy and culture. They have also signed a variety of important agreements.
President Tokayev came to Azerbaijan on an official visit on March 11. Later, the two leaders met in an official residence of the Azerbaijani president for negotiations and signed a set of documents, as follows:
– Agreement between the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan on mutual recognition of diplomas of maritime crews’ members;
– Memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Digital Development of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Digital Development of Azerbaijan in the sphere of peaceful research and use of the space;
– Agreement on strategic partnership between Samruk Kazyna and Azerbaijan Investment Holding;
– Agreement between KazMunayGas and SOCAR on the gradual increase of Kazakhstani oil transit via Azerbaijan;
– Memorandum on strategic cooperation in the sphere of purchasing and selling Kazakhstani oil between KazMunayGas and SOCAR;
– A road map for measures aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses between the DAMU Entrepreneurship Development Fund in Kazakhstan and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan (KOBIA); and
– Memorandum of understanding in the sphere of informational security between the State Technical Service of Kazakhstan and the State Agency for Special Communication and Informational Security of Azerbaijan.
President Tokayev also took part in the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan where he once again congratulated Aliyev on an «astonishing victory during the recent presidential elections.»
«On the global stage, you are widely considered to be the leader of the Azerbaijani people. Moreover, we are genuinely happy with the historical victory of Azerbaijan and the restoration of its sovereignty over its territory,» Kazakhstan’s president said.
In turn, Aliyev expressed gratitude to Tokayev for «fraternal assistance in the restoration of Karabakh.»
«The Children’s Activity Center named after Kurmangazy in the town of Fizuli is a gift from the Kazakh people to the people of Azerbaijan. President Tokayev himself was the one behind this initiative. Tomorrow, we are going to open this center. It’s going to be the center of our friendship. We’re also grateful for the words of solidarity with the case of the restoration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty. I think it is safe to say that everyone in Azerbaijan knows that Kazakhstan is our ally and a reliable friend,» Aliyev underlined.
The context. Before his official visit to Azerbaijan, Tokayev gave an interview to the Azerbaijani news agency APA. According to the president, Kazakhstani companies are ready to take part in «the restoration of Karabakh.» He believes that the restoration of the region’s infrastructure will facilitate the development of not just Azerbaijan but the entire South Caucasus.
