BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 22. Kazakhstan has
emphasized the importance of advancing multifaceted interstate
cooperation with Turkmenistan, with the goal of elevating bilateral
relations to a new level.
This was stated in a statement issued by the press service of
the President of Kazakhstan, citing a congratulatory telegram sent
by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Turkmen President Serdar
Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of his birthday.
According to the information, in the congratulatory telegram,
Tokayev noted that under Berdimuhamedov’s leadership, Turkmenistan
is pursuing a path of development and progress, achieving what he
described as significant results in strengthening statehood,
socio-economic modernization and its position on the international
stage.
“We value your personal contribution to strengthening the
Kazakh-Turkmen strategic partnership with the aim of bringing
multifaceted interstate cooperation to new heights,” Tokayev
said.
The Kazakh president wished Berdimuhamedov continued energy and
further success in his state activities for the benefit of the
Turkmen people.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan maintain a strategic
partnership based on close political contacts and cooperation in
trade, energy, transport, logistics and other sectors. Economic
ties have gained momentum in recent years. Bilateral trade has more
than doubled over the past five years, while the two countries have
set a target of increasing trade turnover to $1 billion. In the
period from January through April 2026, trade reached about $180
million, up 6.8% year-on-year, according to Kazakhstan’s Foreign
Ministry.
Transport and transit cooperation is a major component of the
relationship, reflecting the countries’ positions along important
routes linking Central Asia with the Caspian Sea and further
markets. At the 14th meeting of the bilateral intergovernmental
commission in Astana in June 2026, the sides discussed expanding
the eastern route of the International North-South Transport
Corridor and strengthening cooperation in rail, road, air and
maritime transport. Rail freight between the two countries
increased 46% in January-May 2026 to 1 million tons, while traffic
on the China-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran route increased 2.5
times.
The two countries have also identified energy, industrial
cooperation, digitalization and infrastructure as priority areas.
During President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s meeting with President
Serdar Berdimuhamedov in August 2025, the sides discussed trade,
energy, transport, and communications and agreed that there was
significant potential for further economic cooperation.
