ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic are set on exploring new opportunities to expand trade and accelerate the launch of the Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex at their border, as well as enhancing transit and transport cooperation.
During a meeting on February 25, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized these priorities during his discussions with Adylbek Kasymaliev, the chairman of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers and head of the Presidential Administration. Kasymaliev, on his first official foreign visit to Astana, highlighted the strengthening political, trade, economic, water, energy, cultural, and humanitarian ties between the two Central Asian nations.
According to Akorda, the official news agency, Kasymaliev assured Tokayev of the close cooperation between the leadership teams of both countries to address the priorities laid out. These discussions included details on mutual trade, which reached $1.7 billion last year, reflecting the significant economic interaction between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Further discussions encompassed the upgrades of border checkpoints to increase their capacity, efforts to secure water supply along the Shu and Talas rivers, and maintaining the Kirov Reservoir. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov underscored the importance of enhancing regional energy security during these talks.
Tourism was another focal point, with the officials exploring ways to develop cross-border eco-routes and active tourism infrastructure, as well as strategies to attract investment, particularly within the hotel sector.
On the cultural front, Kazakhstan has plans to hold Days of Kazakh Cinema within the Kyrgyz Republic this year, showcasing its film industry and promoting cultural exchanges. There are also discussions underway about opening branches of Kazakh universities within Kyrgyzstan, signaling increased collaboration in education.
Meanwhile, discussions between Kazakhstan and Russia also played out on the same day, with significant topics revolving around energy cooperation. The Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with Alexander Novak, the Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, to deliberate on the construction of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) stations within the cities of Kokshetau, Semey, and Ust-Kamenogorsk.
These strategic talks come at a time when both nations are eager to strengthen their ties, especially concerning energy projects. The officials expressed their willingness to implement promising collaborative projects, including the modernization of units at the Ekibastuz state district power plant - 2 and other key infrastructure areas.
The energy relationship between Kazakhstan and Russia dates back to the early 1990s, following Kazakhstan's proclamation of sovereignty. Yet, it was not until the early 2000s, with rising hydrocarbon valuations, when this collaboration transitioned to more substantial engagement.
Notably, Rosatom, the Russian nuclear energy corporation, is also interested in participating within the consortium intended to construct nuclear power plants on Kazakh soil, thereby underscoring the depth of cooperation envisaged between the two nations.
With these developments, both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Republic, alongside Russia, are paving the way for enhanced international cooperation and investment exploration. This effort marks their commitment to developing transit and trade linkages, capitalizing on shared resources, and fostering economic growth within the region.