– I would like to express my gratitude to all the Turkish people and Mr. President for the hospitality and cordiality. Today, we held detailed talks on the most important issues. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a wise and respected politician, so his opinion is very important. The Kazakhs will always remember that Turkey was the first to recognize our independence. Kazakhstan and Turkey are fraternal, friendly countries with common historical roots. It is symbolic that the first embassy of Kazakhstan was opened in Ankara. This year, marks 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. During this time, our cooperation has strengthened and reached the level of strategic partnership. An extensive contractual and legal framework has been formed. Trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties are successfully developing. We also interact within the framework of global and regional structures, the President of Kazakhstan said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recalled another important date. This year marks 70 years since the Kazakh settlers found shelter on Turkish soil. They were greatly assisted by Adnan Menderes, who was the Prime Minister of Turkey at that time. The Head of State noted, that recently, one of the streets in Almaty was named after this prominent politician.
- We know well that the Turkish people are always open and friendly to Kazakhstan. We feel it all the time. Important agreements were reached as a result of today's bilateral meeting. This visit will open up opportunities for further strengthening cooperation in the political, trade, economic, investment, cultural, humanitarian, military-technical and other fields. It is especially important for the two states to use the potential of the Trans-Caspian international transport route, the President of Kazakhstan emphasized.
The Head of State pointed to the priority of these measures, especially in the context of the deteriorating geopolitical situation. He noted the importance of the adopted Joint Statement on an expanded strategic partnership, which brings the Kazakh-Turkish cooperation to a new level. The leader of Kazakhstan also focused on the signing of a number of important intergovernmental documents that strengthen cooperation in various fields.
“This is a key step that strengthens the fraternal ties and relationships between our states. Kazakhstan and Turkey attach great importance to ensuring peace and stability in the Eurasian space. Today, close cooperation has been established between our countries at the regional and international levels, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev believes that the Intergovernmental Economic Commission will give a great impetus to the development of trade and economic partnership. The Organization of Turkic States also plays an important role in strengthening ties.
- The transformation of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States into a full-fledged organization last year was a good start. This is our common achievement. It is important for us to continue our work within this Organization. An agreement was also reached on the development of cooperation in the fields of education and culture. This Organization is very important for Kazakhstan, so we intend to provide it with constant support. In general, Kazakhstan and Turkey have a huge potential for expanding multilateral cooperation. Today's important agreements are clear proof of this. I am deeply convinced that my state visit will contribute to further rapprochement between Kazakhstan and Turkey, the Head of State said.
The President of Kazakhstan, noting the contribution of bilateral high-level meetings to the expansion of cooperation, invited President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to pay a visit to our country. It is expected that during the visit of the Turkish leader to Kazakhstan, a meeting of the fourth High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council between Kazakhstan and Turkey will be held.
In conclusion, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed confidence that both countries would mutually support each other to achieve success and prosperity.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed his willingness to advance cooperation between the two countries.
- I want to note that we are very interested in stability and tranquility among our Kazakh brothers. We will work together in trade, economic and cultural spheres and security. We agreed that we will continue to strengthen our bilateral relations and interaction in multilateral structures. We will maintain our unity in the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. We are very pleased to welcome the visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the distinguished delegation, the President of Turkey said.
