Kazakhstan and Turkey bolster their strategic alliance through in-depth discussions held in Ankara.
Kazakhstan and Turkey Strengthen Ties with New Agreements
In a significant move, Kazakhstan and Turkey have deepened their strategic partnership during a meeting held in Ankara on July 29, 2025. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and President Recep Erdogan of Turkey signed 18 intergovernmental and interagency agreements, marking a significant step forward in their bilateral relations.
The meeting, which was co-chaired by both leaders, aimed to expand cooperation across several key sectors including energy, transportation, trade, agriculture, and investment. The goal is to substantially increase bilateral trade and strategic cooperation over the coming years.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
Turkey aims to raise its bilateral trade volume with Kazakhstan to $15 billion from the current $5 billion in 2024. Kazakhstan is prepared to supply 34 types of products worth $1 billion to the Turkish market, with an emphasis on diversifying import ranges. Turkish investment is welcomed in Kazakhstan’s pharmaceutical industry, with Orzax Group set to establish a dietary supplements manufacturing facility in Turkistan, boosting export potential.
Energy Sector Cooperation
A significant agreement was signed between Turkey’s Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (TPAO) and Kazakhstan’s KazMunayGas to explore expanding Kazakh oil exports via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline. This provides an important alternative export route bypassing Russia. Kazakhstan also expressed interest in Turkish firms participating in energy diversification and development projects to address electricity shortages. Ongoing cooperation continues between KazMunayGas and Turkish Petroleum in energy projects.
Transport and Logistics
Kazakhstan emphasized its strategic interest in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, inviting Turkish investments into railways, cargo terminals, land ports, and shipbuilding infrastructure. The emphasis was on strengthening transport connectivity to facilitate trade flows between the countries and beyond.
Investment and Infrastructure
Turkish company Tiryaki Holding signed an investment agreement in Kazakhstan valued at 160 billion tenge (approx. $350 million), with the first phase worth 110 billion tenge. Kazakhstan highlighted reforms to improve investment attractiveness and encouraged Turkish investors to participate actively.
Diplomatic and Cultural Ties
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a strategic partnership rooted in shared history and culture. Kazakhstan maintains multiple consulates in Turkey and vice versa, supporting diplomatic engagement.
Other Areas of Cooperation
The leaders discussed opportunities in defense, information technology, artificial intelligence, finance, civil aviation, education, culture, healthcare, and tourism. Approximately 4,000 Turkish companies currently operate in Kazakhstan, implementing projects worth $6 billion.
Recognition and Congratulations
President Tokayev was awarded Turkey's highest state honor, the Devlet Nişanı. He called the recognition a "great honor" and a testament to the deep friendship between the two nations. Erdogan congratulated the Kazakh people on the 180th anniversary of the poet Abai Kunanbaiuly and referred to Kazakhstan as Turkey's "second homeland."
Visa-Free Regime
Kazakhstan announced a 90-day visa-free regime for Turkish citizens. Top Turkish universities plan to open branches in Kazakhstan, and construction has begun on a new school in Turkey's Gaziantep Province.
The meeting concluded with a Joint Declaration and the formal decision of the fifth High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, underscoring a commitment to deepen bilateral relations and cooperation at a higher level. The participation of high-ranking officials such as Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan demonstrated the depth of collaboration.
The Turkish government aims to increase its bilateral trade with Kazakhstan, targeting a trade volume of $15 billion by 2024, with a focus on diversifying import ranges. Turkish investment is welcomed in Kazakhstan's pharmaceutical industry, and the Orzax Group plans to establish a dietary supplements manufacturing facility in Turkistan.
In the energy sector, a significant agreement was reached between Turkey’s Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (TPAO) and Kazakhstan’s KazMunayGas to explore expanding Kazakh oil exports via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, providing an alternative export route to bypass Russia. Turkish firms are also encouraged to participate in energy diversification and development projects in Kazakhstan to address electricity shortages.
