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Today, on the second day of the state visit of the head of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Kazakhstan, summit talks were held between Presidents Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
As was informed earlier, the day before, the President of Turkmenistan arrived with a state visit to the neighbouring country. The present visit of the head of the state to the Republic of Kazakhstan has become a major landmark on the path of further development and strengthening of the relations based on commonality of two fraternal people, developed in the course of history.
… in the morning, the presidential motorcade arrived in the Akorda Palace. There, the Kazakh leader Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed the head of Turkmenistan warmly.
Then, the ceremony of an official meeting of the high Turkmen guest took place.
The head of the state is acquainted with members of the official delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Kazakh leader is introduced to members of the official governmental delegation of Turkmenistan.
Presidents Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pass onto the specially established podium.
Solemnly the commander of the company of the Guard of honour reports. National anthems of two countries are played. Heads of the states pass by the line of soldiers of the Guard of honour and pay a tribute of respect to the national flag of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
After the official photographing against the background of the national flags of two countries, bilateral negotiations were held between Presidents Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Having warmly greeted the head of the state, the leader of the neighbouring country thanked for the accepted invitation to visit Kazakhstan and expressed confidence that the present state visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov will serve a major landmark on the path of strengthening traditionally friendly Kazakh-Turkmen relations.
As was marked, in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan is considered as the brotherly neighbouring state and strategic partner. Our countries are united by centuries-old friendship, commonness of history, language and culture. At the same time, it was underlined that bilateral interaction productively develops in trade and economic, cultural-humanitarian and other spheres.
Kazakhstan highly appreciates the foreign policy of Turkmenistan based on the legal status of permanent neutrality and the constructive international initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and sustainable development, the head of the brotherly country said.
Having expressed his sincere gratitude for the invitation to visit the Republic of Kazakhstan with a state visit as well as for warm reception, hospitality and kindliness, rendered to the Turkmen delegation, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, taking an opportunity, conveyed to President Kassym-Jomart Tokaev warm greetings and best regards from National Leader of the Turkmen people Hero-Arkadag.
The head of the neighbouring country also conveyed reciprocal best regards to the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan and pointed out a huge contribution of the National Leader of the Turkmen people to the strengthening of traditionally friendly interstate relations.
As President Serdar Berdimuhamedov underlined, today relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan develop on principles of friendship, brotherhood and good neighbourhood, covering a wide spectrum of areas in political-diplomatic, trade and economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres.
In each of these vectors effective mechanisms of partnership - the intergovernmental commission, profile working groups and other coordination structures providing practical realisation of earlier reached agreements and advancement of joint initiatives successfully function.
At the same time, it was underlined that in the political-diplomatic sphere, our countries productively co-operate in important issues of the global agenda.
Our states effectively co-operate within international and regional organisations, first of all, with the United Nations Organization, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov continued his speech and expressed gratitude to the Kazakhstan party for invariable support of the legal status of neutrality of Turkmenistan and the initiatives, which are put forward on the platform of the United Nations and other structures.
Further, negotiations proceeded in the expanded formats with participation of members of official delegations of both states.
Once again, having warmly greeted the high Turkmen guest, the President of Kazakhstan with satisfaction stated that the Kazakh and Turkmen people - the fraternal people connected by bonds of friendship, commonness of history and spiritual-cultural values.
Kazakhstan attaches a special significance to the all-around development of cooperation with Turkmenistan on good neighbourhood and mutual support principles, the leader of the friendly country marked and expressed confidence that thanks to joint efforts the strategic partnership will be further strengthened in interests of two fraternal peoples.
Along with it, it was underlined that fruitful relations were established between our countries at all levels, fruitful interaction within multilateral structures is carried out. The coincidence or similarity of positions on many issues of regional and international agenda was also marked.
Speaking of the dynamically developing bilateral cultural-humanitarian relations, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan monuments to outstanding persons who have brought a big contribution to the spiritual-cultural heritage of both people, in particular, in Astana – Magtymguly Fragi, and in Ashgabat - Kurmangazy Sagyrbaev and Abai Kunanbayev were established. As was underlined, the Kazakh and Turkmen people welcomed it with great enthusiasm. At the same time, the leader of the neighbouring country expressed to the head of the Turkmen state gratitude for his huge contribution to the strengthening of mutual relations.
Kazakhstan highly appreciates the successes reached by Turkmenistan under the wise leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in the economic sphere and on the international scene, the leader of the friendly country continued his speech and, taking an opportunity, congratulated the head of the state and all brotherly Turkmen people on the 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.
Kazakhstan supports the peace-loving policy of Turkmenistan, the initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and sustainable development in the region, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underlined and pointed out the importance of the events held by our country together with the United Nations in the International year of peace and trust. In this connection, the leader of the neighbouring state confirmed participation in the representative Forum to be held in December in Ashgabat.
Then, the floor was given to the head of Turkmenistan.
Having expressed his profound gratitude to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the invitation to visit the Republic of Kazakhstan with a state visit and the shown hospitality, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that in recent years, the interstate dialogue has obtained a qualitatively new level. Readiness to make joint efforts for further development of the Turkmen-Kazakh partnership was in this connection confirmed.
As was underlined, our states are united with commonness of historical roots, cultural-spiritual values and traditions and the customs carefully preserved and transferred from generation to generation.
Mutual relations are based on major interstate documents - the Agreement on strategic partnership and the Declaration on strengthening friendship and multiplane strategic partnership.
As was noted, in the political-diplomatic sphere, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan carry out constructive interaction on pressing issues of the global agenda – maintenance of peace and security, strengthening of energy stability, development of transport coherence, achievement of the goals of sustainable development and counteraction to climate change.
Along with it, readiness of Turkmenistan for the further strengthening of partnership within the consultative meetings of heads of states of Central Asia, in formats «Central Asia +» and other mechanisms of regional cooperation was confirmed. A special accent was made on the importance of inclusion of Azerbaijan in the format of the consultative meetings of heads of states of Central Asia as a full-fledged participant that will strengthen the role of the regional format and promote increase of coherence of Central Asia and Southern Caucasus.
As President Serdar Berdimuhamedov underlined, in the ecological sphere it is necessary to strengthen cooperation in projects of processing of waste, "green" building, protection of ecosystems of the Aral and Caspian seas.
Speaking of partnership in the trade and economic sphere, the head of the state with satisfaction stated stable positive dynamics of bilateral goods turnover.
At the same time, the head of the state confirmed readiness for further cooperation of Turkmenistan with Kazakhstan in the energy sphere, openness for exchange of experience in increase of efficiency of extraction and ecological safety of hydrocarbon raw materials. The accent was also made on the importance of expansion of partnership in electric power industry, chemical industry, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, textile branch, petro-chemistry, gas processing and town-planning.
Transport and logistics were outlined as strategic areas of partnership.
As was underlined, the co-ordinated work on development of road infrastructure connecting our states is carried out today. So, in the beginning of the current month the automobile bridge over the gulf of Garabogaz kol was put into operation and construction of the highway from the city of Turkmenbashi to the Turkmen-Kazakhstan Frontier proceeds.
Digital economy and innovations are also an important area of bilateral interaction, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said.
Agriculture is also among key spheres of cooperation.
Rational use of water resources was also named among topical issues of the bilateral and regional agenda.
The cultural-humanitarian sphere serves as an important component of bilateral cooperation, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said and stated presence of ample opportunities for development of relations in such areas as science, education, public health services, physical culture and sports.
At the end of his speech, the head of the state thanked President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the personal contribution to the strengthening of Turkmen-Kazakh relations and expressed confidence that traditional brotherly relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan will be further developed and deepened in the spirit of mutual respect, trust and mutually beneficial partnership for the benefit of our peoples.
Then, the awarding ceremony of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov with the highest award of the Republic of Kazakhstan - the Order of the Golden Eagle (“Altyn Qyran”) took place.
During the solemn event, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underlined a special role of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov as an outstanding statesman and the wise leader, who consistently strengthens statehood, social and economic potential and the international positions of Turkmenistan.
- You confidently continue the strategic course of the National Leader of the Turkmen people highly esteemed Arkadag Gurbanguly Malikguliyevich Berdimuhamedov focused on the future. Turkmenistan under your creative leadership shows impressing dynamics of economic development, industry, and transport infrastructure is actively modernised. The big work is carried out to strengthen the energy potential and technological transformation. Thanks to your far-sighted initiatives in brotherly Turkmenistan large-scale social projects are systematically realised, scientific-educational sphere develops, well-being of citizens steadily raises. All these achievements evoke sincere respect and deserve appreciation, - the President of Kazakhstan said.
The head of the friendly country separately developed upon efforts of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to increase the international authority of Turkmenistan and strengthen its status as centre of diplomacy, peace and stability. As was underlined, announcement of 2025 by the General Assembly of the United Nations at the initiative of Turkmenistan as «International year of peace and trust» can swerve its bright acknowledgement.
Having noted the personal contribution of the head of the state to the strengthening of friendship, mutual understanding and strategic partnership between the brotherly countries, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed confidence that successful realisation of the agreements reached following the results of present negotiations, will open a new page in annals of Kazakh-Turkmen relations, and awarded the head of the state the highest award of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Order of «Altyn Qyran».
Having expressed his huge gratitude to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and all people of brotherly Kazakhstan for the honour – the highest award of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Order «Altyn Qyran», President Serdar Berdimuhamedov underlined that he considers this award as a sign of high respect for the people of Turkmenistan, the evidence of strong friendship and good neighbourhood, uniting our people throughout many centuries.
As was marked, our states show a high level of mutual understanding, solidarity and mutual support in solution of important issues of the regional and global agenda.
Both states conduct joint systematic work with a view of promotion of potential of economic partnership in a wide spectrum of areas. Wide experience was also gained in cooperation in education, science, culture and other social areas. Today, relations between two countries bear a character of strategic partnership and fully meet their national interests.
Once again having expressed his sincere gratitude for the award of Kazakhstan «Altyn Qyran», the head of the state wished President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sound health, big successes in his state and international activity, and fraternal people of Kazakhstan – peace, happiness, well-being and prosperity!
On completion of the awarding ceremony of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to the applause of the gathered, heads of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan signed the Joint Statement.
Then, the exchange of bilateral documents, which included the following, took place:
Agreement on cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
Agreement on cooperation in the field of migration between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
Agreement on information interaction in the field of pension provision between the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
Memorandum of understanding and cooperation in the legal sphere between the Ministry of Justice of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
Memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan on cooperation in the field of veterinary medicine;
Memorandum of understanding between the Research Institute of Grain Crops of the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan and the National Agrarian Scientific and Educational Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
Plan of joint actions for further expansion of cooperation in the transport sector between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2026–2027;
Plan of main measures for the development of cooperation between the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2026–2027;
Memorandum between the Khyakimlik of Balkan velayat of Turkmenistan and the Akimat of Mangystau region of the Republic of Kazakhstan on mutual understanding in the development of trade-economic, scientific-technical, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation;
Memorandum on cooperation in the field of science between the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
Agreement on cooperation in the information sphere between the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography and the “Television and Radio Complex of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan”.
Then, heads of two states addressed representatives of the press.
Having noted a special importance of the state visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underlined that brotherly Turkmenistan is an important and reliable partner of Kazakhstan.
- Our people are united with bonds of sincere friendship, general historical roots and spiritual-cultural values. Namely on a firm basis Kazakh-Turkmen relations dynamically develop in the spirit of strategic partnership. The political dialogue at high level was adjusted, trade and economic relations grow from year to year. Our countries actively participate in maintenance of security and stability in the region, - the Kazakhstan leader said and, taking an opportunity, congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and all Turkmen people on the 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.
The policy of neutrality has earned a great prestige for Turkmenistan on the international scene and has become a symbol of its adherence to ideals of peace, stability and security, the head of the friendly state pointed out.
As was marked, during negotiations a wide range of issues of the bilateral agenda were discussed and priority vectors of further cooperation were planned. The special attention was given to expansion of trade and economic relations.
At present, the transport-transit sphere ha obtained a strategic significance. Here a great role is attached to the railway Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran which acts as an important link of transport corridor the North-South, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underlined. At the same time, it was stated that agriculture also acts as a key vector of cooperation.
The head of the friendly country also emphasised joint projects in the field of energy.
As was underlined, taking into account the experience in digitalization of state services and in introduction of IT technologies, Kazakhstan proposed to the Turkmen party to realise joint projects in this sphere.
Cultural-humanitarian cooperation takes a special place in mutual relations.
- The people of Kazakhstan with warmth welcomed the Days of culture of Turkmenistan in Astana and opening of the monument to Magtymguly Fragi timed to the 300th anniversary of the great thinker of the Turkmen people. The opening of the monument to Abai in Ashgabat became another symbol of friendship and mutual respect of our people, - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
As was marked, during negotiations the importance of development of widespread cooperation in the cultural sphere, including organization of festivals, tours and other joint actions was underlined. At the same time, prospects of development of scientific-educational relations and contacts between the youth were discussed. Kazakhstan suggests working on the possibility of opening the branch of one of the higher educational institutes of Kazakhstan in Turkmenistan.
The general view and affinity of positions on topical issues of the regional and international agenda were also confirmed.
- We are ready to co-operate closely further with the Turkmen party for maintenance of stability, security and steady progress in regional and global dimensions. Consultative meetings of heads of states of Central Asia, and interaction in issues of the Caspian sea have a great significance. Kazakhstan highly appreciates the actions carried out by Turkmenistan within the International year of peace and trust, - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated.
At the end, the leader of the neighbouring country once again expressed confidence that the present visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov will bring a big contribution to the strengthening of friendly Kazakh-Turkmen relations.
Then, the head of Turkmenistan spoke before representatives of the press.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov first of all expressed gratitude to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the invitation to make a state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan and warm reception and noted that during the past meetings the state of bilateral cooperation was discussed.
As was underlined, at present negotiations the joint efforts aimed at promotion of trade and economic partnership and strengthening of cultural-humanitarian links were co-ordinated.
We highly appreciate results of the state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan, the head of the state said and expressed firm confidence that the reached agreements and adopted documents will promote the further development of mutual relations. In this connection, the gratitude for the constructive negotiations which were held in the atmosphere of openness, mutual trust and mutual understanding was expressed to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
- It is already for the second time I visit Kazakhstan with the state visit. It also speaks clearly of the fact that the parties accurately realise the importance of cooperation and are ready for the further strengthening of strategic partnership, - President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated.
As was marked, during negotiations a wide range of issues of bilateral interaction were discussed and exchange of opinions on actual aspects of the regional and international agenda representing mutual interest also took place.
In the given context, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that present Turkmen-Kazakhstan summits fully demonstrated a good will, determination and readiness of heads of two states for consecutive development of cooperation in all spheres of public life, using the available potential.
- The special attention during negotiations was given to issues of strengthening universal peace, stability and security. Firm adherence of both countries to settlement of all disputes and disagreements on the basis of recognised norms of international law and the United Nations Organization Charter was confirmed. We have agreed to continue close interaction both in the bilateral format and within the international organisations to solve topical issues of the regional and global agenda, - the head of the state said.
At discussion of issues of mutual relations, the great attention was paid to the development of trade and economic cooperation, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov continued his speech.
As was marked, energy is one of the priority areas of partnership.
Transport and logistics also act among strategic vectors of interaction. In the conditions of the developed geopolitical and geoeconomic situation, activization of existing transport-transit corridors in directions of the East-West and the North-South is especially actual.
Besides it, the importance of the further deepening of contacts in the cultural-humanitarian sphere was confirmed. The agreement to continue cooperation in the given direction, creation of all necessary conditions for regular organization of Days of culture, and also cultural actions with participation of representatives of literature, cinematography, music groups and the organisations of sports competitions in both countries was reached.
- For Turkmenistan, the Republic of Kazakhstan is the brotherly country, good neighbour and reliable strategic partner. Our states have a general understanding and deep conviction that all-round and multiplane cooperation serves for the benefit of our people and it meets our main interests and also promotes the strengthening of stability and positive development of regional and international processes, - the head of the state said.
At the same time, it was noted that the Turkmen party expresses deep satisfaction with results of the negotiations held today following the results of which a solid package of bilateral documents was signed.
At the end of his speech, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and members of the Kazakhstan delegation sincere gratitude for the big and fruitful work and, using the possibility, wished the people of Kazakhstan peace, well-being and further prosperity.
On the sidelines of the state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan, the head of Turkmenistan visited the International centre of artificial intelligence «Alem. AI» in Astana, which was created with a view of development of technologies, knowledge and innovations in the field of artificial intelligence. The centre is one of the strategic projects aimed at bringing Kazakhstan to the advanced positions in the sphere of high technologies.
Support of new technological and economic solutions, formation of the complex environment for scientific researches, start-ups and introduction of advanced solutions in the field of artificial intelligence, training of highly skilled specialists and expansion of export of solutions in the field of artificial intelligence act as its primary goals. The centre is a symbol of adherence of Kazakhstan to responsible and wide use of technologies of artificial intelligence for the benefit of society.
In this connection, it is necessary to point out that development of information technology and digitalization - strategic priorities of Turkmenistan. Under the wise leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov large scale programs aimed at modernisation of national economy, increase of efficiency of state administration and improvement of standards of living of the people at the expense of universal introduction of digital solutions are realised.
Government programs and the concepts providing a complex approach to digital transformation serve as a basis of development of sphere of information technology. In particular, the Concept of development of digital economy in Turkmenistan and corresponding state programs define key aspects and mechanisms of introduction of digital technologies in all branches, and the Law «On the electronic government» establishes a legal basis of creation and systematic functioning of «the e-government».
At present, digital solutions actively take root in such areas, as transport, finance, education, public health services and social security. The great attention is given to the strengthening of scientific and technical potential and preparation of highly skilled experts for dynamical development of the sphere of information technology. In the International scientific-technological park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, researches in the field of systems of artificial intelligence and cloud technologies are conducted.
Arkadag city constructed on the basis of the concept «smart city» at the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Hero-Arkadag and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov serves as a vivid example of the project realised with wide use of digital, information-communication and "green" technologies.
As a whole, all areas of information technology in Turkmenistan develop by means of complex digitalization. At that, the special attention is given to training of national experts and strengthening of corresponding infrastructure.
On completion of the program of the state visit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov headed towards the International airport named after Nursultan Nazarbayev in the city of Astana and from there he left home.
There, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Oljas Bektenov and other officials saw off the head of Turkmenistan.
After some time, the presidential airliner landed in the International airport of Ashgabat.
There , President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was warmly welcomed by officials of the country who warmly congratulated the head of the state with the highest award of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Order «Altyn Qyran» and with the successful state visit to the friendly country and wished Arkadagly Hero Serdar and Hero-Arkadag new successes in their large scale activity for well-being of the Turkmen people.
Having thanked for congratulations, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the strengthening of friendship with the Republic of Kazakhstan acts among priorities of the foreign policy strategy of our fatherland, and wished all successes.
Thus, the state visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Kazakhstan attested clearly to the growing strong relations between two fraternal people. The agreements reached during the visit and signed documents are aimed at formation of reliable basis for the further deepening of bilateral and regional cooperation.
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Within the state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Kazakhstan, members of the Turkmen delegation laid flowers at the monument to Magtymguly, which, as known, was solemnly opened with participation of National Leader of the Turkmen people Hero-Arkadag in Astana city in July, 2024 - in the year of celebration of the 300th birthday anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi.
Within the state visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Kazakhstan members of the delegation of our country also held bilateral meetings with their Kazakhstan colleagues and discussed possibilities of development of cooperation in the areas of mutual interest. After meetings, the following were signed:
Memorandum of Cooperation between the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Education and Sports and the Non-Profit Joint-Stock Company “Kazakh Academy of Sport and Tourism”; Memorandum of Cooperation between the Turkmen State Institute of Culture and the Non-Commercial Joint-Stock Company “International University of Tourism and Hospitality”; Memorandum of Cooperation between the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan and the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan of the Committee of Culture of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Memorandum between the Telecommunications Company “Türkmentelekom” and the Limited Liability Partnership “TNS-Plus” on the Intentions to Construct a Cable Border Crossing and Connect Backbone Telecommunication Networks at the Turkmenistan–Republic of Kazakhstan Border..
