One-on-One Meeting with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

On October 20, Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, arrived in the Republic of Kazakhstan for a state visit. On October 21, Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, held a one-on-one meeting with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in Astana. During the meeting, President Tokayev welcomed his counterpart, stating, "This is a very important event from the perspective of further strengthening the strategic partnership and allied relations between our countries. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are not only friendly states but also brotherly peoples and nations. Therefore, fostering multifaceted cooperation with your country is a major priority. Under your leadership, Azerbaijan has strengthened its international position and plays a vital role as a regional power. Advancing economic, trade, and political cooperation is of utmost importance for us". In response, Ilham Aliyev emphasized, "We share the same sentiments toward the fraternal people of Kazakhstan and rejoice in the successes of your country under your leadership. Kazakhstan demonstrates socio-political stability, self-sufficiency, and a high level of development. We observe your reforms with great interest and support your course toward modernization and enhancing the country’s potential. Regarding our bilateral relations, we are committed to strengthening cooperation across all areas. Today, we will review our extensive agenda and outline further steps to strengthen our partnership".

Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Supreme Interstate Council Meeting

Later on October 21, the second meeting of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Supreme Interstate Council was held in Astana with the participation of both presidents. During the meeting, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, delivered a speech, stating, "The Supreme Interstate Council serves as an effective platform for coordinated decisions across all areas of bilateral cooperation. Azerbaijan is a special country and fraternal state for Kazakhstan, and our relations are built on shared history, culture, and values. Your visit is particularly meaningful in the year marking the 20th anniversary of the Treaty on Strategic Partnership and Allied Relations. The high level of our relations has been achieved largely thanks to your personal contributions. I also note the historic significance of the Declaration on the peaceful settlement of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which opens new horizons for regional cooperation. Our countries have immense potential, and I am confident that our shared future is bright".

Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, responded, "Over the past two days, we have exchanged views on bilateral, regional, and international issues, and I am pleased with the full alignment of our perspectives and commitment to strengthening allied cooperation. I also congratulate you and the people of Kazakhstan on your socioeconomic successes and growing international authority. We appreciate Kazakhstan’s consistent support during Azerbaijan’s years of occupation, both bilaterally and in international forums. Today marks the beginning of a new era of peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, following the Washington summit on August 8 and the active role of US President Donald Trump in the process. We also discussed the Middle Corridor, which, along with the upcoming Zangezur Corridor, will significantly boost transport and logistics capacity. The recent Intergovernmental Commission meeting produced positive results, strengthening trade, economic ties, and joint investment initiatives. I also express my gratitude for Kazakhstan’s support in restoring the Garabagh region, including the Kurmangazy Children’s Creativity Center, which now serves as both an educational hub and a symbol of our friendship. Humanitarian and cultural cooperation continues to expand, with Kazakhstan Culture Days in Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan Culture Days in Kazakhstan fostering ongoing exchanges. Additionally, we see immense potential in the energy sector, including conventional and renewable sources, and projects such as the Caspian subsea electric cable signed last November. Overall, the agenda covers all key areas of cooperation, and I thank you for personally overseeing all matters of our bilateral partnership".

Documents Signed

On October 21, a ceremony for the exchange of Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan documents took place in Astana with the participation of Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. During the ceremony, the presidents first signed several key documents , including the "Joint Statement of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev and President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Strategic Partnership and Allied Relations," the "Decision No. 1 of the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council on strengthening bilateral cooperation," and the "Decision No. 2 of the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council on the approval of the Charter of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan". Following the signing, the documents were formally exchanged between the two countries.

A series of bilateral agreements and memoranda were also exchanged between relevant ministers and officials. Mikayil Jabbarov, the Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, and Yerlan Sersembayev, the Minister of Justice of Kazakhstan, exchanged the "Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Industrial Property Protection". Parviz Shahbazov, the Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan, and Yerlan Akkenzhenov, the Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, signed the "Agreement on Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy". Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, exchanged several memoranda with Kazakh counterparts: with Yerzhan Sadenov, Minister of Internal Affairs, on cooperation between their Ministries of Internal Affairs; with Aset Irgaliyev, Chairman of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms, on cooperation in the field of statistics; with Berik Asylov, Prosecutor General, on cooperation between the Prosecutor General’s Offices; and with Akmaral Alnazarova, Minister of Healthcare, on healthcare cooperation. Rashad Nabiyev, the Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, and Nurlan Zhakupov, Chairman of the Board of Kazakhstan’s "Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund" JSC, exchanged the "Memorandum of Cooperation" between their respective transport and communications bodies. Mikayil Jabbarov and Nurlan Zhakupov also signed the "Framework Agreement on the Establishment of a Joint Investment Mechanism" linking the Samruk-Kazyna Azerbaijan Investment Holding Investment Fund LLC and SOCAR. Further, Rashad Nabiyev and Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, exchanged two memoranda: one on public service delivery cooperation and another on cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. Finally, Mikayil Jabbarov and Marat Omarov, Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Agency for Protection and Development of Competition, exchanged a memorandum on mutual understanding and cooperation in competition policy.

Press Statements

Later on October 21, following the exchange of signed documents, both presidents made joint press statements. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, spoke first, stating, "Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I express my sincere gratitude for your acceptance of the invitation to visit Kazakhstan. Hosting the leader of the brotherly Azerbaijani people is a great honor. Our countries share common roots and history. Azerbaijan is an important strategic partner, and our relations are steadily developing. Strengthening friendship between our peoples and expanding cooperation across all sectors is a primary goal. I am confident that this visit will elevate Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan relations to a new level, and the agreements reached today will reinforce our friendly ties. Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev has significantly contributed to protecting Azerbaijan’s independence and territorial integrity, raising its global authority, and achieving socio-economic successes. Kazakhstan sincerely rejoices in these accomplishments. This state visit is symbolic, marking the 20th anniversary of the Treaty on Strategic Partnership and Allied Relations. The meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council was fruitful, culminating in the signing of important documents".

Tokayev continued, "We focused on expanding trade and economic ties, aiming to double bilateral trade turnover to $1 billion. Opportunities exist in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, construction, and digitalization. Both sides are interested in joint ventures, such as transformer production, residential and infrastructure projects, and shipbuilding. Governments will adopt roadmaps for industrial cooperation, and the Kazakh-Azerbaijani Direct Investment Fund will finance promising projects. Developing transport infrastructure, including the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, port capacities in Aktau and Alat, and a potential new ferry system, was also discussed. Cooperation in energy is expanding, with Kazakh oil transported via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan route and subsea cable projects enhancing green energy exports. Artificial intelligence and IT initiatives are progressing, with plans for a Caspian subsea fiber-optic line. Cultural, educational, and humanitarian cooperation remains significant, with programs and institutions, such as the Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan Scientific and Educational Center in Baku, supporting these efforts. We also exchanged views on regional and global issues, emphasizing peace, security, and stability. The historic peace declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington, mediated by US President Donald Trump, was acknowledged and welcomed by Kazakhstan, highlighting new opportunities for the South Caucasus".

Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, stated, "Dear Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich, I express my gratitude for your warm welcome, hospitality, and invitation. I regularly visit Kazakhstan and have witnessed the country’s positive development under your leadership. The reforms and modernization efforts, including AI initiatives, show Kazakhstan’s progress. The country’s international authority is growing, and it is regarded as a reliable partner worldwide. Azerbaijan has always appreciated Kazakhstan’s support during difficult times, including its backing on international platforms and during the Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict. I am grateful for your support of the peace process and for your early recognition of the Washington agreements. These steps will positively impact the South Caucasus and the transport and logistics sector. Azerbaijan has lifted all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia, including shipments of Kazakh grain, demonstrating that peace is now practiced, not only declared. Our peoples share centuries-old friendship and cultural affinities, forming a strong foundation for interstate relations. Over the past three years, more than ten mutual visits have taken place, all aimed at achieving tangible results. The Supreme Interstate Council and Intergovernmental Commission meetings strengthen our countries and neighbors, enhancing geopolitical significance as new transport routes and regional connectivity projects progress. Our cooperation across international organizations demonstrates our close alignment. Azerbaijan will host two significant events next year: the OIC Summit and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, initiatives largely driven by Kazakhstan. President Tokayev has covered trade, economic, transport, energy, and humanitarian cooperation, to which I would only add my thanks for Kazakhstan’s role in the revival of Garabagh, including the Kurmangazy Children’s Creativity Center in Fuzuli, symbolizing our brotherhood. We also discussed achievements and future plans for the Middle Corridor and Zangezur Corridor projects, which are expected to significantly boost cargo transit between Asia and Europe. I express my gratitude for Kazakhstan’s brotherly support and invite President Tokayev to visit Azerbaijan next year at his convenience".

Middle Corridor Development Project

On October 21, the "Middle Corridor Development" (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) project was presented in Astana with the participation of Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. During the presentation, the heads of state received detailed information on the project, which serves as the main transport and logistics route connecting China and Central Asia with Europe and plays a strategic role in enhancing regional and intercontinental trade. It was noted that shipments from China to Azerbaijan are steadily increasing and are expected to triple by 2030, highlighting the project’s growing significance. Officials also outlined steps and initiatives to increase the efficiency and competitiveness of the Middle Corridor.

Other Remarks

On October 21, Kazakhstan planned to sign agreements with Azerbaijan aimed at boosting freight traffic along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, Middle Corridor), Nurlan Zhakupov, the head of the Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund, told journalists. During the briefing, Zhakupov noted that one of the agreements would be signed with the AZCON holding company and would include joint operation of ferries manufactured at the Baku Shipyard. He emphasized that the agreement is intended to strengthen the capacity and strategic role of the Middle Corridor, with both parties aiming to maximize cargo flows along the route, including determining optimal vessel types and configurations. Zhakupov also stated that in 2025, a joint venture created by Kazakhstan and the UAE plans to manufacture two ferries at the shipyard for a total of $62 million. He further noted that another agreement would be signed between SOCAR and the joint investment fund of Samruk-Kazyna and the Azerbaijan Investment Holding. This deal will involve jointly reviewing renewable energy projects and developing a roadmap based on the agreements concluded.

In addition, Yerlan Akkenzhenov, the Kazakh Minister of Energy, told journalists that strategic energy agreements would be signed in Astana during the Azerbaijani President’s state visit, covering the supply of Kazakh oil through Azerbaijan and the construction of a green electricity cable as part of a trilateral project involving Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Akkenzhenov explained that the agreement focuses on increasing Kazakh oil transit through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. He added that Azerbaijan’s existing infrastructure allows for higher volumes of Kazakh oil, with commercial negotiations on transit tariffs expected to align with or exceed the economic conditions of other regional transport routes, including the Atyrau-Samara pipeline and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) route. The use of the Baku-Supsa pipeline may also be considered if Kazakhstan’s oil production rises in the future.