News - Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: Kazakhstan ready to increase exports to Armenia to $350M

Kazakhstan is interested in deepening trade and economic cooperation with Armenia. Visiting Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated this at Monday’s joint press briefing with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan—and within the framework of his official visit to Yerevan. Emphasizing the special respect for the rich history and culture of Armenia, Tokayev noted that Armenia is an important and reliable partner for Kazakhstan in the South Caucasus. "Intensification of bilateral ties is a shared objective," Tokayev noted, adding that their objectives coincide in matters of regional and international peace and stability. According to him, the negotiations that took place during his visit to Armenia prove that the two parties are interested in deepening the cooperation, agenda matters were discussed, and specific agreements were reached. Special attention was paid to the development of trade, economic, and investment cooperation. As the president of Kazakhstan stated, cooperation in this domain has increased over the past five years, but the potential has not been fully used. "Therefore, we believe that it is important to increase the pace and look for new directions that will give impetus to bilateral relations. Kazakhstan is ready to increase exports to Armenia to $350 million," Tokayev said, adding that finance, agriculture, and industry are also priority sectors. Tokayev noted that he proposed a number of bilateral investment programs to the Armenian side, as well as to increase contacts between their entrepreneurs, which will contribute to the creation of an entrepreneurship council. Another important sector, according to the Kazakh president, is transport and logistics. In this regard, Kazakhstan lauds Armenia's efforts toward restoring transport links in the South Caucasus, in particular the Crossroads of Peace initiative of the Armenian government. The Kazakh government supports as well the initiative of direct flights between the capitals of the two countries and some other cities. The parties discussed the prospects of cooperation in digital technology. Special importance was given to culture and humanitarian relations. The president of Kazakhstan noted the effective cooperation with Armenia within international organizations and the similarity of their positions on many matters. The parties agreed to continue their active participation in strengthening peace and stability. Concluding his remarks, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev invited PM Nikol Pashinyan to visit Kazakhstan.