President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan upon his arrival in Kazakhstan for an official visit.
The talks were preceded by a solemn welcoming ceremony at Aqorda. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Nikol Pashinyan introduced the members of their official delegations to one another, after which the commander of the honor guard delivered a welcoming report.
“Dear Nikol Vovaevich, your visit carries special significance. We are confident that it will give strong momentum to the development of the strategic partnership between our countries. This is your first official visit to Kazakhstan in this capacity. The Kazakh people hold deep respect for the Armenian nation –its history, traditions, and culture. During your visit, a number of important agreements will be signed,” the President said.
In turn, Nikol Pashinyan thanked Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the warm reception in Astana.
“This visit will give impetus to our bilateral relations. I believe that a new era in our cooperation began with your official visit to Armenia last year, following which we signed a number of crucial agreements – some already implemented and others still in progress. It is a great honor for me to be in Kazakhstan,” the Armenian Prime Minister replied.
High-level talks then continued in an expanded format with the participation of delegations from both countries.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that the two nations have long been bound by strong ties of friendship and mutual respect.
“Armenia is one of Kazakhstan’s key political and trade-economic partners in the South Caucasus. Your country has become one of the most popular tourist destinations for Kazakhstani citizens. This year saw significant events that further strengthened ties between our nations. Armenia hosted the Days of Kazakh Culture for the first time. A park dedicated to the great Kazakh poet and enlightener Abay Kunanbayuly was opened in Yerevan. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you, Nikol Vovaevich, for supporting these important initiatives. We regard this as a genuine expression of respect for the people of Kazakhstan,” the President noted.
According to the President, Astana and Yerevan have developed an open and trusting political dialogue at all levels. Both states maintain close and productive cooperation within regional and international organizations.
Bilateral trade and economic ties, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation, are steadily expanding, while there is a room for expanding a truly constructive and mutually beneficial relationship.
In this regard, the Head of State announced the signing of a historic document that will elevate bilateral cooperation to the level of a strategic partnership.
The Prime Minister of Armenia expressed confidence that the outcomes of the visit will help to further deepening interstate relations.
“Today, we have already had the opportunity to discuss the main directions for strengthening our cooperation. Given the last changes in the region, new opportunities are emerging to enhance economic ties and transport connectivity. I believe that we should leverage the existing potential in the transport sector,” Nikol Pashinyan said.
The parties discussed prospects for cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade, transit and transport, investment, mineral resources, agriculture, digitalization and artificial intelligence, healthcare, cultural and humanitarian ties.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Nikol Pashinyan also exchanged views on key issues on the regional and international agenda.
Concluding the talks, President of Kazakhstan and Prime Minister of Armenia signed the Joint Statement.
