September 18-20, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed the current agenda issues with ten world leaders on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, QazMonitor reports citing Akorda.
Hungary
The first bilateral meeting, held on September 18, was with the President of Hungary, Katalin Novak. The parties focused on issues related to Turkic cooperation.
The Kazakh side noted that in November of this year, our country will host the 10th-anniversary summit of the Organization of Turkic States and anticipates the participation of the Hungarian side.
“I would like to point out that we have close cooperation with Hungary. We have strong traditional ties and relations. We appreciate what we have achieved in our bilateral cooperation. I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to visit Kazakhstan. We are also looking forward to meeting with your Prime Minister, Mr. [Victor] Orban, who will attend the summit of Turkic-speaking countries,” said Tokayev.
Moreover, the presidents discussed trade and economic issues, investment, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation. In this context, one street in Astana will be named after the national poet of Hungary, Sandor Petofi.
Slovenia
On September 19, President Tokayev met with the President of Slovenia, Natasa Pirc Musar, and exchanged views on global stability and security, as well as the structural reform of the UN.
Tokayev emphasized that Slovenia is an important partner of Kazakhstan in the European Union and a country with which we have positive dynamics in the pharmaceuticals, logistics, and IT industries. He also extended an invitation to the Slovenian president to the Astana International Forum scheduled for June next year.
In turn, President Pirc Musar confirmed her readiness to develop cooperation with Kazakhstan.
There is always room to improve cooperation. There are no problems between our countries. I will be happy to welcome you during your visit to my country.
Iran
During the meeting with the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, President Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan places great importance on strengthening relations with the country as a strategic partner in the Caspian region.
The sides noted the importance of adopting measures to increase cooperation in transport, logistics, and trade. In this regard, the presidents highlighted the establishment of a mutual visa-free regime and positive interaction within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other international structures.
Furthermore, the sides emphasized the untapped potential for transit and transport link development. In particular, they discussed the use of the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran railway as a key route for the development of mutual trade and transportation across the Caspian Sea. Additionally, Tokayev noted the importance of the construction of a Kazakh trade terminal in the Persian Gulf port of Bandar Abbas.
Finland
The next meeting on the agenda was with the President of Finland, Sauli Niinisto, during which President Tokayev noted Finland’s crucial role for Kazakhstan among the countries of Northern Europe.
Finland is Kazakhstan’s largest trade partner in the region, and one of the leaders in terms of investment, presenting significant potential for further strengthening political, trade-economic, scientific, and technical cooperation.
The parties exchanged views on the current issues in international relations, including the UN reform. After the meeting, the Kazakh side invited the Finnish President to participate in the next Astana International Forum as one of the main speakers of the event.
Estonia
Alar Karis, the President of Estonia, met with the Kazakh President to discuss the prospects of strengthening cooperation between the two states in various spheres, as well as current issues on the international agenda within the framework of the UN, EU, and OSCE.
President Tokayev informed his interlocutor about large-scale social and economic transformations in Kazakhstan, including those aimed at attracting and protecting foreign investments.
Romania
On September 20, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis. The parties exchanged views on the development of trade and economic relations between the two countries.
Romania is our country's leading trade partner in Eastern Europe, with bilateral trade volume increasing by more than 20% and amounting to $1.3 billion. In this context, Tokayev stressed the need to intensify the activities of the Intergovernmental Commission and the bilateral Business Council.
“It is a pleasure for me and my team to meet you here today, as we are, I would say, very good economic and political partners. You know, I have been checking before our meeting all our common history and I think that we have a good chance to enhance what is called high-level political contacts,” said Iohannis.
At the end of the meeting, President Tokayev invited the Romanian president to be one of the main guests at the Astana International Forum.
Portugal
The presidents of Kazakhstan and Portugal (Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa), agreed to continue close cooperation within the framework of the UN and other international organizations.
The parties emphasized a great potential to expand comprehensive ties in investments, water management, tourism, and digital transformation.
Your country has a rich experience in the IT sector. Given the promising nature of this industry, we will send a special delegation to Lisbon to study the possibility of implementing joint projects. Kazakhstan is interested in establishing closer ties with Portuguese partners.
Mongolia
During the meeting with the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, President Tokayev noted the friendly relations between the two countries, putting emphasis on a possible expansion of bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership.
He also noted the need to intensify the work of the Intergovernmental Commission and create a bilateral Business Council to give further impetus to trade and economic cooperation.
Kenya
During the meeting with the Kazakh Head of State, the president of Kenya, William Ruto, invited Kazakh companies to actively invest in the Kenyan economy and proposed the project of grain terminal construction to expand the Port of Mombasa.
Tokayev informed his Kenyan counterpart about the plans to send a Kazakh trade mission to the country and explore potential cooperation opportunities.
“I am closely following the development of your country, its economic and foreign policies, and I am ready to work jointly to elevate Kazakh-Kenyan cooperation to a new level,” added Tokayev.
The Kazakh side extended an invitation to President Ruto to visit Kazakhstan next year and participate in the upcoming Astana International Forum.
South Korea
The President's working visit to New York concluded with a meeting with the President of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol. The sides discussed further development of the Kazakh-Korean strategic partnership.
The Korean president highlighted his country's enterprises that are expanding existing operations and implementing new projects in mechanical engineering, mining, and nuclear power in Kazakhstan.
The parties acknowledged the commendable track record of over 700 Korean companies and joint ventures that have established a successful presence in the Kazakh market. Notable industry leaders among them include KIA, Hyundai, Samsung, LG, and others.
