On July 23, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Jeddah for his first state visit as president to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Qazmonitor reports via Akorda's official press service. 

The Presidential agenda centered around mutual agreements on cooperation and investment in trade, transport logistics, aerospace industry, and business. 

As the President emphasized, Saudi Arabia is one of Kazakhstan's leading strategic partners.

"Saudi Arabia was one of the first to recognize Kazakhstan's independence. During this period, our cooperation in many areas has strengthened. Kazakh-Saudi relations are now at a high level. However, we want to give a new impetus to cooperation. This decision meets the common interests of our countries. I am confident that our mutually beneficial relations will continue to strengthen in the future," said the Head of State.

Here's what Tokayev said Kazakhstan has to offer for Saudi investors.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud talks cooperation amid global food crisis

Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud described the level of relations between the two countries as good, but also noted the great opportunities for development that lie ahead. The most important role in these efforts, he said, is given to the Business Council, which brings together businessmen from Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia.

According to the Prince, in the current situation, joint work on a number of projects will be coordinated by the State Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.

In particular, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud expressed the interest of Saudi companies to invest in Kazakhstan's agricultural sector. This matter, he said, is especially relevant in the context of the global food crisis.

President Tokayev, in his turn, invited the Crown Prince to visit Kazakhstan.

Mohammed bin Salman said he gladly accepts the invitation and is ready to visit Kazakhstan to discuss concrete results of the implementation of the agreements reached.

Kazakhstan wants to be a reliable supplier

Earlier Qazmonitor reported on the President's speech at the roundtable meeting with the Saudi business community.

The President said that Kazakhstan has all the resources and experience to offer partnerships with investors in developing mutual trade, production of iron and steel, agriculture and food processing. 

Tokayev said there are opportunities for the diversification and expansion of transit, including the Trans-Caspian route, connecting China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. He also emphasized Kazakhstan is ready to be a stable, long-term supplier of high-quality wheat, flour and oilseeds to Saudi Arabia.

On the development of the Saudi space program, the president said Kazakhstan has the appropriate legal framework to provide support for the exploration of outer space for peaceful purposes. 

Kazakh green hydrogen economy needs a boost

The President spoke with Ajlan bin Abdulaziz Al-Ajlan, Chairman of the Board of Ajlan & Bros Holding Group, and Muhammad Abunayan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Acwa Power.

Ajlan & Bros Holding Group, one of the largest conglomerates of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, has expressed a keen interest in investing in Kazakhstan. Currently, the holding is working on a production project in the field of agriculture in the Almaty region.

At a meeting with Muhammad Abunayan, they discussed the development of alternative energy sources. The President said that our country plans to produce 30% of energy from renewable sources by 2030, and invited Acwa Power to implement joint projects in the production of green hydrogen in Kazakhstan.

Saudi King receives Order of the Golden Eagle

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud the highest state award of our country, the Order of "Altyn Kyran" (Golden Eagle), for his extensive contribution to strengthening the friendship and partnership between Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia.

President Tokayev completes Umrah in Mecca

Aside from official talks, President Tokayev performed Umrah (Lesser Hajj) in Mecca, the holiest city of Islam on July 24. 

Akorda's press release read: "The President was granted the special honor of entering the Kaaba, the doors of which are opened to distinguished guests on exceptional occasions. This was evidence of the deep-seated respect of the leadership of Saudi Arabia toward the leader of Kazakhstan."