Astana, October 22, 2025 — The Europe Today: On October 21, 2025, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made press statements following high-level talks and the meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council, held as part of President Aliyev’s state visit to Kazakhstan.
President Tokayev opened the press conference, expressing deep appreciation to President Aliyev for accepting his invitation and underscoring the importance of the Azerbaijani leader’s visit in further strengthening the historical friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations.
“It is a great honor for us to host the leader of the fraternal Azerbaijani people, outstanding statesman President Ilham Aliyev, on Kazakh soil,” President Tokayev said, emphasizing the shared roots, history, and strategic partnership binding Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
He described the state visit as a critically important milestone, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Treaty on Strategic Partnership and Allied Relations between the two countries. Tokayev commended President Aliyev for his historic leadership, noting that Azerbaijan had achieved remarkable socioeconomic progress, enhanced global standing, and strengthened independence and territorial integrity under his guidance.
During the talks, both sides reviewed a wide range of cooperation areas, agreeing to double bilateral trade to USD 1 billion in the near future. The leaders discussed plans to expand collaboration in energy, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and digitalization, as well as in transport and logistics through the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which saw freight traffic increase by 62 percent last year.
Tokayev also highlighted the growing cooperation in green energy, IT, and artificial intelligence, and reaffirmed support for cultural, scientific, and youth exchanges, noting the establishment of the Kazakh-Azerbaijani Scientific and Educational Center in Baku.
Touching on regional peace, the Kazakh leader welcomed the peace declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia, signed in Washington with the mediation of U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing confidence that the agreement would strengthen stability and open new opportunities for the South Caucasus region.
In his remarks, President Ilham Aliyev thanked President Tokayev for the warm welcome and praised Kazakhstan’s progress under his leadership, noting its growing international influence and successful modernization efforts.
Aliyev commended Kazakhstan’s consistent support for Azerbaijan during difficult times, particularly its backing in international forums and its solidarity during the resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. He expressed gratitude for Kazakhstan’s early endorsement of the Washington peace declaration and its contribution to regional peace efforts.
“Azerbaijan has lifted all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia that existed since the time of occupation,” President Aliyev announced, adding that the first such shipment—a consignment of Kazakh grain—symbolized the practical implementation of peace between the two countries.
The Azerbaijani leader also highlighted the success of ongoing transport and infrastructure projects, including the Middle Corridor and the Zangezur Corridor, which is expected to open by the end of 2028, further enhancing connectivity across Eurasia. He noted the introduction of the TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) project, which will add a new transit route through the region, boosting trade and economic growth.
Aliyev extended appreciation for Kazakhstan’s support in the reconstruction of Garabagh, particularly the establishment of the Kurmangazy Children’s Creativity Center in Fuzuli, which he described as a lasting symbol of brotherhood and cooperation.
Concluding his statement, President Aliyev invited President Tokayev to pay a state visit to Azerbaijan next year, reaffirming both nations’ mutual commitment to advancing their alliance for the prosperity of their peoples and the stability of the wider region.
