Kazakhstan to boost trade coop with Afghanistan
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Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan - Minister of Trade and Integration Serik Zhumangarin unveiled the government's plans on cooperation with Afghanistan, Kazinform correspondent reports.
We cooperate and trade with Afghanistan. The trade volume amounts to 1 billion US dollars, which is more compared to the trade with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. Politics is politics, and economy is economy. We plan to ramp up this trade cooperation. There are real prospects for delivering wheat, flour, and seed oil there [to Afghanistan - edit]. Why should we refuse from this opportunity?" said Zhumangarin on the sidelines of the Government’s meeting today.
We have already opened a trading house of Kazakhstan there and appointed our representative who will coordinate all this work, because Afghanistan is a big and diverse country. We need to study the market and get familiarized ourselves with local business communities. I want to invite Afghan businessmen here and hold a business forum, to enable them to see Kazakhstan and our opportunities. Afghanistan is a rich country from the viewpoint of subsoil use," said the Minister.
Earlieк, Official Spokesperson of the Kazakh MFA Aibek Smadyarov said Kazakhstan planned to open a trading house in Afghanistan's Herat.He also informed, that Kazakhstan would accept the diplomats of the new Taliban regime of Afghanistan (prohibited foreign organization in Kazakhstan). According to him, a positive decision was taken in regards to Afghan administration's request on accreditation of its diplomats in Kazakhstan.
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President Tokayev arrives at Baku Olympic Stadium to attend COP29 World Climate Action Summit
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has arrived at the Baku Olympic Stadium to participate in the COP29 World Climate Action Summit, Kazinform News Agency learned from the Akorda press service.
The Head of State was greeted by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and UN Secretary General António Guterres.
The Kazakh President will be the first to address the plenary session of the COP29 Summit, the press service of Akorda notes.
Recall that Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Baku on November 11 for a working visit, to participate in the COP29 World Climate Action Summit ongoing under the aegis of the UN Climate Change Conference.
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President Tokayev receives credentials from newly-appointed ambassadors and the head of EU Delegation
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Newly-appointed ambassadors of four countries and the head of the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan have presented their credentials to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Presidential Residence Akorda.
Presenting their credentials were French Ambassador Sylvain Guiaugué, Head of the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan Aleška Simkić, Finnish Ambassador Janne Heiskanen, Ambassador of Canada Christopher Duggan and Ambassador of Brazil Marcel Fortuna Biato, Akorda reports.
Addressing the diplomats, the President noted that Kazakhstan is committed to a peaceful diplomacy and able to contribute significantly to ensuring security and stability in the international arena. The Head of State also confirmed the country’s commitment to continue close cooperation with the UN on global and regional security issues.
In conclusion, the Kazakh President congratulated the newly appointed ambassadors on the official beginning of their diplomatic mission and conveyed the best wishes to the heads of their states.
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Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between The Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia
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At the invitation of the President of Mongolia, H.E. Mr. Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, paid a State Visit to Mongolia from 28 to 29 October 2024, Akorda reports.
The Heads of the two States (referred to as the "Parties") highly appreciated the steady development of the traditional friendly relations and cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia which were strengthened within the framework of the "Protocol on Establishing Diplomatic Relations" of 1992, the "Agreement on Friendly Relations and Cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia" of 1993, and the principles of the "Joint Declaration of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia" of 1998, 2007, and 2008, respectively.
The Parties also welcomed the expanding friendly relations and cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia in various fields such as politics, trade, economy, agriculture, transportation, logistics, education, culture, and tourism, as well as deepening cooperation on regional and international arena.
The Parties agreed that deepening the traditional friendly relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and based on respect for independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and universally accepted principles and norms of international law, will play an important role in strengthening peace and sustainable development not only on the bilateral level but also in the Central Asian region and at the international level and decided to elevate the relations between the two countries to the level of a Strategic Partnership.
The Parties, based on their Strategic Partnership, decided to deepen their cooperation in the following five main areas: 1. Politics, security, and defense 2. Trade and economy 3. Education, culture, science, and information technology 4. Transport, logistics, tourism, and people-to-people exchange 5. Cooperation in regional and international arena.
One. Politics, Security, and Defense
The Heads of the two States agreed to deepen close relations between the Heads of State and Government of the two countries to strengthen political trust through high-level mutual visits and regular dialogue mechanisms. The Parties also stressed the importance of strengthening ties between the highest legislative bodies and expanding relations between the National Security Councils and law enforcement agencies for increased bilateral engagement aiming to ensure stability in the region.
- To exchange high-level visits and hold consultative meetings to strengthen mutual political understanding and consistent support of cooperation between the legislative bodies and friendship groups in Parliament.
- To expand cooperation in the field of security and defense of the two countries, establish a mechanism for consultations between the Ministries of Defense, mutually appoint military attachés, expand military cooperation, and organize joint field exercises.
- Expressed their readiness for close cooperation in countering international terrorism, religious extremism, illegal trafficking in drugs, arms smuggling, transnational organized crime, illegal trafficking in nuclear materials, and illegal migration at the bilateral level. In this context, the Parties will support the strengthening of ties between prosecutorial, judicial, law enforcement, and border protection organizations, as well as special agencies of both countries.
- Considering the active role that both countries play in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, efforts to enhance cooperation and interaction between Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones will be strengthened.
- The Parties welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of nuclear energy between the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Executive Office of the Atomic Energy Commission of Mongolia.
- To hold political and consular consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia on a regular basis and renew the plan for cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs for 2025-2027 toward further strengthening cooperation in various areas. The Parties agreed to intensify the mechanism for exchanging views on issues of bilateral relations and the cooperation agenda, as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest.
- To foster and coordinate expanding exchanges between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia’s local areas. Continue to promote friendship of sister cities, facilitate friendly exchanges between the youth of the two countries.
Two. Trade and Economy
The Parties have agreed to expand mutually beneficial economic cooperation by leveraging the advantages and development resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia, such as modern technology, agriculture, light industry, and the abundant natural resources of Mongolia. The Parties have also agreed to expand collaboration, bearing in mind the objectives of Mongolia’s long-term development agenda "Vision-2050".
- To organize the meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical, and Cultural Cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia on a regular basis and to enhance the dialogue on trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two countries. If necessary, bilateral working groups will be established in specific areas.
- To strengthen the legal and regulatory framework of both Parties to further expand and develop trade and economic cooperation. The Parties highly appreciated the establishment of the "Roadmap for enhancing trade and economic cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia for 2025-2027". The Parties also agreed to expedite the process of concluding the "Agreement on Investment Promotion and Mutual Protection," which will play a crucial role in creating a favorable investment climate between the two countries.
- Within the framework of increasing trade turnover between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia to 500 million USD and to diversify the export-import of goods, the Parties will collaborate in exporting wool, cashmere, and leather products from Mongolia to the Kazakhstan market, and in enhancing the volume of fruit and vegetable imports from Kazakhstan to the Mongolian market.
- To expand cooperation in the fields of animal husbandry, agriculture, light industry, and small and medium businesses, taking into account the rich resources of the agricultural sector of both countries.
- To cooperate in implementing large-scale joint projects and programs in the field of agriculture, effectively utilizing the vast plains and pastures of Mongolia.
- To facilitate export-import activities, intensify cooperation between the veterinary and quarantine institutions of the two countries, establish a unified information system, and increase the number of veterinary certificates for food products.
- To continue cooperation in the field of animal health protection including vaccination, taking into account the international standards of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
- The Parties welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry of Mongolia.
- The Parties welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Committee for Veterinary Control and Supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan on cooperation and the General Administration of Veterinary Medicine of Mongolia in the field of veterinary service and quarantine.
- The Parties welcomed the establishment of the Business Council under the Chamber of International Commerce of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mongolia. They emphasized the importance of mutual visits of representatives of enterprises and wealth creators, participation in exhibitions and trade organized in both countries, as well as the regular and effective organization of bilateral business forums.
Three. Education, culture, science, and information technology
The Heads of the two States agreed to strengthen the cooperation in such promising areas as education, science, electronic technology, and communications in accordance with the era of modern information technology, deepen cultural ties between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia and thus cooperate in spreading nomadic culture to the world.
- The Mongolian side expressed high appreciation for the provision of higher education to Mongolian students under the scholarship of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
- To strengthen the cooperation in the field of education and human resources development, including the implementation of any other scholarship programmes to strengthen the capacity of higher education ensuring sustainable development in the future.
- To provide mutual support for development of Kazakh and Mongolian studies, as well as to support the training of teachers of language, culture and geography of the two countries and specialists and researchers and to cooperate in disseminating Mongolian language in Kazakhstan and training specialists in Mongolian language.
- The Parties expressed willingness to work together to create training opportunities for Kazakh, Mongolian language teachers.
- To work together to take the collaboration of scientific and strategic research institutions to a new level, share the best practices in this context, enhance joint research works, mutually support historical and archaeological research and jointly introduce felt tent dwellers and nomadic culture traditions to the world.
- As the Mongolian side expressed interest in establishing ties with the Turkic Academy at the level of a scientific institution and developing cooperation, the Parties noted the possibility of cooperation in the field of historical research.
- The Parties welcomed the expansion of cooperation in the field of information technology, e-government, space technology, digital development and communications and agreed to cooperate in the implementation of joint projects and programs for the development of electronic infrastructure, e-government and support for various sectors development using information technology, optimization of information infrastructure activities and exchange of experience in the use of advanced technologies.
- The Parties welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Digital Development and Communications of Mongolia in fields of information and communication technologies.
- The Parties emphasized that the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia are closely connected by history, heritage and nomadic traditions and customs since immemorial times, and the Parties will implement joint cultural programs, research resources and study the facts and monuments related to the unique heritage of Kazakh and Mongolian history and culture, and develop the Kazakh and Mongolian studies and work together in scientific joint research works in the field of intangible cultural heritage, and expansion of cooperation between museums.
- In the context of expanding cooperation in the field of culture, developing relations between the Ministries of Culture and related establishments, creating joint working groups, exchange programs for children and youth, as well as cooperation in the field of sports, culture and creative production will be actively supported.
- The Parties welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth Affairs of Mongolia on cultural cooperation.
- The Parties welcomed the fact that scientists from both countries conducted archaeological excavations in the Bulgan, Arkhangai and Khentii provinces of Mongolia and discovered valuable monuments illuminating the lives, culture and religion of the nomads in Central Asia. In the future, the Parties decided to conduct research works within a specific topic on a long-term and sustainable basis.
Four. Transport, logistics, tourism, and people-to-people exchange
As part of the expansion of trade and economic relations, the Parties have agreed to intensify air transportation and establish direct air service between Astana and Ulaanbaatar. The Parties also aim to gradually create new transport and logistics routes, expand cooperation in the field of tourism, increase people-to-people exchange, and emphasize the importance of building stronger ties between the peoples of the two countries.
- The Parties appreciated the expansion of road transport links between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia, including direct air and road transport, which plays an important role in increasing trade, economics, tourism, and people-to-people exchange.
- The Parties have decided to continue seeking solutions and opportunities to address problems and obstacles in the rail, road, and air transport sectors of the two countries through dialogue with the countries in the region.
- The Parties welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Road and Transport Development of Mongolia.
- The Parties welcomed the signing of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of Mongolia on cooperation in the field of aviation search and rescue.
- The Parties concurred on the promotion of cooperation toward strengthening connectivity within and beyond the region, including "Trans-Caspian International Transport Route" (Middle Corridor).
- In order to increase the frequency of regular direct flights between the two countries, the Parties will cooperate in exploring the possibility of direct flights between Astana and Ulaanbaatar.
- Recognizing that the tourism sector plays an important role in bilateral cooperation between the two countries, the Parties will strengthen cooperation between tourism organizations and agencies, jointly organize tourism events, and promote and support the development of tourism based on nomadic culture and customs.
- The Parties have agreed to increase investment in the tourism sector and cooperate in the development of tourism infrastructure and facilities.
- The Parties welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth Affairs of Mongolia on cooperation in the field of tourism.
- The Parties welcomed the signing of the Agreement on Cooperation on pension between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of Mongolia.
Five. Cooperation on regional and international arena
The Heads of the two States have agreed to strengthen regional and international cooperation, as well as to deepen collaboration within the framework of the UN and other international organizations.
- The Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia have actively collaborated within the UN, the IAEA and other international organizations and highly valued each other’s mutual support in elections to international organizations.
- Both countries have similar positions on international and regional issues and expressed their continued mutual support for initiatives within the framework of international and regional organizations such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building in Asia, and the SCO.
- The Parties expressed their commitment to actively contribute to global efforts to combat climate change, address desertification, and protect the environment. In this context the Republic of Kazakhstan has confirmed its participation at the high level in the forthcoming 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, which will be held in 2026 in Mongolia. Mongolia has expressed its participation at the high level in the Regional Climate Summit under the auspices of the UN in 2026 in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
- The Parties concurred on the achievement of the common goal of carbon neutrality/net-zero following various pathways. In this regard, both sides welcomed the progress of cooperation projects by the private sector in the energy sector.
- The Republic of Kazakhstan has also supported Mongolia’s initiative "Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security" and confirmed that it will continue to actively cooperate within the framework of this initiative. The Parties have agreed to coordinate the two countries' efforts on regional security issues and expand cooperation further.
- The Parties highlighted the importance of implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and expressed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in areas such as poverty reduction, food security, climate change mitigation, and support for sustainable development.
- To advance the fight against climate change, desertification, land degradation, and afforestation, the Parties agreed to coordinate the implementation of the "Two Billion Trees" national program initiated by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the "One Billion Trees" national movement initiated by the President of Mongolia.
- The Parties expressed high appreciation for their collaboration within the "Multilateral Agreement for the Establishment of an International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries" which was inaugurated at Mongolia's initiative.
- Mongolia commends Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish a special multilateral body - the International Agency for Biological Safety (IABS).
The State Visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan K. Tokayev to Mongolia was an event of special significance which contributed to the development of traditional friendly relations between the two countries to the level of Strategic Partnership and opened a new historical page in relations between the two countries.
The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan K. Tokayev expressed gratitude to President U. Khurelsukh and the people of Mongolia for the warm welcome and extended an invitation to President U.Khurelsukh to pay a State Visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan at his convenience.
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Head of State took part in the BRICS Plus summit
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a speech at the outreach / BRICS Plus plenary meeting in Kazan, Akorda reports.
The Head of State stressed that BRICS is becoming a global centre of international attraction, in which many countries have a practical interest in mutually beneficial cooperation.
BRICS has enormous potential for development, uniting nations across continents, building solidarity and effectively harnessing shared opportunities for the benefit of all participants. BRICS has both the resources and experience to foster a future built on shared prosperity, mutual respect and enduring partnership", - said the President.
According to him, the multilateral efforts of the BRICS harmoniously complement the activities of the UN, which remains an indispensable and universal organization.
The principles of diplomacy and dialogue enshrined in the UN Charter have become the basis of the BRICS agenda, contributing to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and strengthening strategic stability. We highly appreciate Russia's concept of creating equal and indivisible security in Eurasia, aimed at reducing geopolitical tensions by strengthening mutual trust and cooperation. In this context, Kazakhstan supports China’s Global Security Initiative, aimed at upholding sustainable security, sovereignty, multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of crises. Kazakhstan also supports the China and Brazil peace plan for Ukraine", - said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The Head of State expressed his concern about the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.
Jointly addressing the root causes of conflicts, such as poverty, inequality and lack of education, in our view, remains a key factor in strengthening international political solidarity. Kazakhstan supports the reform of the UN Security Council and its expansion with new members from Africa, Latin America and Asia", - the President noted.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that the voices of the Global South should be heard in addressing issues of peace and security. He added that BRICS could play a key role in this process by strengthening the representation of middle powers and emerging economies in the structure of global governance.
The Head of State then noted the dynamic growth of Kazakhstan's trade with the BRICS countries, the volume of which in 2023 made up half of the country's foreign trade turnover. Promising areas for mutually beneficial partnership, according to the speech, include trade and investment, IT technology, critical minerals, food security, education and tourism.
The speech paid special attention to strengthening cooperation in the transit and transport sphere, primarily within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor).
The need for a strong BRICS Plus partnership to enhance energy security as well as to address the impacts of climate change such as water scarcity, extreme heat and desertification was noted.
In conclusion, the President stressed that joint efforts in the BRICS Plus format will make it possible to significantly enhance North-South connectivity, eliminate imbalances in the development of states, significantly strengthen international security and create conditions for global progress.
The summit is bringing together representatives from 36 countries and heads of six international organisations, with about 20 delegations represented at the highest level.
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Olzhas Bektenov takes part in SCO Heads of State Council session in Islamabad
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Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov took part in the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which was held in the capital of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, primeminister.kz reports.
At the meeting of the SCO SGP, attention was paid to the implementation of agreements reached at the level of Heads of State on the margins of the summit held in July this year in Astana. Measures to deepen cooperation in trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres in the new conditions were considered, including taking into account Belarus' acquisition of the status of a full member state of the Organisation.
Last year, Kazakhstan's trade turnover with the SCO countries grew by 6 per cent to $66.7 billion. In general, the share of the SCO states in the global GDP is 30%, while trade within the association exceeded a quarter of the total volume.
Olzhas Bektenov emphasised that the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the leaders of the SCO member states have laid a strategic foundation for further development of multifaceted cooperation between the member states. In this regard, in order to ensure sustainable dynamics in trade in the slowdown of the global economy, new points of growth are needed.
The Kazakh side noted the need to develop digitalisation and online trade, modernisation of existing railway and road routes within the framework of creating a partner port and logistics network, mutually beneficial cooperation in the spheres of energy and investment. Special attention was paid to the implementation of a set of measures in the field of climate change, effective waste management, as well as strengthening contacts between education and healthcare institutions. Close cooperation in these areas will help create favourable conditions for sustainable development and prosperity of the Shanghai Ten countries.
The meeting resulted in the signing of 8 documents, including a decision on the Concept of New Economic Dialogue between the SCO member states.
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Olzhas Bektenov discusses trade and economic cooperation with Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif
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Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov arrived in the city of Islamabad to participate in the Government session of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, primeminister.kz reports.
Upon arrival met with Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif. They discussed the current state and prospects for further development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, as well as cooperation in the field of digitalisation.
Olzhas Bektenov noted that the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid special attention to the potential of economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan. Bilateral trade turnover for 8 months of this year increased by 16%, amounting to about $40 million. To unlock the existing potential, the parties intend to continue diversification of trade turnover. Kazakhstan is ready to increase supplies of 85 commodity items totalling more than $490 million to the Pakistani market, including expanding the range of supplied products of petrochemical, metallurgical, chemical, pharmaceutical industries, as well as food industry and engineering.
Attention was also paid to co-operation in agriculture. The volume of deliveries of Kazakhstani agricultural products for January-August of this year increased almost 2 times, amounting to $7.7 million. Vegetables and grain crops from Kazakhstan are in demand in the Pakistani market. Taking into account the expected high harvest this year, the Government of Kazakhstan is ready to increase the volume of annual supplies to Pakistan up to 2 million tonnes of grain crops.
In the transit-transport sphere, against the background of a three-fold increase in the volume of railway freight traffic and a four-fold increase in transit traffic by road, the heads of government discussed the prospects for further development of the existing multimodal route "Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan" and a new transport corridor "Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan".
Across the whole spectrum of trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian relations, the countries will continue to expand cooperation.
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Monument honoring Abai unveiled in Ashgabat
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President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov attended the solemn opening ceremony of a monument to Abai in Ashgabat, Kazinform News Agency reports.
The Kazakh President expressed his gratitude to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the people of Turkmenistan for awarding him the commemorative medal the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi as a sign of mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.
The Head of State described the opening of the monument as a profound respect of Turkmen people for Kazakhstan. Abai is an outstanding person. His works become the precious heritage of the humanity. Monuments to Abai were unveiled in many cities around the world.
He added the opening of the monument to Abai in Ashgabat is an initiative of tremendous importance aimed at further strengthening of fraternal relations between the two countries.
Kassym-Jomart Toakeyv reminded that this year a monument was opened in Astana to great Turkmen thinker Magtymguly Fragi whose legacy becomes common for all Turkic countries. He noted the works of Abai and Magtymguly are invaluable heritage of the entire Turkic world.
Creative intelligentsia of Turkmenistan and members of the official delegation of Kazakhstan took part in the event.
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