Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan hold talks on strengthening trade cooperation

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Oljas Bektenov and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev held talks on strengthening trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

According to a statement from the Prime Ministry of Kazakhstan, Prime Minister Bektenov met with Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Kasymaliev, who was visiting Astana for the first time, first in a bilateral meeting at the Government House and later in an expanded meeting between the delegations.

During the meeting, the sides discussed ways to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Bektenov emphasized that enhancing and deepening trade relations is a crucial factor for both countries' economies, stating: "The mutual trade volume, which reached 1.7 billion dollars last year, is a pleasing indicator. We see significant potential for further expanding trade and economic interaction."

Highlighting the strategic importance of bilateral cooperation between neighboring countries, Kasymaliev said: "Our neighboring peoples are bound by friendship, brotherhood, a shared culture, language, and even traditions that have existed since ancient times. I believe this meeting will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas on many issues of mutual interest and develop new proposals for the benefit of both countries."

The sides also discussed topics such as the supply of water resources, regional energy security, and the development of tourist routes along the border.