Kazakhstan is interested in expanding cooperation with Armenia

Dear Kasim-Jomart Kemelevich, this September marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty between Armenia and Kazakhstan. How would you describe the current dynamics of the development of Armenian-Kazakh relations?

- This year is really special and symbolic for bilateral relations, both with significant dates and meaningful nature.

The fundamental interstate document adopted by Kazakhstan and Armenia in 1999, the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation, laid a reliable foundation for Kazakh-Armenian multilateral relations. During these years, we have strictly observed its provisions, expanding and deepening the ties between our countries and peoples in every possible way.

At the current stage, relations between Astana and Yerevan are characterized by open political dialogue, dynamic growth of cooperation in the trade and economic sphere, comprehensive development of cultural and humanitarian contacts.

Our countries have accumulated positive experience of joint work on international platforms. When nominated in different international structures, our initiatives and candidacies receive mutual support. Close cooperation has been established in such multilateral platforms as the UN, CIS, EAEU, CSTO, OSCE, etc.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, I would like to wish success to Armenia's presidency in the Eurasian Economic Union.

The inter-parliamentary partnership is systematically developing. Cooperation is dynamically implemented at the intergovernmental level.

The legal and contractual field is gradually expanding. During my upcoming visit to Armenia, we will accept a number of new documents.

Trade and economic cooperation is the basis of relations between Kazakhstan and Armenia. Over the past five years, mutual trade has increased 3.5 times. In 2023, the turnover increased by 23 percent. Of course, the trade volumes do not correspond to our potential, but there are objective reasons for this, related to the complex transport logistics between the countries. However, export-import opportunities indicate the existence of a serious potential for significant expansion of mutual trade. A clear evidence of this was the recent business forum held in Yerevan with the participation of entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan and Armenia.

The key institution of interstate cooperation is the Intergovernmental Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation. By the way, 25 years have passed since its creation.

We are determined to deepen and expand our ties. The practical expression of our intentions is the decision to open additional offices of honorary consuls of Kazakhstan in Ararat and Aragatsotn regions of Armenia this year.

I am sure that the plans to establish sister-city status between Astana and Yerevan, as well as other cities, will also contribute to the expansion of relations.

The opening of "Aktau-Yerevan-Aktau" direct flights in 2023 contributes to business cooperation and the development of tourism. At the same time, our plans to increase official visits and business trips require confirmation of direct flights between the two capitals.

The cultural and humanitarian sphere is also of a practical nature, which includes art, sports, tourism, education, healthcare and much more.

In general, the level of Kazakh-Armenian relations based on friendship, trust and mutual understanding coincides with the interests of both peoples. I am sure that with joint efforts, we will be able to give a new charge to the whole range of multifaceted relations between Kazakhstan and Armenia.

- In your opinion, what is the future of Armenian-Kazakh cooperation? What priority spheres of cooperation would you single out and how would you evaluate, in particular, economic relations?

- As I have already mentioned, there is a great potential for further deepening of cooperation in various fields.

The socio-economic successes of the Republic of Armenia are gratifying. Your country records outstanding results in all key sectors of the economy, ensuring high rates of development among EAEU countries. This is confirmed by the growth of Armenia's GDP last year, 8.7 percent, with the lowest level of inflation (the increase in consumer prices was only 2%).

In this regard, we attach great importance to further comprehensive development of economic ties.

Today, our country is ready to increase the export of 70 products, both raw materials and finished products, with a total value of 350 million dollars.

They are products of metallurgical, petrochemical, food industry, construction and agricultural industry.

Taking into account that until 2011, wheat was one of the leading products of Kazakh export to Armenia, I consider it important to restore supplies of wheat and other food products to the large trade networks of Armenia. I think that our Armenian partners also have similar proposals.

Industrial cooperation is also promising. It is important for us to create joint projects connecting our countries.

Our investment cooperation needs intensive development and promotion. Today, a favorable investment environment has been created in Kazakhstan. All necessary instruments are available to support foreign investment.

We also see great opportunities in the field of digitization. Kazakhstan pursues a purposeful policy to transform itself and become one of the largest digital hubs in the Eurasian area. In the last 3 years alone, the export of our IT services has increased 3 times, reaching 500 million dollars. In 2026, it should reach at least 1 billion dollars.

An important factor in the deepening of economic cooperation is the formation of cost-effective and fast land logistics between our countries. The expansion of air transportation will provide mobility for businesses and citizens and will open up new opportunities in the field of tourism.

All the areas I mentioned should become integral components of economic interaction. Having a high multiplier effect, they will contribute to the development of other related industries.

Answering your question directly, I see the future of our relations with strict observance of accepted bilateral obligations and expansion of the legal treaty field, strengthening of friendly ties and cooperation between our peoples, deepening of contacts in the commercial, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.

- In the last 15 years, Kazakhstan has invested about 35 billion dollars in the development of transport infrastructure. You are implementing the course of diversification of transport routes and increasing the transit potential of your country. At the same time, the RA government presented the "Crossroads of Peace" project, the goal of which is to connect the Persian and Oman Gulfs, the Black, Caspian and Mediterranean Seas to the unified regional railway network and the North-South and East-West highways. In your opinion, what kind of multiplier effect can the connection of these two projects lead to? What does it take?

- You are right, during the last 15 years, Kazakhstan has made significant progress in the development of its transport infrastructure, becoming one of the important transit hubs between Europe and Asia. 13 transport corridors pass through the territory of Kazakhstan, including 5 railway and 8 automobile ones.

In total, more than 10 trillion tenge (about 35 billion dollars) have been invested in the development of the transport and logistics complex and transit potential of our country. More than 13,000 km of national highways were built and modernized, and 2,500 km of new railway lines were built.

The volume of cargo transit through the territory of Kazakhstan reached 32.3 million tons in 2023, increasing by 21 percent. Last year, construction works covered 10,700 km of roads, including 6,500 km of roads of national significance.

The volume of cargo transportation in the railway transport sector increased by 3 percent, reaching 297 million tons. We regularly update rolling stock, including locomotives, freight and passenger cars.

In the field of maritime transport, the volume of transportation through our ports in 2023 was 7.2 million tons, which is 11 percent higher than the figure of 2022. Terminal capacities are expanding. Thus, a new grain terminal with a capacity of 1 million tons was built last year and 2 oil pipelines were purchased at the Kurik Seaport with the participation of private investment.

One of the promising transport projects is the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). Due to its favorable geographical position in the center of Eurasia, Kazakhstan is an important link in the continental transport architecture.

In 2023, the transportation of goods through the TMT increased by 65 percent, reaching 2.8 million tons, including the export of Kazakh products increased by 2.5 times. Along with exports, there is also an increase in imports. This, in turn, shows the interest of European companies in the Trans-Caspian route.

Last year, the railway administrations of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Georgia created the Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd joint venture in order to regulate logistics services, unify the tariff policy and ensure the stability of transport on the TMT on the principle of "one window".

Currently, a number of European countries have expressed their desire to join this route, and some are already working on it.

In this sense, the importance of the South Caucasus in the transport system of Eurasia has significantly increased. Therefore, the "Crossroads of Peace" project initiated by the Armenian side, as a new transportation idea, deserves attention and comprehensive study from the point of view of connecting it to the regional logistics structure of interconnection.

For the effective progress of the projects, the main thing is that all interested parties reach mutually acceptable agreements on further unblocking of communications in the region.

The full operation of transport communication is an important step in the direction of the economic integration of the entire South Caucasus and the establishment of stable peace in the region.

The combination of regional transport projects can lead to a significant multiplier effect both regionally, uniting Central Asia and the South Caucasus, and for individual countries. The development of transport communications is first of all an investment, and these are new technologies, jobs, supply of equipment and raw materials, production, export-import operations, work of banks. Thus, all sectors of the economy will be launched. It will also have a positive impact on the well-being of the regions along the transit corridors.

I would like to note that the transportation between Kazakhstan and Armenia today is carried out mainly by road transport, which significantly limits our opportunities. In this regard, the promotion of new routes in the region will undoubtedly contribute to the strengthening of bilateral trade and economic ties.

- In the current conditions, when high and sometimes tragic turbulence is observed in various parts of the world, how important is the preservation of the principles of territorial integrity, inviolability of borders and sovereignty in international relations, as well as ensuring the fulfillment of commitments and agreements reached?

- I have repeatedly expressed my position regarding the problems faced by modern international law.

Kazakhstan always maintains its principled loyalty to the norms and principles of international law stipulated in the UN Charter. In this context, the central role of the UN in international affairs and in maintaining peace and stability remains indispensable for Kazakhstan.

The modern global security architecture faces unprecedented challenges. Growing blocs, geopolitical fragmentation and the undermining of the principles of international law intensify the crisis of mistrust, threatening the role and authority of international institutions. The practice of non-compliance, suspension and withdrawal from key multilateral agreements is of grave concern as it can lead to irreversible consequences.

When everyone perceives the path to peace differently and promotes their own model of peace without considering the interests of others, it becomes a source of tension.

In this regard, I am deeply convinced that any conflict, including those related to the territorial integrity of states, should be resolved exclusively through political-diplomatic dialogue, in accordance with the norms and principles of the UN Charter. The value system established within the framework of the United Nations should remain a benchmark for ensuring security and stability in the world.

Kazakhstan shares a common drive for decisions based on justice, peace, cooperation and equality of states in international affairs. In this regard, we are advancing the "Global Unity for Just Peace and Solidarity" initiative and expect the support of all our partners.

I am convinced that at the current stage, only the collective efforts of states, wise, professional diplomacy can lead to long-term stability and universal progress in the world, building a fair system of international relations based on the UN Charter.

- Kazakhstan has repeatedly acted as an initiator and supporter of peacekeeping initiatives in the international arena. In your opinion, can Astana have new initiatives in this area?

- As an active and responsible participant of the world community, Kazakhstan constantly contributes to international and regional security by promoting peacekeeping initiatives.

Our country is a universally recognized leader in disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, creation of nuclear weapon-free zones. Using its experience in the global anti-nuclear movement, Kazakhstan made a significant contribution to the organization of multilateral negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program. In 2013, two rounds of negotiations were organized in Astana, which served as an impetus for the resumption of the format of "Six" and Iran. The result of those efforts, as is known, was the signing of a joint comprehensive plan of action on Iran in 2015.

Another significant contribution of Kazakhstan to ensuring international stability and security was providing a platform for the settlement of the multi-year Syrian conflict. Since 2017, 21 rounds of negotiations have been held within the framework of the Astana process. The contribution of this international platform to the settlement of the Syrian conflict is recognized by the UN and many world leaders.

An important direction of Kazakhstan's foreign policy is peacekeeping activities within the framework of the United Nations. Since 2014, more than 600 Kazakh soldiers have participated in UN peacekeeping missions. Currently, our peacekeepers participate in UN missions in Lebanon, Western Sahara, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo. We have also participated in the UN mission in Mali since 2022.

From March 15 of this year, for the first time in the history of our country, within the framework of the UN mission, the Kazakh peacekeeping force was deployed in the Golan Heights as an independent unit, 139 people, including 7 women.

As for the new initiatives that are of interest to you, the question arises about the situation regarding the settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. Undoubtedly, Kazakhstan does not remain indifferent to this topic. We are interested in the early conclusion of a peace treaty between two states that are friendly to us. Establishing a strong and lasting peace between Yerevan and Baku is in the interests of our country. As an initiator and supporter of peacekeeping initiatives, Kazakhstan is ready to support any efforts aimed at the peaceful and sustainable development of our region.

- Mr. President, how do you evaluate the cooperation between Armenia and Kazakhstan in the cultural and humanitarian spheres, what prospects do you see for developing cooperation in these directions?

- I want to emphasize that throughout history, spiritual-cultural ties have been a natural bridge, playing an important role in bringing our peoples closer together. Today, the cultural-humanitarian direction is one of the most active and developed directions of Armenian-Kazakh cooperation.

The basic document is the intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the field of culture, signed in November 2006. In addition, memoranda and programs were signed between the profile ministries and departments, on the basis of which systematic work of cultural, educational and scientific-research exchange is being carried out in various directions.

I especially want to emphasize that in Kazakhstan they highly appreciate the respect shown to the Kazakh heritage in Armenia. I know that there are streets named Almaty and Jambul in Yerevan. Since 2010, the Center of Kazakh Language, Kazakh Culture and History named after Aba has been operating under the Department of Turkic Studies of Yerevan State University. In turn, there is a street named after Aram Khachatryan in our capital, and Haykakan street in Almaty. Our joint plans include the naming of new streets after the great children of our peoples. Undoubtedly, such events have a deep meaning and are received with great enthusiasm by the scientific and creative community of both countries. Within the framework of the 2023-2025 program in the field of culture, it is planned to expand cooperation in the directions of musical and choreographic art, museum and library, cinema and historical and cultural heritage. Our countries traditionally hold various joint events, including festivals, exhibitions, concerts, theater performances. Thus, in 2023, the solo concert of the famous Kazakh performer Dimash Kudaibergen, the days of the Kazakh theater in Armenia, Almaty's M. Tours of the collectives of the Kazakh National Theater named after Auezov and Kostanay Regional Drama Theater. In turn, concerts of Armenian collectives dedicated to the 120th anniversary of the outstanding composer and conductor Aram Khachatryan were held in Kazakhstan. It is planned to hold the days of Armenian culture in Kazakhstan this fall. This is a significant event, during which our audience will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the wide range of creative life in Armenia. There is great potential to strengthen ties in the field of education and between the youth of the two countries. Youth is not only the locomotive of positive transformations in our countries. it is the young generation that is entrusted with the construction of further cooperation between the two states, based on friendship, respect and mutual understanding.

In this regard, our actual task is to support educational and student exchange programs. Athletes from both countries regularly participate in various competitions held in our countries. The Armenian national team has been invited to the 5th World Nomad Games, which will be held in Astana in September of this year. During my upcoming visit to Yerevan, the authorized ministries of Kazakhstan and Armenia will sign the 2024-2026 program on cooperation in the field of physical education and sports. Exchanges of cultural, student, and sports delegations should become an important platform for the closeness of our peoples, establishing ties between citizens, and developing tourism.

- How would you assess the role of the Armenian community of Kazakhstan in the further deepening of cooperation between the two countries?

- The Armenian community is an integral part of the Kazakh society, occupying a special place in the ethnic palette of Kazakhstan. More than 20 thousand Armenians live in our country. It operates in 31 ethno-cultural units of Armenians, whose activities are aimed at the popularization of national culture, language, traditions and history. The Kazakh model of inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony is one of the most important characteristics by which our country is recognizable in the world. Kazakhstan has become a common home for 130 ethnic groups and 17 religious denominations. In the conditions of such diversity, Kazakhstan has developed a unique model of inter-ethnic unity and has managed to use this diversity to serve the interests of society. As it is known, in September 2003, the first congress of leaders of world and traditional religions was held in Astana. That forum was well known in the world, becoming a recognizable brand of Kazakhstan's foreign policy.

The Republic of Armenia actively supports this initiative. Representatives of the Armenian Apostolic Church participate in the work of the congress on a regular basis. Today, the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan plays an important role in the implementation of state ethnopolitics. Since 2022, the Assembly has been represented in the highest legislative body, the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Representatives of the Armenian diaspora in Kazakhstan are active members of Kazakh society and, as participants in the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, make a significant contribution to the development of our state and the spread of Armenian culture. Like other ethnic groups, Armenian ethno-cultural associations are allocated territories in the regions of the country in order to fully implement their main activities. Conditions have been created for the work of Sunday language schools, dance and music groups, which contributes to the preservation and development of national culture and traditions. Today, the representatives of the Armenian community are directly involved in the implementation of the state policy of strengthening inter-ethnic harmony in Kazakhstan. In general, I can confidently say that the Kazakh-Armenian friendly relations and mutual understanding, which have passed the test of time, have the brightest future.