Tokayev and Zhaparov deliver joint statement to the media
Tengrinews.kz – Following talks in Bishkek, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov issued a joint statement to the press, the Akorda press service reported.
Tokayev thanked Zhaparov for the official invitation and warm welcome in Kyrgyzstan, noting that the seventh session of the Supreme Interstate Council between the two countries covered a wide range of bilateral issues.
Trade and economy
The Kazakh leader said particular attention was given to strengthening trade and economic ties. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $1.7 billion, and both countries aim to raise the figure to $3 billion within five years. To achieve this, the parties signed a special roadmap.
Next year, an industrial trade and logistics hub is set to launch on the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border. Agriculture remains a key area of cooperation, accounting for 25 percent of mutual trade. Governments have been tasked with adopting a two-year roadmap to expand joint ventures in this sector.
Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan has invested $1.4 billion into Kyrgyzstan’s economy over the past 20 years, including in socially significant projects. Both sides also agreed to improve border capacity, with modernization of eight checkpoints expected to be completed within two years.
Cultural and humanitarian ties
The presidents emphasized the importance of cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Tokayev recalled the opening of a monument to Manas in Astana last year and highlighted the inauguration of the “Golden Bridge of Friendship” monument in Bishkek as another symbol of unity.
Kazakhstan will continue to provide grants for Kyrgyz students, increasing the number from 50 to 60 next year. A branch of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University has already opened in Osh. Events such as the Days of Kazakh Cinema and youth forums are strengthening people-to-people ties.
Regional and global cooperation
Tokayev and Zhaparov also discussed regional integration and international cooperation. Kazakhstan expressed support for Kyrgyzstan’s candidacy as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027–2028 and commended its chairmanship in the CSTO and the Organization of Turkic States.
“We are united by political will and a strong commitment to further deepening mutually beneficial cooperation. Today’s agreements are a clear confirmation of this, and it is now important to ensure their effective implementation,” Tokayev said.
Zhaparov, in turn, praised the results of the talks, pointing to a favorable political climate that fosters trade, investment, and cultural exchange. He underlined the importance of joint projects such as a wholesale distribution center in Almaty Region and the planned Almaty–Issyk-Kul highway.
On August 22, the two leaders co-chaired the Supreme Interstate Council meeting, which addressed cooperation in trade, transport, water and energy, and cultural sectors.
Tokayev’s official visit to Kyrgyzstan began with a visit to the Ata-Beyit memorial complex, where he honored victims of the 1916 tragedy and paid tribute to writer Chingiz Aitmatov.