Kazakhstan, Turkey Bolster Alliance with Billions in New Deals

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan solidified their strategic partnership during high-level talks in Ankara on July 29, signaling a new chapter in economic and geopolitical cooperation. The significance of the visit was underscored by the rare gesture of President Erdoğan personally welcoming his Kazakh counterpart at the airport, a symbol of the special relationship between the two Turkic nations. The meeting culminated in the signing of key agreements spanning agriculture, defense, energy, and transportation, reinforcing the deep-rooted ties between Astana and Ankara.

A central focus of the discussions was the ambitious goal of increasing bilateral trade to $15 billion. This objective is backed by concrete investment projects, including a landmark deal with Turkish firm Tiryaki Holding to build a $295 million grain processing plant in Astana. Further commitments came from YDA Holding, which is investing in the construction of multi-profile hospitals and a major transit hub in Aktau, while S Sistem Lojistik is planning a new logistics center. These ventures reflect growing Turkish business confidence in Kazakhstan’s economic potential and stable investment climate.

The partnership holds significant geostrategic importance, particularly in logistics. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, or the “Middle Corridor,” a vital trade artery connecting China to Europe via the Caspian Sea and Turkey. With Turkish companies actively involved in upgrading Kazakhstan’s port and road infrastructure, the route is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative for global trade, positioning both nations as crucial Eurasian transit hubs.

Energy and defense were also high on the agenda. Amid international sanctions and disruptions to its traditional oil export routes, Kazakhstan is actively seeking to diversify its energy supplies, with Turkey emerging as a key partner. Discussions included increasing oil flow through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline and expanding collaboration with the Turkish Petroleum Corporation. In defense, Kazakhstan has shown keen interest in Turkey’s advanced military technology, notably its combat drones. A previous agreement to establish a Baykar drone production facility in Kazakhstan highlights a deepening military-industrial cooperation, enhancing the country’s defense capabilities.

Despite a broad alignment on many international issues, including calls for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, a significant point of contention remains. Turkey’s staunch advocacy for the international recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) contrasts sharply with Kazakhstan’s position, which aligns with UN resolutions on the matter. This divergence recently led a major Turkish university to sever academic ties with Kazakhstan, illustrating the complex diplomatic landscape the two allies must navigate as they forge a closer strategic future.