Türkiye, Kazakhstan to hold strategic talks in Ankara on Monday

The Turkish and Kazakh foreign ministers are set to convene in Ankara for the eighth meeting of the Joint Strategic Planning Group, a key mechanism for advancing bilateral relations. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will host his Kazakh counterpart, Yermek Kosherbayev, for discussions aimed at deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Agenda for Enhanced Cooperation

According to diplomatic sources, the meeting will address a comprehensive agenda. Minister Fidan is expected to express contentment with the current political dialogue and high-level contacts. The talks will focus on concrete steps to enhance collaboration across several sectors, notably targeting an increase in the bilateral trade volume toward a goal of $15 billion. Key areas for discussion include trade, economics, energy, transportation, and the defense industry.

Focus on Connectivity and Multilateral Platforms

A significant part of the dialogue will emphasize improving logistical infrastructure and connectivity, particularly through the Trans-Caspian East-West-Middle Corridor. Minister Fidan is also anticipated to stress the importance of bolstering cooperation within multilateral institutions, with the Organization of Turkic States being a primary platform. The ministers will exchange views on current regional developments, including the situations in Afghanistan, Iran, and Palestine.

Context of a Deepening Partnership

This meeting follows the fifth session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, co-chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Ankara last July, which yielded numerous agreements. Kazakhstan is Türkiye's top trading partner in Central Asia, with trade nearing $9 billion in 2025. Over 3,000 Turkish companies operate in Kazakhstan, and Türkiye is one of the largest investors in its non-energy sectors, with total investments around $5.8 billion.