Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan aim to raise bilateral trade to $1 billion

Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, Qazinform News Agency reported, citing the press service of Akorda. Tokayev thanked Aliyev for the invitation and traditional hospitality, and noted the high level of organization of the Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA). He also highlighted Azerbaijan's significant contribution to CICA during its chairmanship.

The leaders stressed the importance of launching the Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Line, a project that will strengthen digital connectivity between the two countries. They noted positive momentum in trade and economic relations and reaffirmed their intention to increase bilateral trade turnover to 1 billion US dollars. They also discussed expanding supplies of Kazakh energy resources through Azerbaijan and joint projects in industry, energy, transport, logistics and agriculture.

The two sides noted steady growth in cultural and humanitarian ties, cooperation in education and tourism, and interparliamentary engagement. Tokayev arrived in Baku on October 14 for a working visit and took part in the VII Summit of CICA, where he called for strengthening the international security system in Asia and for CICA states to jointly shape Asia's digital future.