Kazakhstan and Tajikistan adopt joint statement after Astana talks

Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Emomali Rahmon met in Astana on 7 November and discussed a range of topics, from railway transport to water resource management. According to the press service of the Akorda presidential residence, the presidents adopted a document setting out priorities for cooperation between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

The talks also covered expanding trade and developing cooperation in energy, agriculture, industry and digitalisation. Rahmon said trade between the two countries exceeded $1 billion in the first nine months of this year, almost 26% more than in the same period last year. Two days before the talks, a Kazakh-Tajik business forum took place in Astana, where participants signed 11 agreements worth $135.3 million, according to the investment committee of Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry.

Both countries aim to raise mutual trade to $2 billion. QazTrade estimated the growth potential of Kazakh exports to Tajikistan at $208 million across 90 product positions. Rahmon was greeted with an honour guard, and helicopters flying over the residence carried Kazakh and Tajik flags. During the visit, Tokayev also presented Rahmon with the Qoja Ahmet Yasaui order.