Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan deepen strategic ties amid new regional peace push

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan signed a joint declaration and pledged closer cooperation on Tuesday, as their presidents hailed a new era of regional connectivity and peace following a summit in Astana.

Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed several agreements during the second meeting of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Supreme Interstate Council in Astana on Tuesday, marking the 20th anniversary of their strategic partnership treaty.

The leaders endorsed the newly established Council of Foreign Ministers and issued decisions to strengthen bilateral ties across transport, energy and security sectors.

Speaking after the ceremony, President Aliyev said Azerbaijan had lifted all restrictions on transit goods to Armenia, adding that the first such shipment — Kazakh grain — had already been delivered. “This is a clear indication that peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia exists not only on paper but also in practice,” he said.

Aliyev further announced that all domestic infrastructure for the long-planned Zangezur Corridor would be completed by mid-2026, with full regional opening possible by the end of 2028. The corridor is part of broader efforts to connect the South Caucasus and Central Asia within the so-called Middle Corridor trade network.

Highlighting international backing, Aliyev reaffirmed support for the TRIPP project (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity), describing it as “another route for the Middle Corridor” with expected cargo turnover of 15 million tonnes.

President Tokayev called the recent Washington-brokered peace agreements between Azerbaijan and Armenia “historically important,” praising his counterpart’s “firm political will” in pursuing a peaceful settlement. He also emphasised that Azerbaijan remains a “fraternal state” for Kazakhstan, united by shared cultural and historical ties.

Both leaders underlined the geopolitical importance of growing Baku–Astana cooperation, with Tokayev stating the visit “holds critical significance for the development of strategic partnership.”

Kazakhstan has consistently supported Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity during previous conflicts, Aliyev noted, expressing gratitude for Astana’s diplomatic stance.

The Supreme Council session concluded with a pledge to deepen collaboration on infrastructure, trade, and foreign policy coordination — with both presidents positioning their countries as key players in an emerging Eurasian transport and political architecture.

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