Kazakhstan has invited Cyprus to take an active role in the Trans-Caspian transport route, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev saying closer cooperation could link Kazakhstan’s land infrastructure with Cyprus’s maritime network and boost trade between Central Asia and the Mediterranean.
The proposal was announced after talks in Astana between Tokayev and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, who arrived in Kazakhstan on an official visit.
According to Tokayev, Cyprus could play a larger role in the development of the Middle Corridor, given the island’s position as a major maritime hub.
“Within the framework of the Middle Corridor, significant opportunities are opening up for effectively connecting Kazakhstan’s land infrastructure with Cyprus’s maritime infrastructure,” Tokayev said, adding that stronger cooperation could help build a logistics system linking Central Asia, the Caspian region and the Mediterranean while supporting greater trade flows.
The visit marked the first by a Cypriot head of state to Kazakhstan since diplomatic relations between the two countries were established.
It also coincided with the launch of the first direct flight between the two countries, which both sides expect to support business and tourism links.
Speaking after the talks, Tokayev described Cyprus as one of Kazakhstan’s reliable and important partners in Europe and said political dialogue had strengthened steadily in recent years.
Economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. The two sides discussed increasing trade, strengthening investment ties and expanding business contacts.
Tokayev proposed developing a roadmap for Kazakhstan-Cyprus economic cooperation through to 2028 and suggested creating an Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation and a bilateral Business Council. Logistics, finance, tourism and digital technologies were identified as priority areas for closer ties.
According to Tokayev, more than 400 companies involving Cypriot capital currently operate in Kazakhstan, including around 30 registered at the Astana International Financial Centre.
The visit concluded with the signing of five intergovernmental memorandums and agreements by members of the two delegations.
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