Kazakhstan and Mongolia Strengthen Ties with Strategic Partnership Agreement
In a significant diplomatic meeting, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan held an extended round of negotiations with Mongolia's President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. The talks concluded with the involvement of official delegations from both countries, marking a step forward in their bilateral relations.
President Tokayev praised the preliminary discussions, describing them as productive, and outlined the potential for deeper cooperation. Highlighting their shared heritage as heirs of the Great Steppe civilization, he emphasized the importance of elevating Kazakhstan-Mongolia relations to a strategic partnership level, which he believes serves the best interests of both nations.
Kazakhstan has strong respect for Mongolia, Tokayev noted, and expressed admiration for Mongolia’s ambitious reforms, including the Vision-2050 strategy, as well as initiatives like the “Food Supply and Security” and “Healthy Mongolian” programs. He also pointed to existing inter-parliamentary and inter-governmental ties, noting ample room for further collaboration.
Tokayev identified key areas for future cooperation: trade, economy, agriculture, transport, mining, investments, technology, and space research. The signing of several agreements today is expected to give momentum to these efforts, especially with timely follow-through by both governments. He also stressed the importance of expanding cultural and humanitarian exchanges and thanked Mongolian athletes for participating in the World Nomad Games in Astana.
Additionally, President Tokayev expressed readiness to increase the student quota for Mongolians studying in Kazakhstan and encouraged joint research on shared historical heritage. He underscored opportunities in eco-tourism and heritage tourism, extending an invitation for Mongolian tourists to visit Kazakhstan’s historical sites, including Turkestan and the Ulytau region. Tokayev also proposed collaboration on developing a tourism cluster in the Altai region.
In response, President Khurelsukh expressed Mongolia’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with Kazakhstan. He described Kazakhstan as a vital partner and a key link between East and West, emphasizing that Mongolia is closely observing Kazakhstan’s economic strategies. He voiced support for projects in trade, transport, logistics, agriculture, and space research and backed Tokayev’s goal of increasing bilateral trade to $500 million.
After the talks, both presidents signed a joint declaration, formally establishing a strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Mongolia, marking a new chapter in their relationship.
