Kazakhstan leads as the largest economy in the region and serves as our primary trade ally, according to Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
In the heart of Central Asia, Kazakhstan and Turkey are forging a robust strategic partnership that spans trade, transportation, education, and cultural cooperation. This dynamic relationship, which has been in the making for over three decades, continues to deepen at an accelerated pace.
Last year, bilateral trade between the two nations surpassed the $5 billion mark, with ambitious plans to triple this figure to $15 billion in the near future [1][2][3]. The first half of 2025 saw Kazakhstan invest a record $610 million in the Turkish economy [1].
The foundation of this partnership was laid in 1991, when Turkey became the first country to recognise Kazakhstan's independence. Formal diplomatic ties were established in 1992, and the partnership was elevated to a "Strategic Partnership" in 2009, further enhanced in 2022 [2][4].
Transportation cooperation is a cornerstone of this strategic partnership, with a focus on the development of the Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. This route aims to enhance connectivity between Europe and Asia, passing through Kazakhstan and Turkey, thereby boosting logistics and trade flows [2][4]. Approximately 85% of goods transported by land between Europe and China pass through Kazakhstan [1].
Education and cultural cooperation benefit from shared Turkic heritage and institutional support through Turkic organisations such as the Organization of Turkic States, TURKSOY, and TURKPA. These organisations promote collaboration in cultural and educational areas, fostering exchanges and joint initiatives to promote cultural identity and heritage [1][2].
The International Kazakh-Turkish University named after Ahmed Yasawi has been successfully operating in the Turkestan region for many years. Over 12,000 Kazakhstani students are currently studying in Turkey, and 300 Turkish students are in Kazakhstani universities [1].
Both countries have emphasised media, agriculture, defence, and trade sectors, alongside cultural exchanges during their high-level meetings [2][4]. The presidents have also discussed prospects for cooperation in various areas, including defence, energy, transport, science, technology, extraction of minerals and rare metals, export of Kazakh oil, and the use and development of the Trans-Caspian transport route [1].
In the realm of education, a branch of one of Turkey's leading educational institutions, the University of Gaziantep, will be opened at the South Kazakhstan Pedagogical University. Additionally, preparations are underway to establish a branch of the "Medipol University of Istanbul" at the Medical University of Astana [1].
The President of Kazakhstan has expressed readiness to support Turkish investors and invite them to participate in large-scale, long-term projects [1]. Work has begun on opening two schools of the Ma'arif Foundation in Kazakhstan [1]. The President of Turkey has also congratulated his Kazakhstani counterpart on the successful hosting of the International Defense Industry Exhibition IDEF 2025 [1].
Both leaders have expressed concern over the escalation of armed conflicts and emphasised the need to resolve all conflicts and disputes peacefully, through diplomatic negotiations [1]. They have also touched on cooperation in tourism, expressing gratitude for Kazakhstan's decision to allow Turkish citizens to stay visa-free for up to 90 days [1].
As Kazakhstan-Turkey relations continue to evolve, the near-term prospects focus strongly on increasing trade volume, expanding transport connectivity via the Middle Corridor, and enhancing collaboration in diverse sectors including education and culture [1][2][3][4].
In the continued development of their strategic partnership, Turkey and Kazakhstan are planning to boost their bilateral trade from $5 billion to $15 billion, highlighting the significant role of technology in their ambitious plans [1]. They are also actively collaborating in the sphere of education, with preparations underway to establish a branch of the "Medipol University of Istanbul" at the Medical University of Astana, showcasing the integration of technological advancements in their educational institutions [1].
