Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev wraps up state visit to Kazakhstan Photo / Video / Updated

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has concluded his state visit to Kazakhstan, held from October 20 to 21 at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Caliber.Az reports.

19:54

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev concluded his state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan on October 21.

A guard of honour was lined up for the Azerbaijani President at Astana International Airport, Caliber.Az reports per local media. 

President Ilham Aliyev was seen off by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

19:04

Azerbaijan has lifted all cargo transit restrictions to Armenia for the first time since the start of occupation, with the first such cargo being a shipment of Kazakh grain to Armenia, President Ilham Aliyev announced during a joint press conference with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. 

On October 21, the two leaders made press statements as part of President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to Kazakhstan, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The President of Kazakhstan made the statement first.

Statement by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

- Dear Ilham Heydar oglu,

Ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the esteemed President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev, for accepting my invitation to pay a state visit to Kazakhstan.

I attach special importance to this event.

It is a great honor for us to be hosting the leader of the fraternal Azerbaijani people, outstanding statesman President Ilham Aliyev, on Kazakh soil.

Our countries share common roots and history.

Azerbaijan is an important strategic partner for Kazakhstan.

Our relations are developing steadily today.

We are paying special attention to the strengthening of our interstate relations.

Our primary goal is to comprehensively strengthen the friendship between our peoples and give new impetus to cooperation in various areas.

This is fully aligned with the fundamental interests of both our countries.

I am confident that this visit will contribute to raising Kazakh-Azerbaijani relations to a qualitatively new level, and that the agreements reached today will further strengthen the friendly relations between our countries.

Dear ladies and gentlemen,

I regard the state visit of the President of Azerbaijan as a critically important event and a step towards strengthening the strategic partnership and allied relations between our countries. Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev is an outstanding figure of historic significance. He has made a decisive contribution to the protection and strengthening of the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Thanks to the tireless efforts of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan's authority and influence on the global stage have been significantly enhanced.

Under his strong leadership, Azerbaijan has achieved impressive successes in many areas, primarily in terms of socioeconomic development. The results of comprehensive reforms carried out in Azerbaijan are manifested in the country’s sustainable economic growth, the improving well-being of its citizens and the dynamic transformation of your state. The macroeconomic indicators of the Azerbaijani economy are sustainable and provide convincing evidence of the country's progress and the good shape of its economy.

Kazakhstan sincerely rejoices in the achievements of brotherly Azerbaijan. It is quite symbolic that this state visit is taking place in the year marking the 20th anniversary of the Treaty on Strategic Partnership and Allied Relations between our countries.

During this time, our countries have achieved tremendous successes in bilateral cooperation. Thanks to the friendship and mutual support of our peoples, the extensive political dialogue at the highest level, and the work of our governments, the multifaceted Kazakh-Azerbaijani cooperation is developing steadily and acquiring new dimensions. The results of today's talks are convincing evidence of this.

We have discussed a wide range of issues on the bilateral agenda in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect, outlining priorities for continuing our multifaceted cooperation. The meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council has been quite fruitful, culminating in the signing of a number of important documents.

It is particularly gratifying that the comprehensive program for the development of bilateral cooperation is being implemented in a consistent manner. During the talks, special attention has been paid to expanding trade and economic ties. We agreed to take the necessary measures to double bilateral trade turnover in the near future, raising it to 1 billion dollars.

There are ample opportunities in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, construction and digitalization.

Both sides have expressed an interest in establishing joint ventures, with significant progress made in this regard. For example, the launch of joint transformer production is under consideration. Construction of residential and infrastructure facilities is underway, joint shipbuilding projects are under review.

The governments have been instructed to monitor these areas and promptly adopt a plan, or a roadmap, as they are now called, for developing industrial cooperation. To finance promising and mutually beneficial projects, we have agreed to step up the activities of the Kazakh-Azerbaijani Direct Investment Fund. We have also highlighted the need to further expand contacts between the business communities of the two countries. In this regard, the Kazakh-Azerbaijani business forum, taking place as part of the visit, is also of tremendous importance.

During the talks, we reviewed the progress of major infrastructure projects, in particular the strategically important Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Last year, freight traffic along this route increased by 62 percent to 4.5 million tons. This year's figures are also fairly encouraging, with growth of 2 percent.

We are working with international partners to simultaneously eliminate the so-called bottlenecks by establishing a single long-term tariff along the corridor. This will certainly improve efficiency, ensure uninterrupted supply along the entire route, and, as we plan, allow us to increase freight volumes to 10 million tons.

In addition, we have noted the importance of developing the terminal capacity of our ports. Kazakhstan is building a container hub in Aktau. The construction of a cargo terminal at the port of Alat with the participation of international partners, including those from China, offers good prospects. The possibility of creating a new Trans-Caspian ferry system for cargo exports was also discussed during the negotiations.

Particular attention has been paid to the strengthening of cooperation in the energy sector, where our countries have significant potential. I am pleased to note our joint work on transporting Kazakh oil along the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan route. Last year, nearly 1.5 million tons of this strategic commodity were transited through Azerbaijan. We plan to significantly increase this volume in the near future.

The subsea cable project is expected to boost the development of national energy systems, significantly strengthening our position in green energy exports. Extensive work is underway to supply Kazakhstan’s uranium products to foreign markets through Azerbaijan, and I would like to express my gratitude to the esteemed President of Azerbaijan for his support of all key initiatives and projects in this regard.

Given the rapid development of artificial intelligence, vast opportunities are emerging in the IT sector. Kazakhstan has gained experience in the digitalization of public services and the development of IT technologies, and we are ready to implement joint projects in this area. During the talks, we underlined the importance of accelerating projects to lay a Caspian subsea fiber-optic communication line. The governments have been instructed to make sure that it is completed as soon as possible.

Cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sectors traditionally occupies a special place on our agenda. Significant events in recent years have included the Days of Culture and Days of Cinema of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, held reciprocally in our countries. To make these efforts more systematic, we have agreed to adopt a cultural cooperation program.

We have also discussed prospects for the development of education, science, and youth contacts. With this aim, the Kazakh-Azerbaijani Scientific and Educational Center has been operating in Baku since last year.

We have had an exchange of views on all other pressing issues of the regional and global agenda. We acknowledge the alignment of our positions on all current international political issues. We have emphasized the importance of coordinating efforts at the level of various structures. A mutual commitment to strengthening peace, security, and stability at the regional and global levels has also been reaffirmed.

As is well known, President Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev has fulfilled a historic mission by signing the peace declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington with the active mediation of US President Donald Trump. Kazakhstan officially welcomed this important event.

I am confident that the agreements reached will strengthen the atmosphere in the South Caucasus and open up new opportunities for shared progress.

All in all, the results of the visit clearly demonstrate our mutual commitment to further developing Kazakh-Azerbaijani relations in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance for the well-being of our fraternal peoples.

Thank you for your attention.

---

Then, the President of Azerbaijan made the statement.

Statement by President Ilham Aliyev

- Dear Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich,

Dear friends,

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to the President of Kazakhstan for the warm welcome, hospitality, and invitation to visit brotherly Kazakhstan. I visit Kazakhstan quite regularly and have witnessed firsthand the positive transformations and development that Kazakhstan is experiencing under the wise leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev.

The reforms implemented by the President in recent years, the course toward modernization, and the development of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, testify to the fact that Kazakhstan is confidently moving along the path of development and modernization.

Kazakhstan's international authority is strengthening as well. Today, Kazakhstan is perceived worldwide as a reliable partner, as a country pursuing its own course, implementing its policies within the framework of its national interests, and as a good friend.

As for Azerbaijan, we have always felt this. We have always experienced your fraternal support during the most difficult times for our people and our country.

During the years of occupation, Kazakhstan always supported us at all international forums and within the framework of all of Azerbaijan’s international initiatives, voted in solidarity with us, and contributed to the resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict on the basis of the principles of international law and justice.

I am very grateful to Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich, first of all, for his kind words about me and our country, and also for his support of the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. After the initialing of the peace agreement on 8 August at the White House in Washington, with the participation and active support of US President Donald Trump for this process, Kazakhstan was one of the first countries to express its position on this issue. I had a telephone conversation with Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich, informed him of all the details of the agreements reached, and once again witnessed his fraternal attitude towards Azerbaijan.

Today, at the meeting of the Interstate Council, we also discussed this, among other things, and the positive impact these agreements will have on the South Caucasus and the wider region, including the development of the transport and logistics sector.

I should also note that Azerbaijan has lifted all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia that had existed since the time of occupation. The first such transit cargo was a shipment of Kazakh grain to Armenia. I do believe that this is also a good indicator that peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia is no longer just on paper but is already a matter of practice.

Our peoples are bound by centuries-old friendship and brotherhood, which are based on shared roots and spiritual and cultural affinities. This is a solid foundation for building our interstate relations. If we review the dynamics of mutual visits – there have been more than ten of them over the past three years – it is clear how extensive our relations are.

Every meeting and every discussion is aimed at achieving concrete results. Today, we heard reports from various ministers, as well as plans for the future, and, of course, gave our additional instructions on how to step up further interactions. What we heard is rather gratifying because everything that was planned is being implemented. Where there are issues that require the attention and participation of heads of state, these issues are under our constant monitoring, of course.

The second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council, which literally followed the meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, as well as the results achieved by the Intergovernmental Commission and the Interstate Council, all benefit our countries, our peoples, and indeed our neighbors. The active interaction between our countries today also has very significant geopolitical significance.

At a time when new transport routes are opening, when projects related to connectivity are being implemented across the broader Eurasian region, when the South Caucasus and Central Asia are becoming more interconnected and often operate within a single geographic space, all this requires permanent attention and, of course, the participation of heads of state to translate this interaction into concrete results.

Our countries traditionally support each other within the framework of international organizations, including the UN and others. Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich recently visited us to participate in the Summit of Turkic States. Such active interaction at international venues further demonstrates the closeness between us.

Next year, Azerbaijan will be hosting two important international events – and, of course, Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich, I am sure, will be among our honored guests – the Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, an organization that emerged as a result of Kazakhstan's initiative.

We act practically as a single entity at all international forums. Today's negotiations, the exchange of views, and decisions are further evidence of this.

Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich extensively talked about the issues of trade and economic cooperation, cooperation in transport and logistics, energy, and humanitarian cooperation. I would like to add that all the people of Azerbaijan, including those currently living in liberated Garabagh, always gratefully acknowledge the role of President Tokayev and the fraternal people of Kazakhstan in the revival of Garabagh.

The Kurmangazy Children’s Creativity Center, which President Tokayev and I inaugurated in Fuzuli, is a center not only for children's education and development, but also a symbol of our brotherhood and friendship. Anyone visiting the Garabagh region, whether by car or by air – mostly using Fuzuli as a gateway to other regions – passes by the Kurmangazy Center, and every citizen of Azerbaijan and guest of our country can see this fraternal support. This support is exceptionally important for us as we are successfully implementing the large-scale Great Return project, in part thanks to the fraternal support of Kazakhstan.

Today, we also watched a presentation about our achievements in implementing the Middle Corridor project, as well as future plans. I would like to add that, in addition to the planning and implementation underway, the Zangezur Corridor project also offers enormous potential. In Azerbaijan, all road and railway connections will be completed by mid-next year. We do hope that progress in other countries will be just as rapid, and in that case, the opening of the Zangezur Corridor could take place by the end of 2028.

As you may know, one of the achievements of the Washington summit in August was the TRIPP (The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) project.

President Trump has lent his name to this project, which, of course, suggests that it will definitely be implemented. This opens yet another route along the Middle Corridor. In addition to the traditional route, another one has been added – through Zangezur, with a turnover of 15 million tons and meeting the latest standards. So the volume of cargo from Asia to Europe and back through our countries has potential for growth in itself, and there will also be even greater potential for receiving and shipping this cargo.

Regarding the other issues we discussed today, Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich has covered everything in detail, so I have nothing further to add.

I would simply like to once again express my gratitude for the fraternal attitude and warm welcome, and invite President Tokayev to pay a state visit to Azerbaijan at any convenient time next year.

17:20

In Astana, at the Alem.AI International Artificial Intelligence Center, the SKAI neural network briefed the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan on a project to lay an underwater fibre-optic communication line along the bottom of the Caspian Sea.

SKAI (Samruk-Kazyna Artificial Intelligence) is a neural network developed in Kazakhstan, based on the Alem LLM language model. It serves as a digital intelligent system for data analysis and real-time information presentation, including at strategic and governmental events.

16:54

The Kazakhstani president's press service has published footage of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s speech at the second meeting of the Azerbaijan–Kazakhstan Supreme Interstate Council in Astana.

Caliber.Az presents the video:

16:18

Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan visited the Alem.AI International Artificial Intelligence Center in Astana, Caliber.Az reports, citing the press service of the President of Kazakhstan (Akorda).

During the visit, the leaders were briefed on the development of digital technologies and the application of artificial intelligence in various sectors.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev presented the AI-Driven Government concept, a situational center designed to analyze and manage state processes and facilitate GovTech decision-making.

The presidents were shown Smart City technologies, a robotics zone, and Samruk-Kazyna projects aimed at implementing AI across different industries.

They also learned about the activities of the Astana Hub innovation cluster, which unites over 1,800 IT companies and startups, including more than 460 with foreign participation.

Kazakh companies showcasing their developments, which have successfully entered international markets, were also presented to Presidents Tokayev and Aliyev.

16:15

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan held a formal ceremony for the exchange of cooperation documents in Astana on October 21, attended by President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The event marked the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Strategic Partnership and Allied Relations between the two nations.

First, Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the “Joint Statement of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev and President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Strategic Partnership and Allied Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Kazakhstan”, the “Decision No. 1 of the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Kazakhstan on strengthening bilateral cooperation”, and the “Decision No. 2 of the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Kazakhstan on the approval of the Charter of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Kazakhstan," Caliber.Az reports via Azertag.

Following the signing, the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan documents were exchanged.

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and Kazakhstan’s Minister of Justice Yerlan Sersembayev exchanged the "Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Industrial Property Protection between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan."

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov and Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov exchanged the "Agreement on Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan."

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov and Kazakhstan’s Minister of Internal Affairs Yerzhan Sadenov exchanged the "Agreement on Cooperation between the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan."

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov and Chairman of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aset Irgaliyev exchanged the "Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Statistics between the State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan."

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov and Kazakhstan’s Prosecutor General Berik Asylov exchanged the "Memorandum on Cooperation between the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan."

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov and Kazakhstan’s Minister of Healthcare Akmaral Alnazarova exchanged the "Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Healthcare between the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan."

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev and Chairman of the Board of Kazakhstan’s "Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund" Joint Stock Company Nurlan Zhakupov exchanged the "Memorandum of Cooperation between the ‘Samruk-Kazyna’ Joint Stock Company and the Azerbaijan Transport and Communications Holding (AZCON)."

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and Chairman of the Board of Kazakhstan’s "Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund" Joint Stock Company Nurlan Zhakupov exchanged the "Framework Agreement on the Establishment of a Joint Investment Mechanism between the Samruk-Kazyna Azerbaijan Investment Holding Investment Fund LLC and the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR)."

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev and Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev exchanged the "Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Public Service Delivery between the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan."

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev and Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev exchanged the "Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Artificial Intelligence between the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan."

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Agency for Protection and Development of Competition Marat Omarov exchanged the "Memorandum on Mutual Understanding and Cooperation in the Field of Competition Policy between the State Agency for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Agency for Protection and Development of Competition of the Republic of Kazakhstan."

14:56

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan aim to raise their bilateral trade turnover to $1 billion in the near future, said President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a joint press statement with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in Astana on October 21, Azertac reports.

He added, “It is gratifying that the comprehensive program for the development of bilateral cooperation (between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan – ed.) is being implemented steadily. During the talks, special attention was given to expanding trade and economic ties, and it was agreed to take the necessary measures to double the bilateral trade turnover in the near future and bring it to $1 billion.”

14:46

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presented President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev with a traditional Kazakh chapan — a symbol of respect, honor, and friendship.

Video footage from a reception held in honor of President Ilham Aliyev in Astana. The leaders of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan listen to the song “Alagöz.”

Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, shared a post on the social network X about the reception.

“In honor of President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to Kazakhstan, our Kazakh brothers performed with great affection and enthusiasm the song ‘Blue Eternity’ from the repertoire of Muslim Magomayev, as a tribute to Azerbaijani culture,” Hajiyev wrote.

During the reception, the favorite song of Azerbaijan’s National Leader Heydar Aliyev, “Alagöz,” was performed, accompanied by archival footage featuring both Heydar and Ilham Aliyev.

The Kazakh singer also performed “Tut ağacı” during the evening.

14:20 

On October 21, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made press statements, Caliber.Az reports, citing the president's official website.

13:45

Following the talks, the presidents adopted a Joint Statement on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Strategic Partnership and Alliance between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The visit resulted in the signing of 15 agreements aimed at strengthening collaboration across multiple sectors, Caliber.Az reports per the press service of the President of Kazakhstan. 

These include energy, transport and logistics, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, industrial safety, healthcare, statistics, as well as cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

13:41

The Zangezur Corridor, a major regional transport initiative, could be operational by the end of 2028, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said during a joint press statement with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

“The opening of the Zangezur Corridor could take place by the end of 2028,” the Azerbaijani leader said, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

He emphasized the strategic importance of the project, noting that Azerbaijan is on track to complete its portion of the infrastructure in the near future.

“In addition to all that we are currently planning and implementing, the Zangezur Corridor project holds enormous potential. Within Azerbaijan, all work on road and rail infrastructure will be completed by the middle of next year. We hope that in other countries the work will proceed at the same pace, and in that case, the opening of the Zangezur Corridor could occur by the end of 2028,” the president stated.

President Aliyev also commented on the TRIPP project—The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity—highlighting its significance for regional connectivity.

“The TRIPP project will definitely be implemented,” the President said. “As you know, one of the achievements of the Washington Summit in August is the TRIPP project [The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity]. President Trump has given his name to this project, which naturally indicates that it will definitely be implemented. This opens up yet another route for the Middle Corridor. In addition to the traditional route, a new one through Zangezur will be added, with a cargo turnover of 15 million tons meeting the most modern standards. Thus, the volume of cargo from Asia to Europe and back through our countries’ territories has the potential to grow on its own, but it will also have even greater potential for receiving and dispatching,” he noted.

13:24

The active partnership between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan holds a significant geopolitical importance, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said during a joint press statement with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

“Active cooperation between Baku and Astana carries significant geopolitical importance,” Aliyev stated, Caliber.Az reports per local media. 

He emphasized that this collaboration is especially crucial as regional connectivity projects gain momentum and new transport routes emerge.

“Today, the active cooperation between our countries also holds great geopolitical importance. At a time when new transport routes are opening, when projects related to connectivity across the broader Eurasian region are being implemented, and when the Caucasus and Central Asia are becoming more interconnected, often operating within a single geographical space, all of this requires constant attention and, naturally, the involvement of heads of state to ensure that this cooperation yields concrete results,” the head of state noted.

13:15

On October 21, the second meeting of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Supreme Interstate Council was held in Astana with the participation of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

13:12

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has said that the country has lifted all restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia that had been in place since the occupation.

“Azerbaijan has lifted all restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia that had been in place since the occupation,” the head of state noted during a joint press statement with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Caliber.Az reports per local media. 

“I should also note that the first such transit shipment was a consignment of Kazakh grain to Armenia. I believe this is a clear indication that peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia exists not only on paper but also in practice,” the president emphasized.

13:05

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev commended Kazakhstan’s strides in development and modernization.

“Kazakhstan is confidently advancing along the path of development and modernization,” President Aliyev said, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

“Over the past few years, the reforms carried out by President ([Kassym-Jomart Tokayev – ed.], the focus on modernization and the development of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, demonstrate that Kazakhstan is confidently moving toward development and modernization,” he added.

12:54

Baku and Yerevan have reached a new era of peace, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said during the second meeting of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Supreme Interstate Council.

“Today marks, or I would even say, a new stage - the stage of peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Reaching the initialing of a peace agreement less than two years after the last military clashes demonstrates that both countries have shown a high level of political will,” the president stated, Caliber.Az reports per local media. 

Aliyev also emphasized the contribution of US President Donald Trump in the peace process.

“President Donald Trump’s role in facilitating the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia deserves the highest recognition,” he said.

12:47

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev emphasized Kazakhstan’s steadfast support for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“For many years, when our lands were under occupation, Kazakhstan consistently expressed support for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both in bilateral formats and through signed documents, as well as in Kazakhstan’s stance within international organizations, we have always felt this support, and we are very grateful for it," the president said, speaking at the second meeting of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Supreme Interstate Council, Caliber.Az reports per local media. 

12:41

At the second meeting of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Supreme Interstate Council, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed the historical significance of the Washington agreements between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

“I would like to separately note the historical importance of the declaration on the peaceful settlement of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. As U.S. President Donald Trump rightly noted, you, being in a very strong position, nevertheless proceeded to sign such a crucial document, which reflects the special status and confidence of Azerbaijan and its people under your leadership,” President Tokayev said, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

He added that the firm political will and strategic vision demonstrated by Azerbaijan serve as a prime example of a wise approach to resolving complex issues and ensuring the well-being of future generations.

President Tokayev also highlighted that the agreements reached between the two countries open new opportunities for regional and broader cooperation.

12:26

The second meeting of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Supreme Interstate Council is underway in Astana, with the participation of presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Ilham Aliyev.

Addressing the meeting, Tokayev emphasised the significance of President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Astana for further developing the strategic partnership between the two countries, Caliber.Az report per local media.

“First of all, I would like to once again welcome your official state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan, which holds a very important, one could even say critically important, significance for the further development of strategic partnership, allied relations, and ultimately, for strengthening the friendship between our brotherly peoples and states,” Tokayev said.

He also underlined that Azerbaijan holds a special place for Kazakhstan as a fraternal country.

“We are united by shared historical roots, a rich spiritual and cultural heritage, and, ultimately, a similar mentality and perspective on development and current affairs. On this solid foundation, we are successfully developing our multifaceted cooperation,” the president of Kazakhstan stated.

Moreover, Tokayev highlighted the role of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

“Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, the current high level of Kazakh-Azerbaijani relations has been achieved primarily thanks to your personal contribution. I deeply and highly appreciate your unwavering support and attention to this matter.”

Tokayev also noted that all of Azerbaijan’s outstanding achievements today are closely linked to the constructive and strong leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

12:02

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev were presented with the “Development of the Middle Corridor” project.

The heads of state were briefed on the systematic work being carried out by Kazakh and Azerbaijani specialists to develop the Middle Corridor, Caliber.Az reports per the Kazakh president’s press service (Akorda).

Advisor to the President of Kazakhstan, Assel Zhanassova, presented a development plan for the key transport and logistics route that connects China and Central Asian countries with European states.

President Tokayev and President Aliyev were informed that the main driver of growth for the Middle Corridor is the increasing volume of shipments from China to Azerbaijan.

The presidents were told that transit of goods from the Chinese border to Georgian ports currently takes 15–18 days, and that cargo flows along this route are forecasted to triple by 2030.

During the event, the leaders were also informed about specific measures and initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of the Middle Corridor, as well as strengthening its transit role in the Eurasian region.

11:46

On October 21, a one-on-one meeting took place in Astana between President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

According to Caliber.Az, the information was published on the official website of the head of state.

At the meeting, Ilham Aliyev noted that Kazakhstan today demonstrates a high level of development, enjoys socio-political stability, and has a strengthening economy.

The President emphasized that Baku closely follows the reforms being carried out in Kazakhstan under the leadership of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and fully supports this course toward modernizing the country and enhancing its potential.

Touching on bilateral relations, Ilham Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan is focused on strengthening cooperation with Kazakhstan across all areas. The President added that a meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council is scheduled for today, during which an extensive agenda will be discussed and further steps to reinforce the partnership will be outlined.

11:28

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has held talks with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

“For me, it is a great honor to welcome you on a state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan. This is a very important event in terms of further strengthening the strategic partnership and allied relations between our countries. Without any exaggeration, it can be said that Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are not only friendly states but also brotherly peoples. Therefore, developing multifaceted cooperation with your country is a high priority for us," Tokayev said, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Kazakh president's press service (Akorda).

"Moreover, under your strong leadership, Azerbaijan has significantly enhanced its positions, strengthened its authority on the international stage, and plays a very important role as a regional power in your part of the world. For us, the development of trade-economic cooperation and political partnership is a very important task,” Tokayev emphasised.

The president also thoroughly discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in trade and economic, investment, agricultural, and transit-transport sectors.

Special attention was given to cultural and humanitarian interaction.

The sides also shared views on current issues of the regional and international agenda.

11:16

The presidents of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are holding talks in Astana.

11:07

Video from Astana, where Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is on a state visit.

🇦🇿🇰🇿 Видео из Астаны, где проходит государственный визит Президента Азербайджана Ильхама Алиева.#Caliber #president #IlhamAliyev #Azerbaijan #Kazakhstan #diplomacy #politics #statevisit #news pic.twitter.com/oLQmVbWdPq

— Caliber (@Caliberaz) October 21, 2025

10:06

On October 21, an official welcoming ceremony for the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, took place at the Akorda Presidential Palace in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana.

A guard of honour was lined up at the palace in honour of the Azerbaijani President, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed President Ilham Aliyev.

Members of the Kazakh delegation were introduced to President Aliyev, while members of the Azerbaijani delegation were introduced to President Tokayev.

The commander of the guard of honour reported to the Azerbaijani President.

The national anthems of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan were played.

The two Presidents inspected the guard of honour and posed for a joint photograph.

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16:50, 20.10.2025

The Kazakh presidential press service shared footage of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's arrival in Astana.

16:45

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan arrived in Kazakhstan on October 20 for a state visit at the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Caliber.Az reports, citing President Aliyev's press service.

At Astana International Airport, Aliyev was greeted with a honor guard. The two presidents reviewed the ceremonial march together.

An honor guard was lined up to welcome Ilham Aliyev at Astana International Airport. The head of state was greeted by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The honor guard marched past the presidents to the sounds of a military march.

As previously reported by the press service of the President of Kazakhstan (Akorda), high-level talks will be held during the visit. The heads of state will also participate in a meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council and a Kazakh-Azerbaijani business forum.

Ahead of his visit to Kazakhstan, Ilham Aliyev gave an exclusive interview to Kazinform, in which he discussed the high level of political dialogue between the two countries, the rapid development of cooperation in transport, logistics, and oil and gas, as well as prospects for joint work in green energy and initiatives within the Organization of Turkic States.

By Khagan Isayev