Kazakhstan bolsters strategic alliance with Turkey under Tokayev's leadership
Strong and Expanding Strategic Partnership Between Turkey and Kazakhstan
The strategic partnership between Turkey and Kazakhstan is currently very strong and expanding across multiple sectors, including energy diplomacy, transport, education, and investments. This partnership, which was further strengthened during the fifth High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting held in Ankara in July 2025, is poised for further growth [1][2][4].
In energy diplomacy, the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and Kazakhstan’s NC KazMunayGas signed a significant cooperation agreement. This deal is expected to boost Kazakh oil exports and strengthen energy ties, reflecting Kazakhstan's vital role in global oil trade and Turkey’s strategic interest in securing energy supplies [1]. This partnership is part of an expanded strategic framework established since 2009 and upgraded in 2022, indicating continuous progress [4].
Transport cooperation is also a key focus, with agreements signed on freight transport and international road transport collaboration between respective ministries. These efforts enhance connectivity via the Middle Corridor, a multimodal trade route that links Asia to Europe through Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus, and Turkey, bypassing Russia. This corridor is strategically important for both countries and Europe, contributing to diversified trade routes and regional integration [1][4].
On investments, Kazakhstan invested a record $610 million in Turkey during the first four months of 2025 alone, indicating strong economic engagement and confidence [2]. This investment dynamic is part of a broader trend towards reciprocal economic expansion and downstream industrial cooperation, where Turkey provides logistical continuity and Kazakhstan diversifies its geoeconomic network [3].
Regarding education, the countries' close cultural and historical ties and ongoing diplomatic exchanges often accompany enhanced cooperation in education and academic exchange. Kazakhstan maintains multiple consulates in Turkey supporting cultural and educational ties, and there have been academic conferences related to Turkic states, further indicating educational collaboration [2].
Kazakhstan is modernizing its rail and road infrastructure, and reviving maritime transport on the Caspian Sea. One of the agreements aims to increase the transportation of Kazakh oil to global markets via Turkey [1]. Approximately 85% of road freight transported between China and Europe passes through Kazakhstan [4].
The bilateral economic relations have gained significant momentum, with the growth of investments in various sectors such as energy, construction, agriculture, industry, infrastructure, and healthcare. The comprehensive cooperation platform established during the Tokayev-Erdoğan summit could contribute to realizing a bilateral trade volume of $15 billion [4].
The partnership between Turkey and Kazakhstan has a distinct and positive momentum, marked by a shared sense of fraternal affinity. Around 4,000 Turkish companies are operating in Kazakhstan, having undertaken projects worth a total of $6 billion. Over 20 bilateral agreements were signed, covering areas such as regional integration, mining, energy, transportation, and education [2].
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan co-chaired the fifth meeting of the Turkey-Kazakhstan Strategic Cooperation Council. Erdogan awarded Tokayev the State Order of Turkey, symbolizing the deepening of bilateral relations beyond strategic interests [4].
This article is based on the research of an independent political expert and author based in Ankara, Turkey.
References: [1] Anadolu Agency. (2025). Turkey, Kazakhstan boost energy ties with new deal. [online] Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-kazakhstan-boost-energy-ties-with-new-deal/2649058
[2] Anadolu Agency. (2025). Kazakhstan invests $610M in Turkey in first four months of 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/kazakhstan-investments-in-turkey-reach-record-610-million-in-first-four-months-of-2025/2649643
[3] Anadolu Agency. (2025). Turkey, Kazakhstan to boost transport cooperation. [online] Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-kazakhstan-to-boost-transport-cooperation/2649057
[4] Anadolu Agency. (2025). Turkey, Kazakhstan to deepen strategic partnership. [online] Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-kazakhstan-to-deepen-strategic-partnership/2649056
- The partnership between Turkey and Kazakhstan extends to policy-and-legislation and politics, as they continue to improve energy diplomacy, transport cooperation, and investments.
- In the realm of finance, significant investments from Kazakhstan in Turkey's construction, agriculture, industry, and healthcare sectors have contributed to a growing economic engagement between the two nations.
- The energy sector collaboration between Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and Kazakhstan’s NC KazMunayGas has further strengthened Turkey’s strategic interest in securing energy supplies and reflects Kazakhstan's importance in global oil trade.
- The transportation of Kazakh oil to global markets via Turkey is part of an agreement, which aims to facilitate the growth of transportation in both countries and strengthen energy ties, contributing to diversified trade routes and regional integration.
