Astana: Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have engaged in discussions regarding the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the expansion of non-resource exports, as well as industrial collaboration, Qazinform News Agency reported. This dialogue took place during a meeting between Kazakhstan's Minister Yermek Kosherbayev and the newly appointed Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan, Alimirzamin Asgarov, on August 21 in Astana.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Minister Kosherbayev congratulated Ambassador Asgarov on his new position and wished him success in his diplomatic endeavors. The discussions focused on current bilateral cooperation issues and the prospects for enhancing the strategic partnership and alliance between the two nations, as noted by the Kazakh Foreign Ministry's press service.

The talks highlighted that the regular interactions and trust-based dialogue between the presidents of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan provide a solid foundation for advancing the relationship between the two countries. Minister Kosherbayev also informed the Ambassador about Kazakhstan's ongoing political and socio-economic reforms, emphasizing that the upcoming Qurultay elections on August 23 would be a significant step toward implementing the new constitutional model.

Significant attention was given to trade and economic cooperation, with both parties recognizing the strong momentum in bilateral trade and the potential for expanding non-resource exports, industrial collaboration, and mutual investments. They also stressed the importance of enhancing transit and transport cooperation, with Kazakhstan considering Azerbaijan a key partner in developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

The meeting further addressed cooperation within international organizations, including the United Nations, Organization of Turkic States, Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Ambassador Asgarov expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed his commitment to contributing to the further advancement of bilateral relations, in line with the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance.