Baku: On March 3, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Olzhas Bektenov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, APA reports. The meeting underscored the dynamic development of relations between the two nations, with President Aliyev recalling his regular meetings with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. He expressed gratitude to the Kazakh leader for his participation in COP29 held in Azerbaijan, noting that it demonstrated Kazakhstan’s solidarity and contributed to the conference’s successful conclusion.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev highlighted agreements reached at COP29 that resulted in projects fostering closer ties between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Bektenov’s visit would lead to detailed discussions on crucial projects and ensure continued cooperation across various sectors. President Aliyev emphasized the historical brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan and their roles in regional and international socio-economic development.

Prime Minister Bektenov, conveying greetings from President Tokayev, acknowledged the trust-based relationship between the two countries’ leaders as pivotal to their strengthening ties. He noted the efforts by both governments to implement agreements and highlighted significant progress in the Trans-Caspian multimodal transport route, with a 60 percent increase in cargo flow last year.

Both leaders commended the progress in cooperation, noting a near tripling of annual trade turnover over the past three years and continued growth in cargo transportation. Discussions included support for investment projects through a joint investment fund, joint projects in the oil and gas sector, and increased transportation of Kazakh oil via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. The integration of energy systems through an underwater cable line and development in the green energy sector were also key topics.