Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are deepening their partnership through a powerful blend of economic collaboration and shared cultural heritage. As both nations pursue ambitious growth and modernization, their ties are strengthened not only by robust trade and investment but also by a rich kinship rooted in history, language, and traditions. This unique combination of economic drive and cultural bonds is shaping a dynamic alliance that promises mutual prosperity and lasting friendship.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s two-day visit to Kazakhstan is taking place at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The visit and ensuing discussions are anticipated to focus on strengthening cooperation between the two nations, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.
Strategic Partnership
Over more than three decades of diplomatic relations, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have forged a robust and comprehensive partnership that spans nearly all sectors of development. Their collaboration continues to deepen annually, underpinned by a strong legal framework comprising over 170 agreements, including treaties, memoranda, and protocols.
The countries cooperate bilaterally and within international organizations such as the UN, OTS, CIS, and OSCE. The foundation of their relationship rests on the 2005 Treaty on Strategic Partnership and the 2022 Declaration, which chart a course toward closer strategic ties and alliance.
Dynamic Dialogue
Throughout 2025, Presidents Tokayev and Aliyev maintained frequent and productive communication at the highest level. They discussed bilateral cooperation, regional security, trade, and joint projects during phone conversations on May 17 and August 10.
They also met in person at several international events. In January, they held talks in Abu Dhabi during Sustainability Week, focusing on environmental challenges, green energy, and digital transformation. In May, they convened at the informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Budapest, exchanging views on regional integration and economic cooperation.
Most recently, in October, Tokayev participated in the 12th official OTS Summit in Gabala, hosted by Aliyev, where discussions focused on modernizing transport and logistics corridors, expanding cooperation in energy and digital technology, and coordinating diplomatic efforts among Turkic states.
Growing Trade and Investment
Bilateral trade continues its steady upward trajectory. According to Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee, trade between the two countries reached $547.6 million in the first eight months of 2025, more than tripling compared to the same period in 2024.
Kazakhstan’s principal exports include wheat, totaling 570,400 tons valued at $121.5 million, and oil products worth $38.2 million from January through August. This indicates ongoing demand for agricultural and energy commodities. For comparison, total trade turnover in 2024 was $533.4 million, slightly below the 2023 record of $556.7 million.
Business relations are also expanding, with approximately 1,500 Azerbaijani-capital companies operating in Kazakhstan and nearly 150 Kazakh enterprises registered in Azerbaijan.
Investment flows remain positive despite some fluctuations. Since 2005, Azerbaijani investments in Kazakhstan have reached $424.6 million, including $3.8 million in the first quarter of 2025. In the same timeframe, Kazakhstan has invested $156 million in Azerbaijan, with $32.6 million invested in 2024 alone.
These figures demonstrate the commitment of both countries to deepening economic ties and pursuing joint investment ventures.
Transit and Oil Export Expansion
Kazakhstan’s transit and export activities are rapidly increasing, particularly along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. In the first seven months of 2025, 2.6 million tons of cargo were transported via this corridor, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. Container traffic saw the largest rise, nearly doubling to 40,200 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).
Cargo volumes have surged sixfold over the past five years, growing from 0.8 million tons in 2020 to 4.5 million tons in 2024, with a 2025 target of 5.2 million tons, including 70,000 TEUs. Kazakhstan primarily exports oil, metals, chemicals, and grain through this corridor, while imports and transit include consumer goods, foodstuffs, vehicles, and equipment.
Exports of Kazakh oil through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline have gained significance since November 2022, with joint shipments by KazMunayGas and Azerbaijan’s SOCAR increasing steadily-from over 1 million tons in 2023 to 1.4 million tons in 2024, and around 0.9 million tons in the first eight months of 2025.
Projections indicate that annual exports via this route could reach 7 million tons by 2027. The Baku-Supsa pipeline is also being considered as an alternative route, with route choice and shipment volumes dependent on commercial feasibility and infrastructure readiness.
Digital and Energy Infrastructure Projects
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are advancing two key infrastructure projects with regional and global impact.
The Aktau-Sumgait submarine fiber optic cable-a 380-kilometer line along the Caspian seabed-will offer a high-speed data route connecting Kazakhstan to the global internet and facilitating transit between Europe and China. With a capacity exceeding 400 terabits per second, preparatory work was completed by 2025, with construction set to commence in 2026 at a cost exceeding 22 billion tenge.
The second project involves a deepwater power cable linking the energy grids of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. This green corridor aims to export renewable energy to Europe. Installation is progressing on schedule, with commissioning planned for the second quarter of 2026.
These initiatives underscore close bilateral cooperation and highlight the region’s growing strategic importance in digital and energy sectors.
Tourism, Defense, and Security Cooperation
Tourism flows between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan continue to grow. According to KazakhTourism, over 102,000 Azerbaijani tourists visited Kazakhstan in 2024, up from around 59,000 in 2022. Meanwhile, Kazakh tourists traveling to Azerbaijan increased from 24,000 to 71,500 over the same period.
Military and technical collaboration has intensified in 2025, with more than 20 joint activities. In February, Kazakhstan hosted Azerbaijan’s Deputy Defense Minister Agil Gurbanov and former defense advisor Bakhtiyar Ersay. June saw the Caspian Breeze 2025 naval exercises in the Caspian Sea, while Azerbaijani cadets participated in Kazakhstan’s Aibyn youth forum.
In July, Azerbaijan hosted the Tarlan 2025 drone unit exercises and joint air force drills took place at Kazakhstan’s Saryshagan test site. This academic year also marked the start of Kazakh servicemen studying at the Heydar Aliyev Military Institute, deepening military training ties.
Cultural Exchange and Cooperation
Cultural relations between the two nations have strengthened, becoming an integral aspect of their bilateral partnership. They regularly organize cultural days, film festivals, exhibitions, concerts, and theatrical performances that showcase their heritage and contemporary art.
A notable gesture included Kazakhstan’s donation of books to libraries in Karabakh and the establishment of a Center for Children’s Creativity in Fuzuli. Streets in Baku and Sumgait have been named after prominent Kazakh cultural and scientific figures, with commemorations for anniversaries of Abai Kunanbayuly, Zhambyl Zhabayev, and others.
Educational and scientific collaborations are expanding through student exchanges, joint conferences, research centers, exhibitions, and roundtables. In March 2025, universities from both countries signed 40 memoranda of understanding, and an education fair in Baku brought together representatives from 23 Kazakh universities.
Kazakh culture is gaining popularity among Azerbaijani audiences; a month-long Kazakh cinema event in Baku in 2025 drew strong interest with films such as Dos Mukasan, Scammers, Kazakh Khanate, and Diamond Sword. Joint projects in art, cinema, ethnography, and tourism continue to grow, fostering deeper cultural ties and Azerbaijani appreciation of Kazakh heritage.
Anticipated Discussions
President Ilham Aliyev’s upcoming visit to Kazakhstan is expected to further solidify the allied partnership. Ilgar Valizade, head of the Southern Caucasus Political Scientists Club, described the visit as “not just a protocol visit but a strategic opportunity to address key issues of regional security, defense, high technology, and joint infrastructure projects.”
“Transport and logistics will be in focus. The Caspian transport corridor is moving forward, tariffs are being coordinated, and infrastructure is taking shape. During the visit, documents may be signed to advance these projects,” Valizade added.
He also underscored the significance of humanitarian cooperation encompassing science, education, and cultural exchanges.
Economist Anar Azizov emphasized the visit’s strong economic agenda.
“Kazakh oil transit through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan route continues to grow. Volumes are expected to reach 7 million tons a year by 2027. The Baku Supsa pipeline is also being considered, creating new commercial opportunities.”
Azizov highlighted potential developments in the Middle Corridor as well: “Roads, railways, and ports are being modernized. New logistics projects are likely to be discussed, along with agreements on upgrading port infrastructure and cooperation in shipbuilding.”
He pointed out the agricultural sector as another promising area: “Kazakh wheat exports to Azerbaijan remain strong, and Azerbaijani agricultural products have growing export potential to Kazakhstan. This expands trade flows and helps diversify bilateral trade.”
Valizade also emphasized defense cooperation: “The visit may provide a platform to sign new agreements on military and technical cooperation and initiatives in high tech.”
Experts agree that Aliyev’s visit to Astana aims to deepen strategic, economic, and infrastructural cooperation. They anticipate concrete agreements that will boost trade, develop transport corridors, and support innovation-offering new opportunities for investment, trade, and joint ventures, and elevating bilateral relations to a new level.
