Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has expressed profound gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the people of Türkiye after receiving the Republic of Türkiye’s highest state honor, marking a historic milestone in the Kazakhstan-Türkiye relations.
Despite his usual modesty toward awards, Tokayev said this particular recognition carries exceptional meaning, symbolizing the deep-rooted friendship and brotherhood that unite the two nations, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.
He hailed the award as a powerful gesture of respect from Türkiye to all Kazakhs and a reflection of their shared heritage, values, and commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation.
President Tokayev praised Erdoğan’s leadership, highlighting Türkiye’s impressive economic growth and rising global stature under his guidance. He recalled Türkiye’s historic role as the first country to recognize Kazakhstan’s independence, a cornerstone of their bilateral ties.
Economic and cultural ties between the countries have flourished, with some 4,000 Turkish companies active in Kazakhstan and more than 12,000 Kazakh students studying in Türkiye. Last year, nearly 800,000 Kazakhs visited Türkiye, with this number expected to surpass one million in 2025.
On the international stage, both countries collaborate closely on sustainable development and security issues, including within the Organization of Turkic States. Tokayev underscored the opportunity to deepen this partnership further, as reflected in recent high-level talks.
Domestically, Kazakhstan pursues balanced and multi-vector policies, with robust economic growth of 5.1 per cent in 2024 and 6.2 per cent in the first half of 2025. The country aims to reach a $300 billion GDP by year-end-the highest in Central Asia-focusing on digitalization, AI, transport, agriculture, energy, and industry, where cooperation with Türkiye remains vital.
Tokayev also commended Türkiye’s role in mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict and expressed support for UN reforms.
In his remarks, President Erdoğan praised Tokayev’s stewardship, recognizing Kazakhstan as a regional beacon of peace and stability. Erdoğan lauded Kazakhstan’s role in institutionalizing the Organization of Turkic States and reaffirmed the close fraternal ties between the two nations, expressing pride in bestowing Türkiye’s highest honor on Tokayev as a symbol of enduring friendship.
The award ceremony was attended by Turkish officials, intellectuals, business leaders, and about 80 diplomats.
President Tokayev arrived in Türkiye on July 28 and was warmly welcomed by Erdoğan at Ankara Esenboga Airport. During his visit, Tokayev paid tribute at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and met prominent Turkish business figures.
On July 29, an official ceremony was held at the presidential palace in Ankara. The two leaders co-chaired the 5th Kazakhstan-Türkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, discussing broad-ranging cooperation in defense, IT, AI, finance, aviation, culture, education, healthcare, and tourism. The visit concluded with signing a Joint Declaration and 18 intergovernmental agreements.
