Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Italian President Sergio Mattarella have held high-level talks in an extended format, focusing on strengthening political dialogue, boosting economic cooperation, and enhancing cultural ties.
Opening the meeting, President Tokayev emphasized that the multifaceted relationship between Kazakhstan and Italy rests on solid political trust, a dynamic economic partnership, and rich cultural and humanitarian engagement, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.
He commended President Mattarella for his personal contribution to the steady advancement of bilateral ties.
President Tokayev noted that his official visit to Italy last year resulted in landmark agreements that injected new momentum into Kazakh-Italian cooperation.
"Italy remains one of Kazakhstan’s top three trading partners," President Tokayev said. "Our economic partnership is growing rapidly and holds vast potential. Over the past two decades, Italy has invested approximately $7.6 billion in Kazakhstan’s economy. Today, more than 250 Italian companies are operating successfully in our country."
The president outlined several priority sectors for future cooperation, including:
Critical raw materials
Petrochemicals and machine building
Transport and logistics
Light industry and food processing
Artificial intelligence and financial services
Tourism and education
President Tokayev also highlighted recent regional diplomatic initiatives, such as the Central Asia + Italy dialogue platform and the first Central Asia-Italy Summit held in Astana this May, praising Rome’s strong support for deepening regional engagement.
The Kazakh leader further recalled his warm and productive meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who served as a keynote speaker at the Astana International Forum.
Cultural Diplomacy in Focus
Cultural cooperation was another key item on the agenda. President Tokayev announced the naming of a street in Astana after the famed Italian explorer Marco Polo, symbolizing the enduring friendship between Kazakhstan and Italy.
In response, President Mattarella expressed deep appreciation for the gesture and reiterated Italy’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties:
“We are deeply honored to visit Kazakhstan. Your visit to Rome last year was a major step forward in our partnership. The opening of Italy’s first cultural center in Central Asia-right here in Astana-is a testament to our expanding collaboration. And the decision to name a street after Marco Polo further reflects your dedication to fostering lasting ties,” Mattarella said.
He also praised President Tokayev’s role in fostering a relationship built on trust, dialogue, and mutual understanding.
A New Chapter in Relations
The two sides expressed confidence that President Mattarella’s official visit would mark a new chapter in the evolving strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Italy.
The expanded talks followed earlier narrow-format negotiations between the two leaders, focused on foreign policy, security, and regional cooperation.
