Kazakhstan and Albania Hold First Political Consultations between the Foreign Ministries in Tirana
Images | Kazakh MFA
The first round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and Albania took place in the capital of Albania. The Kazakh delegation was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Roman Vassilenko, Albanian - led by Deputy Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Endrit Yzeiraj, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
The sides discussed the current and future prospects of bilateral cooperation, the development of political dialog, the strengthening of trade and economic ties, as well as the expansion of investment cooperation.
The parties noted the positive dynamics and mutual trust in Kazakhstan-Albania relations, further strengthened by the historic visit of Albanian President Bajram Begaj to Kazakhstan in September 2023 and the opening of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Tirana in 2024.
Deputy Minister Vassilenko highlighted Kazakhstan’s view of Albania as a valuable and reliable partner within the Balkan region. He also emphasized the importance of expanding the legal framework and strengthening cooperation between relevant institutions, including Kazakh Invest JSC and the Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA).
In order to deepen economic cooperation, the Kazakh side proposed the establishment of an Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation and a Business Council, allowing for the establishment of effective tools to expand bilateral interaction and attract new business initiatives.
In turn, Deputy Minister Yzeiraj underscored the significance of regular high-level interactions between the two countries’ foreign ministers, referencing their recent meetings on the sidelines of the High-Level Segment of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council passed February 2024, the UN General Assembly last September, and other global UN events. He noted that the recent opening of the Kazakh Embassy in Albania was a crucial step in strengthening the full spectrum of relations between Astana and Tirana.
During the consultations, the parties also exchanged views on international and regional agendas, including cooperation within the UN, the OSCE, and other multilateral structures.
Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral dialogue through increased mutual visits at various levels in the near future. In this context, special attention was given to preparations for the upcoming visit of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama to Kazakhstan in May this year to participate in the Astana International Forum.
At the conclusion of the negotiations, the diplomats agreed on a schedule of upcoming engagements to ensure the effective implementation of all agreements reached and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining working-level contacts to fully realize the potential of bilateral relations.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
relevant news
Central Asia and Gulf Countries Strengthen Interregional Partnership
Images | Kazakh MFA
The Kazakh delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu participated in the 3rd Ministerial Meeting of the "Central Asia - Gulf Cooperation Council" format, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
The participants reviewed the current state of interregional cooperation, exchanged views on pressing international issues, and outlined priority areas for future collaboration. In his remarks, head of Kazakh delegation noted that although the "CA-GCC" platform was launched recently, it has already established itself as a promising mechanism for engagement within the "C5+" format.
Special attention was given to practical cooperation in key areas. The Kazakh side emphasized that coordinated actions between the regions could significantly enhance trade and economic ties, create sustainable supply chains, and ensure food security.
Priority sectors for collaboration included investment, the agro-industrial complex, transport infrastructure, renewable energy, climate change, geology, digitalization and innovation.
The Kazakh Foreign Minister also underscored the strategic relevance of cooperation in rare earth and critical raw materials industries. "Kazakhstan possesses more than 5,000 mineral deposits with a total estimated value exceeding 46 trillion US dollars. We invite our GCC partners to participate in joint projects across the full cycle - from exploration to processing and innovative applications," stated Minister Nurtleu.
He further highlighted the importance of driving the partnership through digital technologies. Kazakhstan is actively investing in this field and has recently established an International Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence and launched Alem.AI Center in Astana that will serve as a hub for startups, R&D, and cutting-edge tech development.
On the humanitarian front, Kazakhstan expressed interest in deepening cooperation in education, sports, tourism and cultural exchange. The Kazakh side also proposed the creation of a unified Central Asian tourist route tailored to visitors from the Gulf countries.
The partnership between Central Asia and the GCC is built not only on shared economic interests but also on profound historical and cultural ties. Kazakhstan stands ready to welcome your official delegations, business representatives and citizens to the Astana International Forum this May," Minister Nurtleu concluded.
In addition, the head of delegations of the participating countries were received by the Crown Prince of Kuwait Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. The meeting served as an opportunity to discuss prospects for strengthening political dialogue, expanding economic cooperation, and promoting humanitarian engagement between the regions.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan and Kuwait Aim to Strengthen Investment and Trade Cooperation
Images | Kazakh MFA
Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu arrived to the State of Kuwait to participate in the 3rd ministerial meeting of the "Central Asia - Gulf Cooperation Council" format, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
Within the framework of the visit, the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan held meetings with the Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) Waleed Al-Bahar and Deputy Director General of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry Imad Al-Zaid.
With the head of KFAED, they discussed the prospects of expanding cooperation in the field of sustainable development, financing of infrastructure and socially important projects in Kazakhstan. Special attention was paid to the possibilities of attracting the Fund’s resources to projects in the field of energy, water supply and agriculture.
With the leadership of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait, interlocutors exchanged views on the activation of bilateral trade, stimulating business activity and creating favorable conditions for contacts between business circles of the two countries. Strengthening cooperation in sectors such as the agro-industrial complex, raw materials processing, transportation and logistics were discussed.
The Kazakh Foreign Minister told the interlocutors in detail about the investment potential of Kazakhstan, the Government’s measures to improve the investment climate and invited Kuwaiti investors to implement several major projects in the country.
Kazakhstan remains the leading destination for foreign direct investment in Central Asia. We are ready to provide comprehensive support to Kuwaiti investors interested in the realization of joint projects," said Minister Nurtleu.
The Kuwaiti side expressed interest in exchange of business delegations to study potential investment projects.
The head of KFAED also confirmed his participation in the upcoming Astana International Forum, which will be held on May 29-30, 2025.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Prospects for Cooperation with Pakistan Discussed at the Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan
Images | Kazakh MFA
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Alibek Bakaev, held a meeting with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Kazakhstan, Nauman Bashir Bhatti, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
During the meeting, the parties held an in-depth discussion on the current state and future prospects of Kazakh-Pakistani partnership, and exchanged views on key issues of the international agenda.
Special attention was given to the schedule of planned bilateral visits and events at various levels throughout the current year. The parties noted the positive dynamics of high-level contacts.
In this context, the importance of the upcoming meeting of the Kazakhstan-Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation was emphasized, as it plays a key role in advancing the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation.
Both sides highlighted the need to further develop mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of energy, trade and economic relations, as well as transit and transport connectivity.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.