Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s official visit to Kazakhstan has begun.

At Akorda Residence—the official residence of the Kazakh president—an official welcoming ceremony for the Armenian premier first took place, during which Pashinyan and Kazakhs President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev greeted their countries’ delegations, and the national anthems of Armenia and Kazakhstan were played.

Afterward, a private meeting was held between the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Kazakhstan.

Then an expanded-format meeting between Nikol Pashinyan and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took place.

Tokayev stated that Armenia is a key partner for Kazakhstan in terms of trade and economic ties, and that the Kazakh people greatly respect the Armenian people, their history, culture, and traditions. According to him, Armenia has today become a very popular tourist destination for the Kazakh people. The president of Kazakhstan noted that open relations exist between the two countries, based on mutual trust, and that cooperation is close both on regional and international platforms.

In turn, Pashinyan stressed that the key outcome of this visit will be the development of bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership. According to the Armenian premier, on this basis the two parties will give new impetus to the further development of their relations in all domains: a high level of political dialogue, deepening economic cooperation, and new expressions of cooperation in the humanitarian field.

According to the Armenian PM, changes taking place in the region are creating new opportunities for the further deepening of economic relations, and new transport opportunities are opening, which must be seriously examined. He added that members of the intergovernmental commission of the two countries are receiving a new agenda, and work on it has already begun.

Next, Nikol Pashinyan and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed a wide range of matters on developing trade and economic and business ties, as well as cooperation in infrastructure, transport, agriculture, air communication, education, and culture. The interlocutors emphasized the importance of unblocking regional communication routes, which will give a new impetus to the development and expansion of regional relations. In that regard, the leaders of the countries highlighted the recent importing of wheat from Kazakhstan to Armenia by rail, and expressed hope that this process will be continued. In this context, Nikol Pashinyan and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev considered the implementation of the TRIPP and Crossroads of Peace projects important.

Also, the Kazakh president emphasized the Armenian premier’s personal efforts in establishing peace and stability in the region, adding that his country consistently supports the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Subsequently, the interlocutors exchanged views on the launch of direct flights between Yerevan and Astana, digitalization, student exchange programs, and further development of cooperation in other sectors.

Also, Prime Minister Pashinyan invited the president of Kazakhstan to Armenia on a state visit, and this invitation was gladly accepted.