Kazakhstan and Türkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening a multifaceted strategic partnership, with a clear focus on practical cooperation and long-term results. On 2 February 2026, Ankara hosted the 8th meeting of the Joint Strategic Planning Group, chaired by the foreign ministers of the two countries, DKNews.kz reports.
The meeting took place as Kazakhstan and Türkiye marked the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Against this backdrop, both sides emphasized that their shared history, language and culture remain the foundation of a brotherly relationship that continues to expand in scope and depth.
Economy, technology and investment at the core
A central part of the discussions focused on boosting trade and investment and making economic cooperation more diversified and resilient. The sides explored ways to facilitate trade, encourage technology transfer and launch joint investment projects, particularly in agriculture, environmental protection and healthcare.
Special attention was given to cooperation in science and technology. Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digitalization and space were highlighted as priority areas capable of shaping future competitiveness and innovation-driven growth in both countries.
Energy cooperation and critical minerals
Energy featured prominently on the agenda. The ministers discussed cooperation across the entire energy value chain, including oil and natural gas infrastructure, clean energy generation and electricity transmission. They also explored opportunities for joint initiatives in the mining sector, with a particular focus on critical minerals and rare earth elements, which are increasingly important for global supply chains.
The Middle Corridor as a strategic link
The Trans-Caspian East–West Middle Corridor was reaffirmed as a key transport and energy route connecting Central Asia with global markets through Türkiye. The ministers underlined its role as a sustainable and reliable corridor and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation through bilateral channels, the Kazakhstan–Türkiye–Azerbaijan trilateral mechanism, and regional platforms, especially within the Turkic framework.
Security and defense cooperation
In light of emerging global and regional challenges, the sides agreed to take coordinated action against threats to peace and security, including terrorism in all its forms and transnational organized crime. Close cooperation in defense matters and ongoing military dialogue were positively assessed, with particular emphasis on the modernization of Kazakhstan’s defense industry infrastructure through joint ventures.
People-to-people ties, education and culture
The ministers stressed that strong people-to-people connections remain one of the most solid pillars of bilateral relations. Educational and cultural cooperation, academic exchanges and student programs were highlighted as long-term investments in mutual understanding.
Progress on the establishment of Maarif Schools in Astana and Almaty was welcomed, alongside plans to intensify cooperation between higher education institutions, vocational schools, researchers and specialists.
Health, humanitarian cooperation and solidarity
The sides praised the constructive cooperation developed in recent years in the health sector and expressed a shared intention to further deepen it through stronger institutional engagement, capacity building and exchange of expertise.
Türkiye also expressed appreciation for Kazakhstan’s solidarity following the devastating earthquakes of 6 February 2023, including support symbolized by the construction of a school in Nurdağı as a gesture of brotherhood from the Kazakh people.
Regional and global agenda
The ministers exchanged views on major regional and international developments, including Afghanistan, Gaza, Ukraine and Syria. They welcomed the launch of the second phase of the Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza, emphasizing the importance of new mechanisms aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire, reconstruction and long-term stability in the region.
The need for a negotiated, mutually acceptable and viable settlement of the Cyprus issue was also underlined, with acknowledgment of the aspirations of Turkish Cypriots as an integral part of the Turkic world.
What comes next
The meeting also served as a timely opportunity to discuss preparations for the 6th Meeting of the High-Level Strategic Council to be held in Astana under the co-chairmanship of the presidents of Kazakhstan and Türkiye, as well as the upcoming summits of Turkic states scheduled to take place in 2026 in Kazakhstan and Türkiye.
Overall, the Ankara talks demonstrated that Kazakhstan and Türkiye are moving beyond declarations toward concrete cooperation. With a strong political dialogue and an expanding agenda covering economy, security, technology and human ties, the strategic partnership between the two countries continues to gain practical substance and long-term momentum.
