Diplomacy is shifting toward concrete projects. Following reciprocal visits by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and King Abdullah II, Kazakhstan and Jordan are now discussing the next stage of their relationship: investment, agriculture, transport, tourism and direct air connectivity, DKNews.kz reports.
These areas were central to political consultations held in Amman between Arman Issagaliyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Daifallah Ali Al-Fayez, Secretary General of Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.
After two presidential visits, implementation moves to the forefront
The political foundation of bilateral relations strengthened significantly in 2025.
In February, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited Amman and held talks with King Abdullah II. In August of the same year, the Jordanian monarch paid a return visit to Astana.
The two sides are now focusing on implementing agreements reached at the highest level. During his current visit, Issagaliyev also held separate talks with a representative of the Royal Court to review progress on those understandings.
Astana and Amman also confirmed mutual interest in further contacts between the leaders of the two countries, although no specific dates for future meetings were announced.
Trade is still measured in millions, not billions
Despite active political engagement, bilateral trade remains relatively modest.
According to KAZAKH INVEST, trade between Kazakhstan and Jordan totaled $6.3 million in 2024, up 6.3% year on year. Kazakhstan exported $3.7 million worth of goods, while imports from Jordan reached $2.6 million.
Investment figures are also limited. Since 2005, gross direct investment inflows from Jordan to Kazakhstan have totaled $15.4 million. At the time of the Kazakhstan-Jordan Business Forum, 59 active companies with Jordanian participation were registered in Kazakhstan.
This is why the latest talks in Amman carry practical significance: both countries are trying to turn strong political ties into larger trade and investment projects.
Agriculture and pharmaceuticals have already moved to signed agreements
Part of this work began during King Abdullah II’s visit to Kazakhstan.
In August 2025, the Kazakhstan-Jordan Business Forum in Astana brought together more than 100 Kazakh and over 50 Jordanian companies. Agreements were signed in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, veterinary cooperation and financial markets.
Businesses discussed agricultural processing, pharmaceutical production and the creation of joint export-oriented enterprises.
That is why agriculture returned to the agenda in Amman as more than a general area of cooperation. Concrete documents had already been signed in this sector.
A direct Almaty-Amman flight remains on the agenda
Another practical issue is air connectivity.
In May 2025, the Jordanian side said Royal Jordanian planned to operate two direct flights per week to Kazakhstan from June 2026. Kazakhstan said at the time that it was ready to support the launch of the route.
Later, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport used more cautious wording in its 2026 international route development plans, saying Royal Jordanian was considering an Almaty-Amman service.
The latest consultations show that direct air links remain on the bilateral agenda. However, the official statement on the talks did not announce the actual launch of regular Almaty-Amman flights.
For tourists and businesses, a direct route would be one of the most visible practical outcomes of closer ties. Transport accessibility largely determines how quickly diplomatic agreements can turn into tourism flows and business contacts.
Jordan congratulated Kazakhstan on the first Kurultai election
The consultations also touched on Kazakhstan’s domestic political changes.
At the start of the meeting, the Jordanian side congratulated Kazakhstan on successfully holding the first election to the country’s Kurultai and highlighted its significance for Kazakhstan’s further political development.
The delegations also discussed cooperation within the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, CICA and other international institutions.
The situation in the Middle East was considered separately. Kazakhstan and Jordan continue to coordinate on multilateral platforms, including through joint initiatives and mutual support within international organizations.
Amman will host Humanity in War on December 7
The Astana-Amman relationship also includes an agenda beyond trade.
The two sides discussed preparations for the high-level Humanity in War conference, scheduled to take place in Jordan on December 7, 2026.
Kazakhstan and Jordan are among the co-founders of the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law.
Against the backdrop of developments in the Middle East, the issue has particular foreign-policy relevance for Amman, while for Kazakhstan it provides another channel for engagement in international humanitarian diplomacy.
The key challenge is turning political momentum into economic results
After reciprocal visits by the two heads of state, Kazakhstan and Jordan have established a solid political foundation for deeper cooperation. The next measure of progress will be how much practical substance is added to that framework.
Trade, investment, agribusiness, transport, tourism, the legal framework and air connectivity are all on the agenda. With bilateral trade standing at just $6.3 million, there is considerable room for growth.
The latest talks also make one point clear: the next phase of Kazakhstan-Jordan relations will be judged less by the number of diplomatic meetings and more by projects that are actually implemented and routes that are actually operating.
We previously reported on the projects Kazakhstan and Jordan discussed at the business forum attended by Tokayev and King Abdullah II. At that stage, both leaders also emphasized the transition from political dialogue to concrete investment and joint projects.
