Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Kyrgyzstan Thursday (21 August) for a formal state visit at the invitation of President Sadyr Japarov. The visit coincides with the seventh session of the Supreme Interstate Council and signals a deepening of strategic ties between the two Central Asian neighbours. Both countries share close historical, cultural, and geopolitical links, and this engagement underscores their commitment to sustained regional cooperation.
The high-level bilateral discussions will focus on expanding collaboration within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), including customs integration and enhanced investment flows. In 2024, trade volume rose by 1.5 percent to 1.7 billion US dollars, with Kazakhstan exporting 4.3 million tons of goods to Kyrgyzstan. In contrast, imports from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan declined by 3.7 percent in volume and nearly 16 percent in value.
Foreign investment flows remained modest but positive. In 2024, Kyrgyz investment in Kazakhstan grew 17 percent to $4.8 million, while Kazakh investment in Kyrgyzstan climbed 5 percent to $47.9 million. Meanwhile, the number of Kyrgyz companies operating in Kazakhstan dropped 5 percent, with growth seen in the services and professional sectors.
Kyrgyzstan’s membership in the EAEU since 2015 has significantly facilitated integration with Kazakhstan. The EAEU provides favourable conditions for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labour, promoting economic ties and reducing transaction costs.
Persistent challenges remain, such as increasing mutual investment, diversifying trade, and improving transport and logistics links. However, their geographic closeness and common interests give Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan significant potential to strengthen integration and advance their bilateral ties.
