Kazakhstan-Turkey relations

The bilateral relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Turkey have developed positively on the international stage as well as in commerce and strategic affairs.cite journal | last = Yermukanov | first = Marat | title = Kazakhstan and Turkey spearhead the integration of Turkic nations | url = http://www.jamestown.org/edm/article.php?article_id=2371713 | work = Eurasian Daily Monitor | publisher = Jamestown Foundation | date = 2006-12-07 | volume = 3 | issue = 226 | accessdate = 2008-10-10 ]

History

Turkey established diplomatic relations with Kazakhstan following the latter's independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. As two large nations in Central Asia and sharing the extensive cultural, historical and linguistic heritage of Turkic peoples, both nations have sought to develop closer relations and promote Turkic identity and friendship amongst other Turkic nations in the region.

Development of bilateral relations

Turkey contributes USD 2 billion in Kazakhstan's total USD 50 billion investment volume. Turkey accounts for 1.2% of Kazakhstan’s total trade volume and has actively participated in the construction and textile industries of Kazakhstan. In 2005 trade turnover between the countries reached USD 556.8 million, showing 13.8% growth from the $500 million level in 2004, and slated to climb to USD 1 billion in trade turnover volume in 2006. Turkey hopes to expand investment in Kazakhstan's energy and telecommunications industries. Despite some ethnic tensions between Turkish and Kazakh workers, Kazakhstan has increased quotas for the hiring of Turkish workers for construction projects. Kazakhstan is considering the construction of an oil refinery on the Black Sea jointly with Turkey.

trategic cooperation

In bolstering cooperation over energy resources, Kazakhstan has sought to assert its independence from Russia's influence. In July 2006, the People's Republic of China, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia gathered in Astana to develop a transport corridor linking Central Asia with the South Caucasus and Western Europe that would increase the annual trade and cargo shipment capacity up to 30 million tons. Turkey has supported Kazakhstan's bid to join the World Trade Organization while the latter has actively supported Turkey's bid for membership in the European Union. Both nations have also sought to promote closer cooperation between Turkic nations of Central Asia.

References