Kazakhstan, Mongolia agree to build direct highway link

ALMATY. April 21 (Interfax-) - Kazakhstan and Mongolia will build a new highway connecting the two countries, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said Tuesday.

"We confirmed our interest in establishing a direct link between Kazakhstan and Mongolia. We reached a common understanding on the need to build a highway that will connect our states," Tokayev said in a statement to media following talks with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh in Astana.

Tokayev described it as "a complex project requiring comprehensive analysis and careful study."

"What is fundamentally important is that we are striving to achieve a common goal. Therefore, I reached an agreement with my Mongolian counterpart to establish a joint intergovernmental working group at the preliminary stage," Tokayev said. "This group will be tasked with comprehensively examining all complex issues, coordinating negotiations with neighboring states and monitoring project deadlines."

The Kazakh president said the Kazakhstan-Mongolia highway would give a powerful boost to trade relations and that its transit potential would bring tangible benefits to the neighbors of both countries as well.

The transit route from Kazakhstan to Mongolia currently passes through Ust-Kamenogorsk, the Russian cities of Rubtsovsk and Barnaul, and the village of Tuekta, and is the main overland route.

Kazakhstan is one of Mongolia's main economic partners in Central Asia. According to Mongolia's General Customs Administration, trade with Kazakhstan rose 7.7% in 2025 to $58.4 million.