Tajik, Kazakh presidents agree to expand trade, economic cooperation

DUSHANBE. July 29 (Interfax) - Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev have discussed the current state and prospects for boosting bilateral strategic partnership and allied cooperation, the Tajik presidential press service said in a statement.

The meeting took place in Astana as part of Rahmon's participation in the opening ceremony of the 2026 Games of the Future international tournament.

The presidents said they are pleased with the positive momentum in the development of Tajik-Kazakh cooperation on virtually all tracks and emphasized the importance of further fostering regular political dialogue.

The talks focused on expanding trade, economic and investment ties, increasing bilateral trade, developing transport and logistics interaction, and collaborating in digital technology and artificial intelligence, the statement said.

The parties noted the high growth rates of bilateral trade in H1 this year and expressed interest in further enhancing economic cooperation.

The presidents discussed higher supply of Kazakh petroleum products to the Tajik market in light of the current situation on global and regional energy markets, it said.

The need for further development of creative, educational and academic exchanges in the cultural and humanitarian areas, and for intensified cooperation in tourism, sports, and other areas of mutual interest was highlighted.

Furthermore, the presidents discussed multilateral cooperation within international and regional organizations.

Rahmon attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 Games of the Future international tournament in Astana at Tokayev's invitation.

The Games of the Future is an innovative format that combines traditional sports and digital technologies. The competition aims at promoting the development of digital sports, fostering international cooperation, friendship, and mutual understanding among peoples.