President Erdoğan's Visit to Kazakhstan (2026)

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Visit to Kazakhstan is an official visit conducted from 13 to 15 May 2026 at the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. During the visit, the sixth meeting of the Turkey-Kazakhstan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was held, and President Erdoğan also attended the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States held in the city of Turkistan, Kazakhstan on 15 May 2026.

^{President Erdoğan in Kazakhstan, 13 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s aircraft landed at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Astana on 13 May 2026. Upon landing, Kazakh fighter jets escorted the presidential plane, and two helicopters flying above the airport carried the flags of Turkey and Kazakhstan.

President Erdoğan, accompanied by his wife Emine Erdoğan, was received at the Honor Hall of the airport by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Turkish Ambassador to Astana Mustafa Kapucu and other officials.

^{President Erdoğan in Kazakhstan, 13 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Children carrying the flags of Turkey and Kazakhstan welcomed President Erdoğan at the Honor Hall, and a choir of children performed the song “Dombra.” Erdoğan later posed for a commemorative photograph with the children.

Security measures were implemented at venues in Astana where official meetings were to be held, and flags of Turkey and Kazakhstan were displayed at various locations across the city.

President Erdoğan’s official vehicle traveled along a route adorned with Turkish and Kazakh flags to reach the Independence Palace. Upon exiting the vehicle, President Erdoğan was greeted by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

^{President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is officially welcomed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Independence Palace, 14 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

After both presidents entered the hall where the ceremony was held, the national anthems of Turkey and Kazakhstan were played by a military band. President Erdoğan saluted the honor guard. Following the presentation of the delegations, the two leaders shook hands and posed for the press.

The following individuals accompanied President Erdoğan on his visit to Kazakhstan:

• Emine Erdoğan – Wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
• Hakan Fidan – Minister of Foreign Affairs
• Yusuf Tekin – Minister of National Education
• Yaşar Güler – Minister of National Defense
• Mehmet Fatih Kacır – Minister of Industry and Technology
• Ömer Bolat – Minister of Trade
• Binali Yıldırım – Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States
• Fahrettin Altun – Head of the Presidency of Communications
• Haluk Görgün – Head of the Presidency of Defense Industries
• Akif Çağatay Kılıç – Chief Advisor on Foreign Policy and Security to the President
• Deputy Chairmen of the Justice and Development Party

^{President Erdoğan in Kazakhstan, 13 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Turkey was among the first countries to recognize Kazakhstan’s independence declared on 16 December 1991. Formal diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 2 March 1992. Relations, which entered a new phase with the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement in 2009, were elevated to the level of Expanded Strategic Partnership in 2022.

In addition to its Embassy in Astana, Turkey maintains consulates general in Almaty, Aktau and Turkistan, and a honorary consulate in Şymkent. Kazakhstan, in turn, operates its Embassy in Ankara and consulates general in Istanbul, Antalya and İzmir.

Turkey and Kazakhstan are founding members of the Organization of Turkic States. Both countries also cooperate within the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, and the Economic Cooperation Organization.

These meetings, held following President Tokayev’s visit to Ankara in 2025, comprehensively addressed bilateral relations.

Turkish companies operating in Kazakhstan are investing primarily in the construction, infrastructure, energy, mining and services sectors. According to official data, approximately 4,000 Turkish-capitalized companies are active in the country.

Relations between Turkey and Kazakhstan are sustained not only in economics and politics but also in education and culture. Hoca Ahmet Yesevi International Turkish-Kazakh University operates as a joint educational institution. In 2026, more than 12,000 Kazakh students are pursuing higher education in Turkey, and in the 2025–2026 academic year, 300 Kazakh students were awarded scholarships under the “Turkey Scholarships” program.

In 2025, the number of Kazakh tourists visiting Turkey reached 863,000, while the number of Turkish tourists visiting Kazakhstan reached 130,000. The Kazakh government has extended the visa-free stay period for Turkish citizens from 30 to 90 days as part of its efforts to enhance tourism and investment ties.

^{President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev preside over the signing ceremony of agreements in various fields following the sixth meeting of the Turkey-Kazakhstan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council at the Independence Palace in Astana, 14 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

On 14 May 2026, President Erdoğan and Kazakh President Tokayev held a one-on-one meeting at the Independence Palace in Astana. Following the one-on-one meeting, the sixth meeting of the Turkey-Kazakhstan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSC) was held under the co-chairmanship of Erdoğan and Tokayev. Inter-delegation talks were conducted, and developments in the multidimensional economic and commercial relations between the two countries were reviewed.

Following the one-on-one meeting and the HLSC session, a signing ceremony was held for 13 agreements between the two countries. The agreements signed by President Erdoğan and President Tokayev are as follows:

1. Declaration on Eternal Friendship and Partnership between the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Kazakhstan

2. Agreement on the Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investments between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan

3. Agreement on the Establishment, Operation and Activities of Cultural Centers between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan

4. Protocol on Amending the Agreement on Judicial Assistance in Legal Matters between the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Kazakhstan

5. Agreement on a Joint Scholarship Program between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan

6. Memorandum of Intent on the Opening of Two Turkish Maarif Foundation Schools in the Republic of Kazakhstan between the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Turkey

7. Investment Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and TAV Holding for Almaty International Airport

8. Cooperation Agreement on the Financing of Hospital Construction Projects between Samruk-Kazyna Joint Stock Company and YDA Construction Industry and Trade Joint Stock Company

9. Memorandum of Understanding on Radio and Television between the Presidential TV and Radio Complex of the Republic of Kazakhstan and TRT

10. Cooperation Agreement on Oil Field Services between KazMunayGas National Company Joint Stock Company and Türkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortaklığı

11. Memorandum of Understanding on the Joint Development of Oil and Gas Projects between KazMunayGas National Company Joint Stock Company and Türkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortaklığı

12. Memorandum of Understanding between the Astana International Financial Centre and the Istanbul Finance Centre

13. Agreement on the Establishment of a Joint Venture for the Production and Maintenance of ANKA Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

According to a social media post by the Head of the Presidency of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, President Erdoğan authored an article titled 'The Key to Peace in Eurasia: The Turkic World' for Kazakhstan’s Qazinform news agency.

^{President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev preside over the signing ceremony of agreements in various fields following the sixth meeting of the Turkey-Kazakhstan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council at the Independence Palace in Astana, 14 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

In the article, Erdoğan highlighted that regional conflicts and crises pose challenges to global security, economic prosperity and stability. He pointed out the inadequacies of the current international system and global governance mechanisms and their need for reform, recalling his statement in his 2014 address to the UN General Assembly: 'The world is bigger than five'.

Referring to Israel’s actions in Gaza, Erdoğan wrote in the article: “Israel is undermining humanity’s shared values through its crimes against humanity.” Regarding relations with Kazakhstan, Erdoğan stated: “I emphasize that cooperation and partnerships with our friend and brother Kazakhstan, addressing nearly every critical issue—from structural problems within the UN Security Council to resolving regional and global conflicts and establishing lasting economic prosperity—hold exceptional significance for Türkiye’s foreign policy.”

President Erdoğan emphasized the importance of the visit, saying: “Our bilateral talks in Kazakhstan carry great significance at a time when our region is being tested economically, politically and in terms of energy security and supply, particularly by the crisis between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, and the fragile ceasefire process in Gaza.”

^{Emine Erdoğan inaugurates the Zero Waste Education Laboratory in Kazakhstan, 14 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

President Erdoğan’s wife, Emine Erdoğan, accompanied him on his visit to Kazakhstan. On 14 May, Emine Erdoğan visited Seyfullin State Agricultural Technical University, one of Kazakhstan’s agricultural universities.

Emine Erdoğan cut the ribbon at the opening of the International Zero Waste Education Laboratory, established by TİKA at the university. Attendees at the ceremony included Kazakhstan’s Minister of Health Akmaral Alnazarova, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Amangali Berdalin, TİKA Chairman Abdullah Eren, University Rector Kanat Tireuov and Zero Waste Foundation President Samed Ağırbaş.

After the ceremony, Emine Erdoğan toured the laboratory and received information on organic farming initiatives conducted at the university. A musical performance featuring Kazakh instruments and songs in Turkish and Kazakh was presented during the event.

^{Emine Erdoğan inaugurates the Zero Waste Education Laboratory in Kazakhstan, 14 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Emine Erdoğan shared the following message on her social media account regarding the opening: “I wish the International Zero Waste Education Laboratory, inaugurated during our visit to Kazakhstan, all the best. With the support of Türkiye’s friendly hand, TİKA, I firmly believe that this laboratory, gifted to Saken Seyfullin Kazakh Agricultural Technical Research University, will serve as a hub for significant work in zero waste, sustainable agriculture, waste management and circular economy. I sincerely hope this meaningful initiative strengthens the brotherhood between Türkiye and Kazakhstan, and I warmly congratulate all those who contributed to this project."

International Zero Waste Education Laboratory was established by TİKA to strengthen education and research capacity in sustainable waste management and circular economy. The laboratory will be used in undergraduate and postgraduate courses, practical training activities and academic research. Its core functions include recycling agricultural products, reducing waste volume and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

^{Turkey-Kazakhstan Business Forum Closing Meeting, 14 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

On 14 May, President Erdoğan delivered a speech at the Turkey-Kazakhstan Business Forum Closing Meeting held in Astana. Erdoğan thanked Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his close attention to the concerns of businesspeople and congratulated the Kazakh people on the occasion of the recent Victory Day and Defender of the Fatherland Day.

Erdoğan noted that the reform program led by Tokayev is the driving force behind Kazakhstan’s advancement and expressed his hope that the new constitution adopted in the referendum on 15 March would bring blessings to the Kazakh people.

Emphasizing that Türkiye has always been Kazakhstan’s closest supporter since its independence 35 years ago, Erdoğan said: “In this morning’s meetings, we addressed many issues on our joint agenda. We signed 13 different documents to strengthen our bilateral cooperation. I believe the Business Forum will contribute to the development of economic and commercial relations between our countries. We are delighted that our economic relations with Kazakhstan continue to grow every day. We closely follow with great satisfaction the progress Kazakhstan has made in its economy under the strong leadership of President Tokayev. In 2025, Kazakhstan’s GDP grew by a remarkable 6.5 percent, and per capita national income approached 15,000 dollars. Today, we face a Kazakhstan with the largest economy in Central Asia, with a total foreign trade volume of 145 billion dollars. As a result of this growth, Kazakhstan became our largest trading partner within the Turkic world in 2025. Our nearly 5,500 companies, with investments reaching 6 billion dollars across sectors from construction to finance and from tourism to information technology, are not only contributing to prosperity but also reinforcing our brotherhood. Our contractors have undertaken more than 500 projects worth over 30 billion dollars across the country, becoming a source of pride for our nation through their successful completion and service to the Kazakh people.”

^{Turkey-Kazakhstan İş Forumu Kapanış Toplantısı, 14 Mayıs 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye is more than pleased with the growing investments from Kazakhstan, saying: “More than 750 Kazakh firms continue their activities in Türkiye with investments approaching 2 billion dollars. Thanks to our strong partnership based on mutual trust, our trade volume reached nearly 10 billion dollars by the end of last year. Of course, we are not satisfied with this. We are determinedly continuing our efforts to reach our target of 15 billion dollars in a sustainable and balanced manner. I am confident we can do much more and reach even higher levels. In this regard, the comprehensive action plan adopted at the Joint Economic Commission meeting held in Astana last month will bring new momentum to our trade and investment relations. We believe the Agreement on the Mutual Protection and Promotion of Investments signed today through our High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting will further encourage mutual investments. During today’s talks, we also addressed issues that will positively affect our trade, such as transitioning to an electronic permit system, increasing transit quotas, and liberalizing bilateral and transit transport. I believe we will make progress on these matters in the coming period.”

President Erdoğan noted that both countries face multidimensional challenges such as regional conflicts, energy supply security, artificial intelligence transformation and disruptions in supply chains, adding: “As a result of this dynamic, cooperation between countries has become even more important. We are closely following with appreciation Kazakhstan’s advances in the field of artificial intelligence under the visionary approach of President Tokayev. Tomorrow, we will hold the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Turkistan, the homeland of Hoca Ahmet Yesevi. I find it very appropriate and meaningful that the summit’s main theme is artificial intelligence and digital development.”

^{Turkey-Kazakhstan İş Forumu Kapanış Toplantısı, 14 Mayıs 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Erdoğan stated that he and Tokayev discussed a wide range of cooperation opportunities in energy, from the operation of hydrocarbon fields to their transportation and the exploration of critical minerals, saying: “As Türkiye, we have long ensured our energy supply security by diversifying our sources. We wish to transport larger quantities of oil from Kazakhstan to global markets through our territory. We have a very good historical cooperation with Kazakhstan in the defense industry, where we have made significant advances. Today, alongside my esteemed brother, we reaffirmed our determination to further advance this cooperation through new projects including joint production. We are working to integrate our railway connections, port infrastructure and digital customs systems to revive the Central Corridor via the Caspian. While bringing our countries closer together, we continue to aim to position the Eurasian region as more competitive in the global economy.”

Recalling Hoca Ahmet Yesevi’s saying, “The traveler reaches his ultimate goal,” Erdoğan continued: “As leaders, we will continue doing whatever is necessary to remove any obstacles that hinder your journey. As the