Kazakhstani businesses ready to explore mining potential of Mongolia, says Tokayev

Akorda
Photo: Akorda

Presidents of Kazakhstan and Mongolia Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh made a joint state during a press conference following the bilateral talks, Kazinform News Agency cites the press service of Akorda.

During the press conference, Head of State Tokayev expressed great appreciation to Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh for inviting to pay a state visit to Ulaanbaatar and highlighted the special importance of the meetings held.

Mongolia is our key neighbor in the region. Our countries have the long-standing friendly relations, share the common history, spiritual and cultural values. The fact that our talks coincide with the 800th anniversary of the establishment of the Ulus of Jochi, which plays a special role in the history of Kazakhstan, is of great symbolic significance for both nations. Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Mongolia has been developing dynamically in the past years. Today, this cooperation, built upon strong friendship, has been raised to a strategic partnership. Together with Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, the joint Declaration on the establishment of strategic partnership, aimed at enhancing friendship between the two countries and giving a new impetus to the development of contacts in different spheres, was signed, stressed Tokayev.

The Kazakh president informed that the agreements were reached to deepen trade and economic as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

In general, there is every reason to believe that today’s talks were very successful. We agreed to step up economic contacts. Kazakhstan and Mongolia are among the largest Asian countries, therefore their mutual trade should reach greater scale. Last year, our trade turnover stood at 150 million US dollars, with this figure is set to be increased to up to 500 million US dollars in the foreseeable future, which requires expansion of the range of goods and elimination of barriers, hindering economic integration. The governments of the two countries were tasked to adopt the corresponding measures. Today, we signed the roadmap to boost trade and economic cooperation, said the Head of State.

According to him, the delegations of both countries discussed the prospects for joint activity in the fields of agriculture, manufacturing, transport and logistics and energy.

Kazakhstan has the potential to produce vaccines against livestock diseases, with the agreement reached to establish vaccine production in Mongolia in the future. Besides, the possibilities of developing new technologies, mineral resources were considered. The topic of investments was also raised. I briefed about the accomplishments of Kazakhstan in the field of e-government, cybersecurity and space research. As known, our countries have significant natural resources, therefore we seek to work on exploration and development of deposits of iron, phosphate, bauxite and rare mineral resources. Businesses from Kazakhstan stand ready to explore the potential of the mining industry of Mongolia. During the talks, issues of transport and logistics were discussed as well. One of the important tasks is to increase the competitiveness of international corridors, which requires better transport links between our countries and with third nations, contributing to greater volumes of cargo transportation through our nations. It’s necessary to efficiently use the Trans-Caspian Route and the North-South Corridor, said Tokayev.

Akorda
Photo: Akorda

As was further noted, the major commercial agreements and a number of other documents were signed during the first meeting of the Kazakh-Mongolian Business Council, which took place recently in Ulaanbaatar. The governments of both countries were instructed to ensure favorable conditions are created for joint ventures. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for efficient use of the potential of interregional ties.

Astana and Ulaanbaatar are twin cities. The same ties need to be established between more regions. The Kazakh diaspora in Mongolia is the golden bridge of our strong friendship. I’m grateful to the leadership and people of Mongolia for the care for our diaspora, noted the Head of State.

During the talks, special attention was drawn to the cooperation in science, education and culture. The sides discussed new initiatives aimed at enhancing youth contacts.

We are delighted to welcome the Mongolian youth to study in educational facilities of our country. I also call on scholars and creative intelligentsias to study jointly our common history. I’m convinced that these steps will benefit our countries’ prosperity, said the Kazakh leader.

The Head of State also stressed that Kazakhstan and Mongolia closely interact at international and regional levels, having close stands on many current issues.

We’ll continue the coordination of efforts within global and regional bodies. During the talks, special attention was placed on greater cooperation in Asia. In the tense geopolitical situation, we believe it’s necessary to provide mutual support and hold consultations within the UN and other international bodies. Our country is committed to further develop bilateral and multilateral ties. In this content, Kazakhstan supports Mongolia’s intention to sign the Agreement on free trade with the Eurasian Economic Union, concluded Tokayev.

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