President Erdoğan's Visit to Kazakhstan (2026)

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Visit to Kazakhstan is an official visit held 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 will be held. President Erdoğan will also attend the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States 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 on 13 May 2026 at the Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Astana. Upon landing, Kazakh fighter jets escorted Erdoğan’s plane, and two helicopters flying above the airport carried the flags of Turkey and Kazakhstan.

Erdoğan, accompanied by his wife Emine Erdoğan, was received in 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 greeted Erdoğan in 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 would take place, 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 the flags of Turkey and Kazakhstan to reach the Independence Palace. Upon exiting the vehicle, Erdoğan was received 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

Following the bilateral meeting, President Erdoğan will chair the sixth meeting of the Turkey-Kazakhstan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. It is planned that President Erdoğan and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will attend the signing ceremony of bilateral agreements and the joint press conference that follows.

According to the announcement by the Presidency, the two leaders are assessing the current state and future of Turkey-Kazakhstan relations, which have been elevated to the level of “expanded strategic partnership.” In addition to political relations, discussions are expected to cover cooperation in the fields of energy, transportation, trade, and defense industry.

Key agenda items include the development of the Middle Corridor, Caspian transit transport projects, energy security, logistical connections, and defense industry cooperation. The Middle Corridor, viewed as an alternative trade route between China and Europe, aims to enhance coordination between Turkey and Kazakhstan; increasing the volume of Kazakh oil transported via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline is also on the agenda.

The agenda foresees the announcement of new targets to increase trade volume, the evaluation of comprehensive cooperation steps in transportation projects, and the signing of new commercial agreements involving Turkish investors.

Erdoğan and Tokayev will reunite on 15 May 2026 in the city of Turkistan, Kazakhstan, for the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Informal Summit of Heads of State.

^{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. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were formally established on 2 March 1992. Relations, advanced to a new stage 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 Shymkent. Kazakhstan, in turn, operates an embassy in Ankara and consulates general in Istanbul, Antalya, and İzmir.

Turkey and Kazakhstan are founding members of the Organization of Turkic States. The two 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, following the visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Ankara in 2025, are planned to comprehensively address 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. The 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 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 in Kazakhstan from 30 to 90 days as part of its efforts to promote tourism and investment relations.

^{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 bilateral meeting at the Independence Palace in Astana. Following the bilateral 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 discussions were conducted, and developments in the multidimensional economic and trade relations between the two countries were reviewed.

Following the bilateral meeting and the HLSC session, a signing ceremony for 13 agreements between the two countries took place. 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 Amendments to 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. Letter 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 JSC and YDA Construction Industry and Trade JSC

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

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

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

12. Memorandum of Understanding between the Astana International Financial Centre and the Istanbul Financial 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 Presidency of Communications Head Burhanettin Duran, President Erdoğan authored an article for Kazakhstan’s Qazinform news agency titled “The Key to Peace in Eurasia: The Turkic World”.

^{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 his article, Erdoğan highlighted that regional conflicts and crises pose challenges to global security, economic prosperity, and stability. He emphasized the inadequacy of the current international system and global governance mechanisms, and their need for reform, recalling his 2014 address to the UN General Assembly in which he stated that “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, he stated: “I emphasize that cooperation and partnerships with our friend and brother Kazakhstan, conducted on virtually every critical issue—from resolving regional and global conflicts to establishing lasting economic prosperity—hold exceptional significance for Turkey’s foreign policy.”

President Erdoğan underscored the importance of the visit, saying: “In these days, when our region is being tested economically—particularly in terms of political stability, energy security, and supply—our bilateral talks in Kazakhstan hold great significance, especially amid the crisis between the United States and Israel and Iran, 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 inauguration of the International Zero Waste Education Laboratory, established by TİKA. Attendees included Kazakh Minister of Health Akmaral Alnazarova, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Amangali Berdalin, TİKA President Abdullah Eren, University Rector Kanat Tireuov, and Zero Waste Foundation President Samed Ağırbaş.

Following the inauguration, Emine Erdoğan toured the laboratory and received information about 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 on her social media account regarding the inauguration: “I wish the International Zero Waste Education Laboratory, inaugurated during our visit to Kazakhstan, every success. I sincerely believe that this laboratory, provided to the Saken Seyfullin Kazakh Agricultural Technical Research University with the support of Turkey’s friendly hand, TİKA, will serve as a hub for significant work in zero waste, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and circular economy. I hope this meaningful initiative strengthens the brotherhood between Turkey 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 the 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 closing meeting of the Turkey-Kazakhstan Business Forum in Astana. Erdoğan thanked Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his close attention to the concerns of businesspeople and extended congratulations to the Kazakh people on the recent observance of Defender of the Fatherland Day and Victory 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, approved in the referendum on 15 March, would bring blessings to the Kazakh people.

Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey has always been Kazakhstan’s closest supporter since its independence 35 years ago, saying: “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 trade relations between our countries. We are delighted that our economic relations with Kazakhstan continue to grow. 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 total foreign trade volume reaching 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 totaling 6 billion dollars across sectors from construction to finance and 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 Kazakhstan, completing them successfully and becoming a source of pride for our country.”

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

Erdoğan expressed great satisfaction with the growing investments by Kazakhstan in Turkey: “More than 750 Kazakh companies continue their operations in Turkey with investments approaching 2 billion dollars. Thanks to our strong partnership based on mutual trust, our trade volume approached 10 billion dollars by the end of last year. Of course, we are not content with this. We are determinedly working 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 Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investments signed today through our High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting will further encourage mutual investments. In today’s talks, we also addressed issues that will positively impact 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.”

Erdoğan noted that both countries face multidimensional challenges including 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 closely follow with appreciation Kazakhstan’s advances in the field of artificial intelligence under President Tokayev’s visionary approach. Tomorrow, in Turkistan—the homeland of Hoca Ahmet Yesevi—we will hold the Informal Summit of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States. I find it highly appropriate and meaningful that the summit’s main theme is artificial intelligence and digital development.”

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

Erdoğan stated that he and Tokayev discussed a broad range of cooperation opportunities in energy, from hydrocarbon production to transportation and the discovery of critical minerals, saying: “As Turkey, we have long ensured energy supply security by diversifying our sources. We wish to transport larger volumes of oil from Kazakhstan to global markets through our territory. We have a very strong 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 enhance 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 Caspian Transit Middle Corridor. While bringing our countries closer, we continue to aim to position the Eurasian region more competitively within the global economy.”

Recalling the words of Hoca Ahmet Yesevi, “The traveler who sets out will reach his goal,” Erdoğan continued: “As leaders, we will continue doing whatever is necessary to remove any obstacles that hinder your journey. As the Turkish-Kazakh business community, you will not abandon patience on this path. You will invest, produce, export, create employment, and contribute to the economies of both countries. We will stand shoulder to shoulder, tirelessly and resolutely continuing this struggle. Our expectation from you is not only economic, but also leadership in projects that prioritize human gains. Investment in people is the greatest and most enduring investment. I wish to state here that we expect you to increase your support for the Turkish-Kazakh Hoca Ahmet Yesevi University, which has produced 100,000 graduates since its founding.”

Erdoğan extended his greetings to the Kazakh people on the occasion of the approaching Kurban Bayramı through President Tokayev, concluding his speech with these words: “I pray to God that this holiday brings peace to the Kazakh people, the Turkish Islamic world, and all humanity. I send my warmest greetings and affection to the Kazakh brothers who have trusted Turkish companies for decades. I wish our esteemed businesspeople continued success in their endeavors. May God open our paths and our destinies. Until we meet again. Stay healthy.”