Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s recent visit to Mongolia, the first by a Kazakh president in 16 years, signifies a renewed commitment to strengthening diplomatic and trade ties. The visit resulted in several key agreements, including advancements in space technology and energy cooperation, alongside ambitions to boost trade turnover significantly in the coming years. This pivotal engagement reflects Kazakhstan’s strategy to enhance relations within Central Asia and capitalize on shared interests in economic development and resource management.
The recent state visit by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Mongolia marked the first visit by a Kazakh leader to the nation in 16 years, demonstrating Kazakhstan’s strategic pivot to enhance diplomatic and economic ties with Mongolia. Historically, the relations between the two countries had stagnated since the early years of Kazakhstan’s independence, likely due to Mongolia’s turbulent political climate characterized by sporadic civil unrest, such as the violent protests in 2008 following disputed parliamentary elections that cost lives and created regional instability. With a population of 3.4 million, Mongolia is not only significant for its geographical proximity but also for its sizeable Kazakh diaspora—over 117,000 individuals, the largest ethnic minority in the country. This demographic connection lays a strong foundation for fruitful bilateral relations. During the recent visit, President Tokayev and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh engaged in discussions focusing on upgrading their relationship to a strategic partnership, thereby revitalizing trade and diplomatic links that showed a concerning downward trend before the pandemic. Evidence of the commitment to strengthen economic ties emerged from the data provided by Kazakhstan’s Statistics Committee, highlighting the fall in trade turnover from $74.8 million in 2017 to a mere $29.3 million in 2020, with the trade volume later rebounding to approximately $61 million in 2021. As a result of their recent meetings, President Tokayev expressed optimism about increasing the trade turnover to $500 million in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, the Kazakh delegation’s visit was marked by key agreements, including a significant investment deal whereby Kazakhstan will develop Earth remote sensing capabilities for Mongolia, signifying the launch of Kazakhstan’s inaugural entry into the space industry. Additionally, both countries’ energy sectors mutually agreed upon cooperation in the nuclear energy field, where Mongolia will look to Kazakhstan’s recent experiences in developing its nuclear capabilities post-referendum. The visit also yielded an agreement for joint exploration and development of critical mineral resources, as noted by Rustem Mustafin, deputy director at Kazakhstan’s Institute for Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies. Mustafin emphasized that the collaboration on critical materials is essential given the global surge in demand for raw materials essential for high-tech production. In summary, this diplomatic mission not only signifies a new chapter in bilateral relations but also underscores the potential for collaborative economic development and strategic partnerships in various sectors, including technology and energy, ultimately aiming to establish a more prospering future for both nations.
The historical context of Kazakhstan-Mongolia relations underscores a significant shift occurring with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s recent visit to Mongolia, the first in over a decade and a half. Previously, Kazakhstan had held back on deepening ties with Mongolia due to several factors, including Mongolia’s regional reputational challenges illustrated by periods of domestic turmoil. Recent years, however, have seen renewed interest in enhancing relations, particularly in light of both nations’ shared interests in trade, cultural connections through their Kazakh diaspora, and joint ventures in critical industries.
In conclusion, President Tokayev’s state visit to Mongolia signals a pivotal moment in rekindling and strengthening Kazakhstan’s diplomatic and trade relations with Mongolia. Both leaders have demonstrated a commitment to forge strategic partnerships that will ultimately enhance economic cooperation on critical resources and technology, marking the beginning of a renewed era of collaboration and mutual growth between the two countries.
Original Source: timesca.com
