DUSHANBE, 4 June (BelTA) - Industrial cooperation is the key focus of Belarus-Kazakhstan relations, Belarusian Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin said during a meeting with Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov on 4 June, BelTA has learned.
"Kazakhstan is not a foreign country to me. When I held the post of the first deputy prime minister, I chaired the Belarusian side of the [Belarus-Kazakhstan] intergovernmental commission. I believe that we achieved a lot for both nations. Thanks to the leaders of our states, Belarus-Kazakhstan relations are at a high level. Kazakhstan is an important partner for us," Aleksandr Turchin said.
He noted that Belarus is satisfied with the current level of trade and economic cooperation but stressed that there is always room for improvement. The Belarusian prime minister remarked that Belarus and Kazakhstan had correctly chosen industrial cooperation as the key focus of their partnership. "Reflecting on my time as co-chair of the intergovernmental commission, I can say that we accomplished a lot to establish joint production, particularly in mechanical engineering. I believe this was the right decision. The current situation demonstrates that these initiatives align with our countries' interests. Progress is steady concerning the production of combines, tractors, and trucks. However, there are still some issues related to mining equipment and other areas where we need to intensify cooperation," he stated.
“The main task for the near future is to join efforts to build up momentum in trade. There is potential to increase the supply of goods, both Belarusian and Kazakhstani," Aleksandr Turchin stated. “I would like to once again express my gratitude for the approval of the opening of the Consulate General in Almaty. I think we will open it by the end of this year.”
In January-March 2025, Belarus-Kazakhstan trade grew by 3.6% year-on-year, reaching $200 million. “Our cooperation is gaining momentum across all areas of interaction. The key task for both governments is to actively implement the agreements reached at the highest level. I am confident we will succeed. The main focus remains on economic cooperation. The potential between our countries is considerable, and there is much to strive for," Olzhas Bektenov stressed.
As it was previously reported, Aleksandr Turchin arrived in Tajikistan on a working visit to attend a meeting of the CIS Heads of Government Council.
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