At the invitation of Mongolian President U.Khurelsukh, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid a state visit to Mongolia from October 28 to 29. This visit marks a key step in strengthening ties between the two nations, taking place 16 years after the last state visit by a Kazakhstan’s head of state to Mongolia in 2008. A grand welcoming ceremony was held at the Sukhbaatar Square, where President U.Khurelsukh officially greeted President Tokayev and the two leaders paid tribute to the State Ceremonial White Military Banner. President Tokayev also inspected the Honor Guard and greeted officials from Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations based in Ulaanbaatar. In a gesture of respect, the two presidents laid flowers at the Statue of Chinggis Khaan.
Official talks between the two leaders were held as part of the visit, aimed at deepening bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation. The discussions reflected on the achievements of 30 years of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Kazakhstan, established on January 22, 1992. Both sides are expected to explore ways to enrich their partnership through new economic initiatives and coordinate more actively in international and regional platforms. Thus, the visit has resulted in significant agreements signed between the two leaders aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries.
A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a "Joint Declaration on Strategic Cooperation" by the two presidents. This agreement marks a new era in bilateral relations, upgrading Mongolia-Kazakhstan ties to the level of a "Strategic Partnership." The two nations affirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration across a broad range of fields, including politics, security, trade, economy, education, culture, science, information technology, transportation, logistics, tourism, and citizen relations. In addition, both sides agreed to strengthen regional and international cooperation.
Pension Cooperation Agreement
One of the most impactful outcomes of the visit was the signing of the "Agreement on Cooperation on Pension Issues" by Mongolia’s Minister of Family, Labor, and Social Security L.Enkh-Amgalan, and Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar. This agreement ensures that work periods completed in either country will be recognized when calculating pensions. It will also regulate the mutual transfer of pensions, allowing citizens to receive benefits regardless of where they contributed.
This new arrangement is especially beneficial for over 3,000 Mongolians currently employed in Kazakhstan, who will now be eligible for pensions based on their time worked and contributions made. The agreement, finalized after 17 rounds of negotiations since 2018, aims to strengthen the social security framework for citizens of both nations. In recent years, Kazakhstan has become an attractive destination for many Mongolians seeking employment opportunities. Several factors drive this trend, including Kazakhstan's growing economy, higher wages, expanding labor demands, and the cultural similarities between the two nations.
Roadmap signed for Trade and Economic Cooperation
Another important agreement signed during the visit was the "Roadmap on Activation of Trade and Economic Cooperation for 2025-2027". The document, signed by Mongolia’s Foreign Minister B.Battsetseg and Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, outlines joint efforts to boost collaboration in trade, transport, logistics, food production, agriculture, and tourism. The roadmap will guide both nations in implementing practical measures to enhance economic ties over the next three years.
In the field of aviation and disaster response, Mongolia’s Minister of Road and Transport B.Delgersaikhan, and Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev signed an "Agreement on Cooperation in Aviation Search and Rescue." The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between search and rescue agencies in both countries. It establishes protocols for rapid information sharing and joint operations in emergency situations. Both nations’ air and ground rescue teams will now be authorized to operate within each other’s territories, ensuring timely assistance for citizens in danger.
A MoU between the Ministry of Road and Transportation of Mongolia and the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan was also signed. The agreement focuses on expanding international two-way and transit transportation for passengers and cargo between the two countries, increasing efficiency in road communication, and exchanging expertise in dry port operations.
Both sides emphasized the importance of fast, stable transportation to boost exports, imports, and regional trade. They agreed to develop the Mongolia-Kazakhstan transport route and expand trade links to stimulate economic growth and regional cooperation.
To further deepen their strategic partnership, the "2025-2027 Cooperation Plan” between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and Kazakhstan was signed. The two ministries committed to organizing more high-level mutual visits, increasing the frequency of political dialogues, and holding regular consultations on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Collaborative exhibitions and film screenings to be organized
The "Memorandum of Cooperation” between the Ministries of Culture of Mongolia and Kazakhstan was signed by Mongolia’s Minister Ch.Nomin, and Kazakhstan’s Minister Aida Balayeva. Both sides committed to expanding cultural exchange by organizing joint art exhibitions, performances, and film screenings, as well as conducting research on shared historical and cultural heritage. The agreement also includes provisions for developing museum partnerships and conducting joint studies in areas such as intangible cultural heritage. The two countries, which share deep historical ties and nomadic traditions, aim to enhance collaboration in preserving and promoting their cultural identities.
A "Memorandum on Tourism Cooperation" was also signed by Mongolia’s Minister of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth Ch.Nomin and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Mongolia Gabit Koishibaev. The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration between tourism organizations, jointly organize tourism events, and promote mutual tourism opportunities. Both countries will work together to develop tourism infrastructure, attract investment, and promote tourism based on their shared nomadic cultures.
Expertise in leather and wool processing to be shared
A MoU in Light Industry and Veterinary Services was signed by Mongolia’s Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry J.Enkhbayar and Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan Aidarbek Saparov. This agreement focuses on the exchange of expertise in leather and wool processing, as well as training engineers and technicians in these industries. The two countries will collaborate on attracting investment in deep processing technologies and improving control systems and standards for animal products. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation between veterinary hospitals and quarantine institutions by developing unified information systems and increasing the number of veterinary certificates for food products. The agreement aims to facilitate the trade of livestock, raw materials, and animal-derived products through mutual recognition of veterinary and sanitary standards.
ICT relations to be upgraded
A MoU on Cooperation in Information, Communication, and Technology was signed by Mongolia’s Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Communications Ts.Baatarkhuu and Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan Zhaslan Madiyev. The agreement aims to facilitate the exchange of experience in identifying, analyzing, and solving national challenges through information and communication technologies. Both countries committed to collaborating on attracting investments that promote small and medium enterprises, innovation, and start-up entrepreneurship. They will also share insights on using artificial intelligence platforms to enhance state institutions' efficiency. Moreover, Mongolia and Kazakhstan plan to stay aligned with global developments in digital technology by working together on next-generation technologies, science, and high-tech advancements.
A Memorandum was signed by G.Manlaijav, Secretary of Mongolia’s Nuclear Energy Commission, and Ambassador Gabit Koishibaev. This agreement focuses on peaceful nuclear energy cooperation, including joint theoretical and practical training, seminars, and experience-sharing events. The two countries will also collaborate on professional development in areas such as uranium mining, special licensing, and safe radiation operations. Through these efforts, Mongolia and Kazakhstan aim to strengthen their nuclear sectors while ensuring safety and regulatory excellence in their operations.
Importance of inter-parliamentary collaboration highlighted
Speaker of the Parliament, D.Amarbayasgalan also welcomed Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and emphasized the significance of cooperation between the two countries’ legislative bodies. He highlighted that the Parliament of Mongolia remains committed to advancing relations at the strategic partnership level and fostering mutually beneficial collaboration across various sectors.
President Tokayev noted the steady growth of friendly relations between Kazakhstan and Mongolia over the past 30 years, underscoring that these ties have evolved into a "Strategic Partnership." He reiterated his intention to further deepen connections between the two nations and strengthen cooperation at the community level. Both leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing inter-parliamentary collaboration, fortifying the legal framework for bilateral relations, and promoting exchanges between parliamentary friendship groups and offices.
Joint business council launched
As part of the visit, the inaugural meeting of the "Mongolia-Kazakhstan Joint Business Council" was held on October 28. During the meeting, business leaders from Mongolia and Kazakhstan discussed strategies to deepen their economic cooperation. The two sides held negotiations on expanding trade and investment, particularly in agriculture, food production, foreign trade, and light manufacturing. More than 10 Kazakhstan’s companies participated in business-to-business (B2B) meetings with Mongolian enterprises, exploring new avenues for collaboration.
Economic ties between the two nations have grown substantially in recent years. In 2019, total trade turnover stood at 35.3 million USD, which surged by 117 percent to 76.7 million USD in 2023. T.Duuren, Executive Director of the Mongolian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, attributed this growth to the strategic partnership between the two countries and emphasized the potential for further success.
The Ministry of Economy and Development pledged to work closely with Kazakhstan’s counterparts to expand trade, balance imports and exports, and increase investment. Discussions also included joint projects and addressing logistics challenges to facilitate smoother trade. Both nations aim to capitalize on their strategic geographical locations and interconnected road and rail networks to create new transport routes and logistics centers, which will enable efficient storage, sorting, and transportation of goods.
Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan Zhaslan Madiyev, opened the first session of the business council by highlighting Kazakhstan’s digital strengths. He noted that Kazakhstan ranks 24th globally in e-government and operates the Astana Hub, the largest tech center in Central Asia, with over 1,500 participating companies from 436 countries. Madiev expressed interest in working with Mongolia to support its IT and digital technology sectors, including offering opportunities for Mongolian startups to access Central Asian tech markets and receive training. Murat Karimsakov, Chairman of the Board of the Foreign Trade Chamber of the Republic of Kazakhstan, emphasized the importance of President Tokayev’s visit in unlocking new economic opportunities for both nations. Kazakhstan is committed to attracting foreign investment, fostering an open-door policy, maintaining a stable tax system, and ensuring a fair business environment. As part of these efforts, Kazakhstan has developed a national e-Investment platform, designed to connect investors with business opportunities and foreign partners.
Kazakhstan’s expertise in AI development shared
On the sideline of the Kazakhstan President’s state visit, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Communications of Mongolia, Ts.Baatarkhuu met with Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan Zhaslan Madiyev to advance bilateral cooperation in information technology, digital innovation, and space research. During the meeting, Minister Ts.Baatarkhuu expressed gratitude for Kazakhstan’s engagement, highlighting that Mongolia is committed to expanding cooperation in IT. He noted Kazakhstan’s rise as a significant player in the regional IT landscape and shared Mongolia’s recent focus on digitizing government services and developing the digital economy. “Mongolia has reached a good level in e-government services, and we are now concentrating on increasing the export of IT products and services,” Ts.Baatarkhuu remarked.
The Mongolian minister also announced that a new legislative framework covering artificial intelligence (AI), space technologies, and drone operations is being prepared for parliamentary discussion. He expressed interest in Kazakhstan’s expertise in developing drone testing zones and invited cooperation in this area.
Kazakhstan’s efforts in space exploration were highlighted, with Madiev emphasizing that the nation, home to the world’s largest space flight center, collaborates with multiple countries in space research. He expressed Kazakhstan’s readiness to cooperate with Mongolia in the fields of space science, technology, and innovation.
Kazakhstan has made significant strides in e-governance, ranking 24th in the United Nations E-Government Index. The country is also progressing in cyber security and innovation and aims to introduce 5G networks across 20 cities by 2025. Moreover, Kazakhstan is collaborating with Azerbaijan to enhance Internet traffic by laying fiber optic cables across the Caspian Sea, which is expected to reduce Asia-Europe Internet latency by 20 percent.
Both ministers expressed their commitment to deepening cooperation across these areas through a memorandum of understanding as part of the high-level visit.
