Speaking to the Cihan news agency, Günay described the past and future of Turkish-Kazakh relations yesterday. Announcing that Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev will visit Turkey at the end of October, Günay said the two countries are tied to each other with historical connections. The ambassador said Turkey and Kazakhstan have developed good relations and coordinate their foreign policy with each other, saying, “The best example of this is Turkey's 2009-2010 membership on the UN Security Council and Kazakhstan's 2010 presidency of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe [OSCE].”
Pointing out that Turkey was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Kazakhstan after the downfall of the Soviet Union, Günay said the Turkish Republic and its people have greatly contributed to the independence and the development of Kazakhstan.
Emphasizing the fact that Turkish businessmen's direct investment in Kazakhstan continues to grow, Günay said it has already reached $1.5 billion. Günay also stated that they expect trade volume to reach $5 billion between the two countries by the end of 2010. Günay said the foreign policy priorities of Turkey and Kazakhstan are to make peace and stability dominant forces in the world.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan President Nazarbayev will travel to Turkey with 200 businessmen to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation in tourism, education, trade and industry. After speaking before the Turkish Parliament, Nazarbayev will attend the Turkish-Kazakh Businessmen's Forum on Oct. 23. Nazarbayev will also make appearances at events promoting Kazakh culture in İstanbul during his visit before leaving Turkey on Oct. 24.
