Kazakhstan regards Thailand as key partner for expanding cooperation with ASEAN countries

Kazakhstan and Thailand have signed a Joint Action Plan for 2027–2028, which will serve as a roadmap for deepening bilateral cooperation. The document was signed by Yermek Kosherbayev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, and Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, who arrived in Kazakhstan on an official visit, reports Kazinform, a partner of TV BRICS.

According to Kosherbayev, there remains significant potential for strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and Thailand in agriculture, the food industry, transport and logistics, green energy, and the extraction of strategic minerals, as well as in the development of tourism links and the expansion of contacts between the citizens of the two countries.

Photo: Viktor Fedyunin / Kazinform

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister noted the growth in bilateral trade, which reached US$255 million last year.

"Currently, more than 55 companies with Thai capital are registered in the Kazakhstani market. The launch of numerous direct flights between the two countries has given impetus to the development of ties between our citizens and businesspeople. […] We regard Thailand as an important gateway to the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) market. In turn, Thailand gains access to the markets of Central Asia and the Eurasian Economic Union via Kazakhstan. We attach great importance to developing cooperation in this area," Kosherbayev emphasised.

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, at a meeting with Sihasak Phuangketkeow, noted that the republic welcomes the strengthening of business ties and invites Thai companies to explore new investment opportunities. According to Tokayev, this is facilitated by the reciprocal visa-free regime and record levels of tourist exchange.

"Kazakhstan remains Thailand’s largest trading partner in Central Asia, accounting for more than 70 per cent of the total trade volume with the region. Nevertheless, we believe that we have enormous untapped potential. […] Your country is one of the leading economies in South-East Asia, an important representative of the Global South and a respected member of the international community. Kazakhstan is keen to deepen our cooperation. Next year, we will mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries"

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev President of Kazakhstan

Sihasak Phuangketkeow thanked the Kazakhstani leader for his hospitality and added that the Thai government admires Kazakhstan’s economic achievements.

“Today, Kazakhstan plays an increasingly significant role on the world stage and is Thailand’s key partner in Central Asia. Our country is ready to serve as a bridge in developing cooperation with ASEAN countries. In this context, we propose building effective cooperation. Thailand is interested in implementing joint projects in such promising areas as tourism – including medical tourism – hotel construction, the development of supply chains for critical minerals, and ensuring food security,” states Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister.

The President of Kazakhstan extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, to pay an official visit to Kazakhstan.