Leader Tokayev Holds Discussion with UAE President Prior to Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Conference
In a significant development, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on January 13, ahead of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit. The meeting marked a milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan appreciated Kazakhstan's participation in the ADSW Summit. Tokayev expressed his eagerness for Sheikh Mohamed's visit to Kazakhstan, viewing it as an important step towards further strengthening their relationship.
The focus of the discussions was on a specific economic agenda to enhance trade dynamics between the two countries. The strategic investment projects under consideration mainly focus on the implementation of agreements reached during high-level visits in 2025. These projects have strategic importance for both economies and emphasize modern trade infrastructure, logistics, artificial intelligence (AI), and information and communication technologies (ICT) development.
In the realm of transport and logistics, the cooperation aims to develop advanced trade infrastructure and logistics systems, with the intention of creating favorable investment conditions and modernizing transport links. The UAE’s broader infrastructure expansion plans, such as Dubai Airport's major expansion and improved inter-emirate transport connections, contribute to this sector’s attractiveness.
The UAE-backed joint venture Ansa Silicon LLP in Kazakhstan is developing a silicon production facility in Pavlodar, expected to complete in 2026, highlighting cooperation in energy-related critical minerals. Kazakhstan also seeks Gulf investment to develop its strategic mineral reserves, including lithium, rare earths, copper, and uranium, critical for energy and industrial sectors.
Although specific financial projects are not detailed, the discussions between Kazakhstan and the UAE include expanding investment cooperation aligned with modern trends such as AI and ICT, which likely involve financial technology and services growth. The UAE continues to foster stable government policies and sector diversification to attract foreign direct investment, including in finance.
While no explicit tourism projects are mentioned in the recent discussions, the UAE's strategic investment outlook includes diversification, which traditionally encompasses sectors like tourism. No direct bilateral tourism initiatives between Kazakhstan and UAE are specified in the current public reports.
Sheikh Mohamed expressed confidence that Kazakh-Emirati relations would reach new heights. In a positive development, direct investment from the UAE more than doubled last year. Tokayev views Sheikh Mohamed's visit to Kazakhstan as an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations. Sheikh Mohamed stressed the importance of expanding political dialogue and economic ties between the two countries.
The UAE is among the top ten largest foreign investors in Kazakhstan. Tokayev highlighted the UAE as a key partner in the Arab world and commended Astana's role in addressing international and regional security and sustainable development matters. A new trade turnover goal of $1 billion between Kazakhstan and the UAE has been discussed.
The meeting was reported by Akorda. No photograph credit information was provided for any images in this paragraph.
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