NUR-SULTAN – Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih met Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Prime Minister Askar Mamin during an official visit to the country on Sunday.
Al-Falih and Tokayev pose for a photo during their meeting in Akorda. Photo credit: Akorda press service
The sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties and boost cooperation in different sectors. The Saudi delegation led by Al-Falih also met government officials and representatives of major Kazakh companies in their effort to expand economic ties between the two countries.
Kazakh and Saudi officials during the meeting in Akorda. Photo credit: Akorda press service
Welcoming the minister, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said his visit was a continuation of substantial phone conversations with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud of Saudi Arabia.
“We are sure that there are many opportunities between our countries to promote cooperation and give it more practical content. That’s why the Crown Prince and I discussed on the phone several future joint projects. The basis of our cooperation will become more solid. In this regard, we welcome your visit and believe that with your support and the involvement of my administration, we can achieve real progress in our bilateral relations,” he said.
Al-Falih conveyed words of welcome from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia and the Crown Prince saying they “confirm the continued support for the further prosperity and welfare of Kazakhstan, praise the ongoing reforms and the leadership of the country in Central Asia, as well as the path that was started 30 years ago.”
Al-Falih addresses the investment forum in Nur-Sultan. Photo credit: invest.gov.kz
In the first seven months of 2021, bilateral trade grew 36.5 percent. During the fifth meeting of the Saudi-Kazakhstan Joint Committee, Al-Falih stressed the importance of promoting investments in the two countries. Saudi Arabia has invested approximately US$100 million, but officials on both sides believe that there remains potential that has yet to be tapped.
The launch of direct flights between the two countries scheduled for October might be a way to bolster business relations.
“The opening of direct flights between our countries will also contribute to strengthening business relations. Kazakhstan’s SCAT airline will resume direct flights between Almaty and Jeddah this October,” said Kazakh Minister of Trade and Integration Bakhyt Sultanov during the Kazakh-Saudi investment business forum that gathered more than 170 representatives of Kazakh and Saudi businesses.
Bakhyt Sultanov at the forum. Photo credit: invest.gov.kz
Kazakhstan also plans to resume visa-free travel for Saudi citizens in the near future, said the minister.
According to him, Saudi Arabia’s State Development Program 2030 and the Development Program of Kazakhstan-2050, are aimed at achieving the same goals – diversifying the economy and reducing the dependence on the exports of natural resources.
“Our countries have a huge potential for strengthening our cooperation,” said Sultanov.
