Amidst the backdrop of strong bilateral relations between Qatar and Kazakhstan, the working visit of H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Kazakhstan has been highlighted as a significant event. Ambassador Arman Issagaliyev emphasized the importance of Qatar’s active role in mediation and resolving international conflicts, which is expected to enhance the importance of H H the Amir’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. With Qatar being a dialogue partner state in the SCO, it is anticipated to make valuable contributions towards finding solutions to pressing issues of sustainable development.
The involvement of Qatar and Kazakhstan in various areas of cooperation on a bilateral basis has been underscored, with the signing of numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding in different sectors. Notably, a long-term strategic partnership agreement was established in March 2024 to develop priority projects in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, and healthcare. Furthermore, the entry of Qatari companies into the telecommunications and banking sectors in Kazakhstan is expected to bring increased competition and enhanced service quality, with potential collaborations in information technology and infrastructure projects in the pipeline.
Ambassador Issagaliyev highlighted the significance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as one of the most influential international organizations in mainland Asia. With nine member states and a significant portion of the global GDP and trade, the SCO has the capacity to address sustainable development goals and modern challenges. Kazakhstan, as the presiding country in the SCO, has identified six main priorities for its chairmanship, including security, trade ties, energy cooperation, digital sphere engagement, ecological cooperation, and cultural and humanitarian ties.
In terms of international efforts, Kazakhstan aims to provide assistance to the Afghan people with the support of the SCO. Astana is looking to establish a UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, with a focus on consolidating international efforts under the coordination of the UN. This initiative reflects Kazakhstan’s commitment to promoting sustainable development goals and fostering cooperation within the SCO framework.
Overall, the partnership between Qatar and Kazakhstan continues to strengthen across various sectors, with a focus on mutual respect and support. The working visit of H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Kazakhstan signifies a deepening of ties between the two countries, with expectations of further collaboration in priority areas such as economy, politics, and energy. As both nations work towards implementing agreements and exploring new avenues of cooperation, the future looks promising for the development of sustainable partnerships and the advancement of shared goals within the SCO framework.
