Turkish President Erdogan and Kazakh Prime Minister Discuss Gaza Ceasefire and Bilateral Cooperation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Kazakhstan's visiting Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held substantive discussions in Ankara on April 26, 2024, addressing regional and global affairs, particularly the ongoing Israeli assaults on Gaza. The leaders emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and enhanced cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

During the meeting, Erdoğan stressed the urgent need for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and called for increased collaboration within the Organization of Turkic States to facilitate humanitarian aid. The leaders also discussed strengthening bilateral ties between Turkey and Kazakhstan, including in counter-terrorism, economic cooperation, and the defense industry.

The diplomatic meeting highlighted the shared commitment of the two nations to uphold principles of peace, stability, and humanitarianism amidst geopolitical challenges. Erdoğan criticized Israel's involvement in the escalating crisis and called for swift action to address the situation, including increased humanitarian aid through the Organization of Turkic States.

Why this matters: The meeting between Erdoğan and Bektenov highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its humanitarian consequences. The discussions also underscore the strategic partnership between Turkey and Kazakhstan, as they seek to strengthen ties in various sectors and collaborate on regional and global issues.

The meeting addressed Israel's escalating conflicts across the region and the devastating impact of the Israeli war on Gaza, where over 34,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2022 and 85% of the population has been forced into internal displacement amid a crippling blockade. Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, with an interim ruling ordering it to stop genocidal acts and ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.

Investment Prospects: In addition to the discussions on regional issues, Bektenov also held talks with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, focusing on investment cooperation and promising areas such as oil and gas chemistry, coal chemistry, and mechanical engineering. Following the Kazakh-Turkish Business Forum, 10 commercial documents worth over $180 million were signed, including agreements on the construction of a logistics hub and various production plants, as well as an agreement on the exchange of advanced experiences in the field of seed production and prospects for seed supply.

"Türkiye and Kazakhstan will strengthen their cooperation in the fields of mining, electricity, logistics, transportation, and the maritime sector," stated Yılmaz, expressing hope that the commercial and economic ties between the countries will reach levels that reflect their 'brotherly relations' and grow even stronger.

Key Takeaways

• Erdogan, Bektenov discussed Gaza crisis, called for ceasefire, aid via Turkic States
• Leaders discussed strengthening Turkey-Kazakhstan ties in counter-terrorism, economy, defense
• Meeting highlighted shared commitment to peace, stability, humanitarianism amid challenges
• Erdogan criticized Israel's actions, called for swift action to address Gaza crisis
• Turkey, Kazakhstan signed $180M in commercial deals, to boost cooperation in mining, energy