Astana, Kazakhstan. President Nikos Christodoulides arrived in Kazakhstan on Tuesday for the first official visit by a Cypriot head of state to the Central Asian country. The visit coincided with the inaugural direct flight between Larnaca and Astana.
Official visit
Christodoulides said on arrival in the Kazakh capital that the visit reflected a shared commitment to deeper cooperation between Cyprus and Kazakhstan. In a social media post, he described it as “a historic milestone” that opens a new chapter in bilateral cooperation and reflects efforts to strengthen cooperation, connectivity and ties.
Delegation and reception
The president travelled to Astana on the first direct Air Astana flight from Cyprus, accompanied by a government delegation that included Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Energy Minister Michael Damianos and Deputy Research Minister Nicodemos Damianos.
At Astana airport, he was welcomed by Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Issetov, Deputy Mayor of Astana Yerik Meyirkhanov and the ambassadors of both countries.
Talks expected
Before departing Cyprus earlier on Tuesday, Christodoulides said Kazakhstan is a priority partner for the strengthening of political and economic relations, citing the recent establishment of resident embassies in both capitals.
He is scheduled to hold talks on Wednesday with Kazakh President Kassym Jomart Tokayev and other senior officials. The discussions are expected to focus on political cooperation, trade, investment, energy, technology and regional developments.