Larnaca, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday described his visit to Kazakhstan as historic before departing from Larnaca airport for the Central Asian country. He said the trip would be the first by a president of the Republic of Cyprus to Kazakhstan.
Bilateral ties
Christodoulides said Kazakhstan is among the countries where Cyprus wants to strengthen political and economic relations. He noted that both countries have opened embassies in each other’s capitals in recent years.
Meetings and agreements
He said that during his stay he will meet Kazakh President Kassym-Jomar Tokayev and that important bilateral agreements will be signed.
Cypriot embassy in Astana
Christodoulides said he will also attend the ceremonial opening of the Cypriot embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, and take part in a Cyprus-Kazakhstan business forum.
First direct passenger flight
He said his Thursday journey to Central Asia will also mark the first direct passenger flight between Cyprus and Kazakhstan. He added that the trip to Astana, with cabinet ministers and a large business delegation, is being made by Air Astana on its first flight connecting Cyprus with Kazakhstan.
Foreign policy and economic goals
Christodoulides said stronger air connectivity would help deepen political, economic and tourism ties with Kazakhstan. He described Kazakhstan as an important country in Central Asia with a population of more than 20 million.
He also said Cyprus’ foreign policy raises the country’s international status and supports efforts to attract investment, create jobs and strengthen the economy. He said this in turn allows the government to pursue social policies and invest in education, health, housing and the welfare state.
Regional context
Kazakhstan is among a small number of countries that maintain diplomatic engagement with both sides of Cyprus’ division. Last month, Tokayev invited Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman to Turkistan in southern Kazakhstan for a leaders’ summit of the Organisation of Turkic States.
