Aidar Kurmashev: It is essential to enhance expert cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan INTERVIEW
In today's world, strategic partnerships at the regional level are gaining particular importance. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan exemplify successful cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests. In an interview with AZERTAC, Aidar Kurmashev, Head of the Asian Studies Department at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan, spoke about the current state and future prospects of Kazakh-Azerbaijani relations — from transport corridors to academic cooperation — and outlined the steps needed to strengthen these ties.
- What are the priority areas and prospects for cooperation between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan?
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have established very warm relations that promote contact at both political and economic levels. Currently, the priority areas of cooperation include the development of transport and logistics routes, as well as the strengthening of ties between business structures and expert-academic communities.
Work on transport and communication projects is progressing actively: agreements are being signed, and roadmaps are being developed. Specific targets have already been set for 2030, including an increase in container transportation volumes and an expansion of cargo flows. At the same time, more attention must be paid to the development of business contacts and expert cooperation.
Expert cooperation plays an important role, as it raises awareness among business communities in both countries and promotes regional studies and the development of qualified expertise among scholars and analysts. This, in turn, allows for the formulation of concrete recommendations for further cooperation.
Another important area is the creation of expert platforms for the youth of both countries. These platforms could focus on specific sectors, such as the green economy, IT hackathons, and the organization of joint sports events, helping to establish personal connections, enhance mutual awareness, and unlock the potential for trade and economic interaction.
- What are the historical and modern foundations of the ties between our countries, and how can mutual public awareness be improved?
The greatest level of awareness is observed at the interregional level. For instance, in Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region, there are close business and everyday connections with Azerbaijan, partly due to familial ties. However, in other regions of Kazakhstan, the level of awareness is considerably lower. While historical roots of interaction do exist, the modern youth is not sufficiently engaged in studying these connections or conducting relevant research. One of the most pressing issues is the lack of scientific works and studies in this area.
- How can the development of scientific research and educational programs be stimulated to strengthen bilateral relations?
For example, when doctoral students choose the South Caucasus or Azerbaijan as the topic of their dissertations, they become specialized experts who are later consulted by the media for expert commentary. Furthermore, such specialists can serve as consultants for government bodies on the development of bilateral relations. Government decisions typically rely on the results of serious research work. Therefore, it is crucial to stimulate the development of educational programs in cooperation with universities and to create joint faculties, such as in the field of the maritime industry.
- What are the prospects for tourism development in the Caspian region, and what challenges do tourists face?
The Caspian Sea should be seen not only as a source of natural resources but also as a promising platform for the development of new economic sectors. Tourism is one of the most promising areas. However, there are certain practical difficulties: for example, it is hard to find online information about routes from Aktau to Baku, particularly via ferry services.
The need to obtain information on-site creates inconveniences for potential tourists. Although the visa regime between our countries has been simplified, infrastructure and service quality still do not meet the expectations of modern travelers.
While in a number of foreign countries all tourist routes and services are well-organized and available online, interaction between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan needs further development to increase tourism attractiveness and convenience for citizens of both countries.
Elshan Rustamov
AZERTAC Correspondent
Astana
