During his visit to Riyadh on December 3, 2024, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with several key global leaders to discuss ongoing cooperation and express his appreciation for their support in organizing the One Water Summit. This summit, which Kazakhstan co-chairs with France, aims to address global water security issues and advance the environmental agenda.
Meeting with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga
In his meeting with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, Tokayev underscored the significance of Kazakhstan’s strategic partnership with the World Bank, highlighting key projects worth $3.5 billion in water resources, transport, and education. These projects include financing through the Transport Resilience and Connectivity Enhancement (TRACE) program, with a particular focus on repairing the Zhezkazgan-Karagandy highway. Tokayev expressed his gratitude for the World Bank’s ongoing support, which plays a pivotal role in strengthening Kazakhstan’s infrastructure and fostering regional connectivity.
President Banga reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to expanding cooperation and expressed interest in working on large-scale joint projects across various sectors of Kazakhstan’s economy.
Engagement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
During his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) of Saudi Arabia, Tokayev expressed his deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting the One Water Summit, which is seen as a milestone in addressing global water challenges. He also noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia, a relationship that has evolved into a strong political and economic partnership. Tokayev emphasized the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation, including in areas like energy, oil and gas, transport, and logistics.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman acknowledged Kazakhstan as a key partner for Saudi Arabia in Central Asia, highlighting the growing opportunities for expanding trade, economic, and investment relations between the two nations.
Talks with French President Emmanuel Macron
In his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Tokayev reflected on his recent state visit to France, where several important agreements were reached aimed at deepening Kazakh-French ties. Tokayev expressed optimism that these agreements would elevate the bilateral relationship to the level of a strengthened strategic partnership, particularly in areas like sustainable development, trade, and technological collaboration.
Outlook for Future Cooperation
The One Water Summit in Riyadh, which Kazakhstan co-chairs with France, is seen as a pivotal event in advancing the global environmental agenda. With the support of Saudi Arabia, France, and the World Bank, Kazakhstan aims to foster international cooperation on water security issues, an area of growing concern in the face of climate change.
Through these meetings, President Tokayev reinforced Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening its international relations and enhancing cooperation with key global partners to address both regional and global challenges.
