Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has arrived in the Republic of Kazakhstan on an official visit.

The Prime Minister of Armenia was welcomed by Kazakh Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov at the Astana International Airport.

On November 21, Nikol Pashinyan will have a private meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, followed by an expanded meeting.

The Prime Minister will also have meetings with Kazakh Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov and the Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Kazakh Parliament Yerlan Koshanov. 

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The official visit of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan to the Republic of Kazakhstan has begun. First, the official welcoming ceremony of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia was held at the Akorda Residence, during which Nikol Pashinyan and the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed the delegations of the countries, and the national anthems of Armenia and Kazakhstan were performed.

Then, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the President of Kazakhstan had a private meeting. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted in his welcoming speech: “Honorable Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, welcome to Kazakhstan. Your visit is very important for the two countries, for our dynamically developing strategic partnership. Therefore, our relations are receiving a new impetus, and we are confident that it will also be a new impetus for the development of our future relations. This is your first official visit to Kazakhstan, therefore, we attach great importance to it. I hope it will proceed well and I am sure that the importance of this visit for the Kazakh people, for our history, for our traditions, for our culture will be significant. During your visit, a number of important agreements and documents will be signed. Once again, I would like to welcome you to Kazakhstan."

In turn, Prime Minister Pashinyan noted: “Mr. President, first of all, let me thank you for inviting me to Kazakhstan on an official visit and for the warm welcome. I truly agree that this visit will give a new impetus to the development of our bilateral relations, and I want to emphasize your personal contribution to this matter and express my gratitude for it. I believe that this new stage in our relations was opened by the results of your official visit to the Republic of Armenia last year, where we reached a number of important agreements.

Part of these agreements has already been implemented, the other part is in the process of implementation. And this is, indeed, a very practical and strategic partnership. I am convinced that within the framework of this visit we will ensure the further development of all this. It is a great honor for me to be in Kazakhstan on an official visit and to be hosted by you. I also want to emphasize with great pleasure that this is a very important expression of mutual trust between our countries, our governments and the leaders of our two countries, which by no means should be underestimated for the development and deepening of relations between our countries. I want to thank you again for all of that."

Then, an expanded-format meeting between Nikol Pashinyan and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took place. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that Armenia is a key partner for Kazakhstan in trade and economic relations, the Kazakh people greatly respect the Armenian people, their history, culture and traditions. According to him, today Armenia has become a very beloved tourist destination for the Kazakh people. According to the President of Kazakhstan, the two countries have open relations based on mutual trust, and there is close mutual cooperation both on regional and international platforms. “Our cooperation in trade and economic, cultural and educational spheres is continuously developing. I would like to emphasize that our interstate relations are special, we have great opportunities to develop our cooperation in all directions. Today, we will sign historical documents to elevate our relations between the two countries and turn them into strategic relations,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized that the key result of this visit is the development of bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership. According to the Prime Minister, on this basis, the parties will give a new impetus to the further development of relations in all directions: a high level of political dialogue, a deepening level of economic cooperation, and, of course, cooperation in the humanitarian sphere is also taking on new manifestations. “Today, one of the streets in Astana was named after the author of Armenian letters, Saint Mesrop Mashtots. We also perceive this as a manifestation of respect for the Armenian people and the Republic of Armenia,” said Nikol Pashinyan. According to the Prime Minister, the changes taking place in the region open up new opportunities for further deepening economic relations, new transport opportunities are opening up, which should be seriously studied. The Prime Minister added that new agenda is being put in front of the members of the intergovernmental commission of the two countries, work on which has already begun.

Next, Nikol Pashinyan and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed a wide range of issues related to the development of trade, economic, business ties, cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, transport, agriculture, air transport, education, and culture. The interlocutors attached importance to the unblocking of regional communication routes, which will give a new impetus to the development and expansion of regional relations. In this regard, the leaders of the countries attached importance to the fact of importing wheat from Kazakhstan to Armenia by rail and expressed hope that this process will be continuous. In this regard, Nikol Pashinyan and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev considered it important to bring to life the TRIPP and “Crossroads of Peace” projects.

At the same time, the President of Kazakhstan emphasized the personal efforts of Prime Minister Pashinyan in establishing peace and stability in the region, adding that his country consistently supports the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The interlocutors exchanged views on the launch of direct flights between Yerevan and Astana, digitalization, student exchange programs, and further development of cooperation in other areas.

Prime Minister Pashinyan invited the President of Kazakhstan to pay a state visit to Armenia, which was gladly accepted.

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President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has awarded Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan with Kazakhstan’s highest state award, the Order of the Golden Eagle.

The Kazakh President noted that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Vovaevich Pashinyan is being awarded for the appreciation of his significant achievements.

“In Kazakhstan, you are recognized and respected as a national leader of Armenia, who has been able to inject new energy into the development of his country and give a powerful impetus to reforms in all spheres of state-building. You have a strong reputation as an outstanding statesman endowed with strategic vision and unshakable will in advancing Armenia’s national interests.

I have already mentioned today that you are the author and founder of the “Real Armenia” concept. I believe that this is extremely important in today’s conditions,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said, adding that under the far-sighted leadership of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Armenia has confidently chosen the path of sustainable progress, strengthened its positions in the international arena, and served as an example of a thoughtful and responsible policy, both in domestic and foreign policy.

“In a complex geopolitical situation, you have demonstrated a valuable ability to make unconventional, strong-minded decisions, which will undoubtedly benefit the entire Armenian people.

This undoubtedly shows that friendly, fraternal Armenia has chosen the path of peaceful, sustainable development, and this is your historical contribution. "I would especially like to emphasize your significant role in advancing the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan and signing the relevant final document in Washington," the Kazakh President said, expressing confidence that under the leadership of Nikol Pashinyan, Armenia will achieve new successes in strengthening its international positions, economic development, and comprehensive modernization.

Prime Minister Pashinyan noted that it is a great honor for him to be awarded the highest award of fraternal Republic of Kazakhstan and to receive it personally from the President of Kazakhstan. “You are a politician, statesman and diplomat with extensive experience. Your appreciation means a lot, and I am confident that our relations will continue to deepen.

This award will contribute to the further development not only of our bilateral relations, but also of our region and our wider region. I have already said how much I appreciate your personal support in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. You have been and continue to be very interested in establishing long-term stability in our region.

I have already said that Kazakhstan has a very important, not only practical, but also symbolic significance for us in terms of foreign and regional policy, since in our foreign and regional relations we rely on the Alma-Ata Declaration as the basis for the ideology of our foreign relations. And, by the way, the Alma-Ata Declaration is also very important for the ideology of the Real Armenia,” the Prime Minister of Armenia said.

Nikol Pashinyan thanked Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for such a high assessment, hospitality and reception.

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Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a joint statement following the meeting.

Next, in the presence of the leaders of the two countries, a ceremony of exchanging documents between Armenia and Kazakhstan took place.

The governments of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Kazakhstan exchanged the Agreement on the Transfer, Use, Protection and Security of Classified Information, the Agreement on the Mutual Provision of Land for the Construction of Buildings of Diplomatic Representations of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Armenia in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as the Roadmap for Trade and Economic Cooperation for 2026-2030.

A Memorandum of Cooperation was exchanged between the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan. A Memorandum of Cooperation was exchanged between the Ministry of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

A Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Peaceful Use of Atomic Energy was exchanged between the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia and the Atomic Energy Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

A Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Science and Higher Education was exchanged between the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. An Action Plan for 2026-2027 was exchanged between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. A Program of Key Activities for the Development of Cooperation for 2026-2027 was exchanged between the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan. A Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of trade in agricultural products was also exchanged between Armenia and Kazakhstan.

An agreement on the establishment of the Armenia-Kazakhstan Business Council between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Armenia and the Chamber of Foreign Trade of Kazakhstan, a memorandum of cooperation between the State Non-Profit Organization "National Library of Armenia" and the Republican State Institution "National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan", a cooperation agreement between the Diplomatic School of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a memorandum of cooperation between the Cinema Foundation of Armenia and the "State Center for Support of National Cinema" Non-Profit Joint-Stock Company, and a memorandum of cooperation between the National Gallery of Armenia and the A. Kasteev State Art Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan were also exchanged.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made statements to the media after the meeting.

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev - Honorable Prime Minister, let me thank Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan for accepting my invitation and paying an official visit to Kazakhstan. Today’s visit is of particular importance, of historical significance, and during today’s discussions we will touch upon all our goals. Armenia is a reliable and trustworthy partner for Kazakhstan, and our relations are based on mutual friendship and mutual respect. Kazakhstan has always been a close and friendly country for Armenia and the Armenian people, and we highly appreciate the history, rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Armenian people. We build our multilateral cooperation on these values.

We intend to continue to develop mutually beneficial cooperation. My official visit to the Republic of Armenia last year, its results, as well as the results of the negotiations within the framework of today's visit, testify to these relations. Armenia-Kazakhstan relations are of strategic importance. Within its framework, we signed a joint statement, and within the framework of this visit, relations between the two countries have further improved, new paths have been opened, new stages have been opened for cooperation.

On this occasion, let me emphasize the role of Honorable Mr. Nikol Pashinyan in the development of Armenia-Kazakhstan relations.

Honorable Mr. Prime Minister, you are known to the international community as a strong leader, far-sighted leader and politician. Taking into account your role, today I have awarded Honorable Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan with the highest award of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This step is a sign of friendship between our countries, as well as evidence that we strive to further deepen our mutual ties.

I highly appreciate the results of today's substantive negotiations. We shared and attached particular importance to various issues: mutual trade, economic and investment cooperation, and also agreed to take steps to expand trade turnover. Last year, Kazakh exports to Armenia exceeded $350 million. We, of course, want to support the Armenian economy, and we have agreed to take concrete steps to implement joint investment programs, to take concrete steps to expand and improve relations between business communities. As you know, the Kazakh-Armenian working group will contribute to the implementation of such mutually beneficial programs.

We can develop our partnership in industry, transport, infrastructure, agriculture, digitalization, transportation and other areas. Among them, we have attached particular importance to transport and transit opportunities. The new geopolitical situation in the South Caucasus creates an opportunity to strengthen bilateral regional cooperation. Kazakhstan supports the initiative of the Republic of Armenia, the “Crossroads of Peace” project. And we also emphasize that we are interested in participating in the TRIPP, the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity’’. Such projects, the North-South project, as well as the “Middle Corridor” project, correspond to the interests of both countries. Therefore, transport cooperation will open up great opportunities for both countries.

Let me also thank the Azerbaijani leadership for giving Armenia the opportunity to conduct direct trade using the territory of Azerbaijan. In November of this year, Kazakh wheat, the first ton of wheat, was delivered to Armenia through the territory of Azerbaijan. This is of very important political and economic importance. We have also agreed to strengthen our cooperation in the agricultural sector and ensure stable supplies. Working in this direction, we have agreed to take all necessary steps. One of the main tasks is to establish direct flights between Yerevan and Astana. In this regard, we have specific plans, and I hope that appropriate steps will be taken in the near future.

As for the topic of artificial intelligence, it is also very important for Kazakhstan, because digitalization in Kazakhstan is developing very quickly and dynamically. In this regard, Armenia has also achieved significant success. This area is a new locomotive that will allow us to stimulate the development of the economies of both countries. We have agreed to exchange our experience when it comes to artificial intelligence, technologies and digitalization. We have also talked about the implementation of joint programs. Together with Honorable Mr. Pashinyan, we will be happy to witness the opening of a large IT hub in the region. Next year, the “Tumo Astana” organization will be established.

We also discussed the main directions of development in the education sector. We have signed intergovernmental agreements for student exchange, which are also very important. There is also great potential for cooperation between the two countries in the healthcare sector. We have agreed to hold the Days of Kazakh Medicine in Armenia, and the Days of Armenian Medicine in Kazakhstan.

We also, of course, discussed issues when it comes to cultural and humanitarian issues. Last year, Days of Armenian Culture were held in Astana. This year, the same was organized in Yerevan. A park named after the great thinker Abai was opened in the capital of the Republic of Armenia. And today, a street named after Saint Mesrop Mashtots was opened in Astana. Thus, we express the spiritual closeness of our two peoples. This shows respect for the national figures of our two countries.

Dear ladies and gentlemen, today we also exchanged opinions on regional and international issues. We emphasized that our positions on various complex issues coincide. We seek to strengthen the efforts of the United States of America, also taking into account the role of President Donald Trump and taking into account his plan, which I also support, the steps that are being taken to achieve results. In this sense, Kazakhstan also highly appreciates the efforts of Armenia and Azerbaijan to normalize relations. We wish that this process will only have a good continuation and we will always be happy to support this process. Once again, during today's negotiations, I confirmed this and in this regard I would like to emphasize the historical role of the esteemed Prime Minister for the sake of lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Dear Mr. Prime Minister, your far-sighted steps, your courageous steps for the sake of stability and peace in the South Caucasus deserve praise. I wish you success in this very responsible work for the sake of the development of Armenia, for the sake of raising the prestige of your country on international platforms. I wish success to all your initiatives. Kazakhstan is ready to support you, the Armenian people on this path. May Armenia-Kazakhstan relations be further strengthened.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan - Honorable Mr. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, first of all, let me once again state that it is a great honor for me to be awarded the highest award of fraternal Kazakhstan. To see this decision made by such an experienced statesman, politician and diplomat as you, and to receive this award from you, of course, is binding, and I am grateful for such appreciation. You are a person who has made a tangible contribution to modern international politics, and to see the situation from the point of view of your assessment is, of course, extremely important, because any development in any case always needs assessment and reassessment, because in any case, any decision also needs further maintenance and development.

When I returned from Washington from the Peace Summit on August 8, 2025, I considered it necessary to call and personally inform you about the events that took place. It was also an expression of my appreciation for the support you personally provided during this period and for the support provided by Kazakhstan. I would also like to remind that Kazakhstan provided a platform for the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of our countries in Alma-Ata at a very important time, and that conversation, those negotiations were very important for further developments. It is also no secret that the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan is based on the Alma-Ata Declaration, which, of course, in this case has a very specific political significance and has a symbolic meaning. I am very happy and it is a great honor for me that we are having this official visit in such an environment, as a result of which the relations between Armenia and Kazakhstan are reaching the point of strategic partnership, which, of course, is a new springboard for the development of our further relations.

As a result of the Washington Declaration, we are now focused on the implementation of the Trump Route project and are in a very active negotiation process with the United States to specify and reach an agreement on the legal framework and regulations. As you know, the main and principal issues have been determined and agreed upon as a result of the Washington Declaration, and Armenia and Azerbaijan are opening their channels for each other for internal, that is, through the territory of Armenia from Azerbaijan to Azerbaijan, through the territory of Azerbaijan from Armenia to Armenia, bilateral and international communication. And according to the Washington Declaration, all this will take place on the basis of the territorial integrity, sovereignty, jurisdiction and reciprocity of the countries.

Of course, Armenia and Azerbaijan have recognized each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty on the basis of the Alma-Ata Declaration. I would like to emphasize that the Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan was also initialed in Washington, where the Alma-Ata Declaration also has a basic principle. And in that agreed and initialed text, Armenia and Azerbaijan emphasize that, based on the understanding that the republics of the former Soviet countries have become independent states and the administrative borders between them have turned into state borders, on this basis, the two countries recognize each other's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence, note that they have no territorial claims against each other, and undertake not to raise territorial claims against each other in the future.

This is indeed a very solid foundation for a lasting, stable and reliable peace, and we, of course, should make efforts to sign and ratify the peace agreement in the near future. Of course, we are already working on the “Trump Route” project, which, I believe, will also significantly increase the opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation between Armenia and Kazakhstan, as well as increase the export potential of both Armenia and Kazakhstan, in the case of Armenia, to the east, in the case of Kazakhstan, to the west. And we are, of course, very happy that Kazakhstan is showing interest at the highest level in this project, which, of course, will consist of railway communication, pipelines, power lines, cables, and also the infrastructure for road transport that Armenia and Azerbaijan have shown readiness to provide to each other.

Honorable Mr. President, I would like to emphasize that this new activity and dynamics of our relations are the result of your official visit to the Republic of Armenia in 2024, which was very important and pivotal. That visit gave a new impetus to our relations. And, here we have the concrete result, our relations have grown and are growing to a new level.

I consider it very important, you emphasized and we also see these signals, that tourism interest towards Armenia is growing in Kazakhstan, and I want to thank you for taking this initiative so that direct flights can take place between our countries.

Of course, Mr. President put forward another very important idea. This concerns student exchange programs. This is also a factor that will develop our relations at all levels. We are very happy and look forward to the opening of the Tumo center in Kazakhstan. Of course, new opportunities for deepening our relations in the field of high technologies and artificial intelligence are created. I informed Mr. President that as a result of the visit to Washington on August 8, a number of memorandums of understanding were also signed with the United States, one of which concerns cooperation in the field of high technologies and artificial intelligence. And recently, the US Government has granted an export license to NVIDIA, and within the framework of the Firebird company's investment program, it is planned to invest about 500 million dollars in the Republic of Armenia. I know and during previous visits I had the opportunity to see and be convinced that Kazakhstan has very serious success in the field of high technologies and digitalization, the results are impressive. I thank you for supporting the further deepening and development of relations between our countries in these areas as well.

I would like to say that I have already had the opportunity to invite the President of Kazakhstan to participate in the COP 17 biodiversity summit to be held in Armenia next fall. I am glad to note that the esteemed President has active interests in the field of biodiversity and actively advocates for environmental protection.

Of course, in addition to international platforms, it is also a great honor for me to invite the President of Kazakhstan, esteemed Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to pay a state visit to the Republic of Armenia. It will be a great honor for us to receive you on a state visit to the Republic of Armenia. I am sure that when that visit takes place, we will be able to record that, as a result of the current visit, our relations have already reached a new point and we will have the opportunity and space to formulate a new agenda and actively implement that agenda.

Once again, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for this high-level reception, high appreciation, and simply human warmth.

Thank you very much.

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A meeting between the Prime Ministers of Armenia and Kazakhstan, Nikol Pashinyan and Oljas Bektenov, took place in Astana.

The latter welcomed the official visit of the Prime Minister of Armenia and noted that it is of great importance for the further development of relations between the two countries. Oljas Bektenov expressed confidence that after the fruitful negotiations between the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Kazakhstan, the Government headed by him will make every effort to successfully implement the agreements reached. Oljas Bektenov congratulated Nikol Pashinyan on being awarded the highest award of Kazakhstan and added that this emphasizes the fact that Armenia is a reliable partner for Kazakhstan.

Nikol Pashinyan thanked for the congratulations and noted that it was a great honor for him to be awarded the highest award of Kazakhstan. The Prime Minister personally emphasized the strong partnership established with Oljas Bektenov and thanked him for contributing to the deepening of economic ties between the two countries. Nikol Pashinyan noted that there is great potential for trade and economic cooperation between Armenia and Kazakhstan and expressed hope that new transport opportunities will give a new impetus to its effective implementation.

The interlocutors then discussed a number of issues related to the development of relations in various fields and to the bilateral agenda.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with the Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan Erlan Qoşanov.

The interlocutors emphasized the importance of high-level political dialogue and the organization of mutual visits between the two countries. Nikol Pashinyan and Erlan Qoşanov emphasized that there is active cooperation not only at the level of governments, but also at the level of parliaments. It was noted with satisfaction that inter-parliamentary relations are of an intensive nature.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan also touched upon topics of regional importance. The parties expressed their conviction that the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan will create new opportunities for the development of cooperation in the region and the promotion of trade and economic ties.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Oljas Bektenov. Nikol Pashinyan toured the museum and got acquainted with the exhibits. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia also made a note in the book of honored guests.

The Prime Minister presented the National Museum of Kazakhstan with a bear-shaped zoomorphic vessel, 1st-2nd century BC. which was excavated from the rhyton room of the 8th hill in Artashat capital in the 1980s. Hundreds of vessels, bowls, painted plates, gemma, etc. were excavated from the same room. The original is in the History Museum of Armenia.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, accompanied by Kazakh Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov, visited the “alem.ai” Artificial Intelligence Center.

During the tour, the Prime Minister was presented with the center’s activities. In particular, it was noted that the center’s goal is to use artificial intelligence tools to improve the quality of services provided in the state system, digitalization in various bodies, etc.

Cooperation and exchange of experience in this direction were emphasized.