On October 18, Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, discussed bilateral cooperation with Kazakhstan and partnerships in trade, energy, culture, and the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in an exclusive interview with Kazinform News Agency. During the conversation, Ilham Aliyev emphasized that political relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are characterized by strong mutual trust and a strategic partnership grounded in historical bonds, shared Turkic identity, and cultural traditions. He noted that high-level dialogue has consistently strengthened bilateral cooperation across all sectors.

Over the past three years, this would mark his seventh visit to Kazakhstan, reflecting dynamic development and achievements under the leadership of Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan. Aliyev highlighted the successful reforms aimed at economic modernization and congratulated the Kazakh people on these outcomes. He also referenced Tokayev’s six visits to Azerbaijan, illustrating mutual commitment to strategic partnership. Aliyev expressed gratitude for Kazakhstan’s contribution to building the Kurmangazy Children's Creativity Center in Fuzuli, which currently educates around 100 children. He emphasized the extensive contractual and legal framework between the two countries, comprising approximately 170 documents, and highlighted the 20th anniversary of the Treaty on Strategic Partnership and Allied Relations, which has provided a solid foundation for cooperation. The upcoming second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council in Astana, he stated, will focus on further elevating Azerbaijani–Kazakh relations.

Regarding multilateral cooperation, Aliyev pointed to close collaboration within the UN, OTS, OIC, and CICA, noting that both countries support each other on many international issues. On economic matters, Aliyev remarked that trade and economic cooperation has steadily grown, with approximately 250 Kazakh commercial entities operating in Azerbaijan. Trade turnover reached $470 million in 2024 and $547 million from January to August 2025, more than tripling compared to the same period the previous year. Investment flows also strengthened, with Azerbaijani investments in Kazakhstan totaling $225 million and Kazakh investments in Azerbaijan at $136 million, demonstrating mutual commitment to long-term development.

Aliyev stressed the strategic importance of transport, logistics, and energy cooperation, noting that transit shipments reached over 3.5 million tons in 2024, a 20% increase. He referenced the 2022 "Roadmap for 2022–2027 on the Development and Operation of the Middle Corridor," covering Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan, aimed at infrastructure development, tariff optimization, and logistics network expansion. He highlighted the ongoing construction of submarine fiber-optic lines across the Caspian Sea, to be completed by the end of 2026, enhancing digital integration. In the oil and gas sector, SOCAR and KazMunayGas signed a transit agreement for 1.5 million tons of Kazakh oil annually via the Aktau–Ceyhan route, with phased volume increases and tariff reductions. Infrastructure modernization at the ports of Aktau and Alat and shipbuilding cooperation further strengthen bilateral ties. Green energy initiatives involving Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan in 2024 underscore the shared commitment to sustainable development and renewable energy.

Aliyev emphasized the role of the Organization of Turkic States in reinforcing Azerbaijani–Kazakh relations, noting that the OTS, founded in 2009 in Nakhchivan, has fostered political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation among Turkic nations. He mentioned recent high-level meetings, including the 12th Summit of OTS Heads of State in Gabala, and highlighted initiatives in culture, education, and research through the International Turkic Academy, TURKSOY, and TURKPA. He also recalled the historical significance of the First Turkological Congress in Baku (1926), whose centenary will be celebrated within the OTS framework.

On cultural and humanitarian cooperation, Aliyev noted the centuries-old shared history, religion, and values between the two peoples. Cultural exchanges, such as the Days of Kazakh Culture in Azerbaijan (2023) and the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Kazakhstan (2024), strengthen these bonds. He also highlighted the publication of Kemel Tokayev’s "Night Shot" in Azerbaijani and international conferences honoring literary figures Kemel Tokayev and Mir Jalal Pashayev. Regarding the Caspian Sea, Aliyev stressed the urgency of environmental challenges, particularly water level decline, which threatens biodiversity and the ecosystem. He recalled raising these concerns at the Sixth Caspian Summit (2022) and emphasized the need for coordinated action among littoral states, sharing scientific information, and promoting initiatives at regional and international platforms to restore ecological balance.