Kazakhstan seeks to strengthen ties with Togo and facilitate opportunities for Kazakh investors in West African markets, QazMonitor reports citing the press service of Akorda.
On November 28, the Presidents of Kazakhstan and Togo, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Faure Gnassingbe, discussed in Astana bilateral cooperation in agriculture, technologies, minerals, production, and investment on the occasion of the upcoming 10th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
President Tokayev highlighted that collaboration with African nations is a key aspect of Kazakhstan's foreign policy.
“We have agreed to instruct the governments of our countries to take specific measures to increase trade turnover. In particular, we noted that Kazakhstan has great opportunities for exporting grain crops to Togo. As you know, the Islamic Organization for Food Security was established at the initiative of our country. I called on Togo to become a member of this organization and to leverage its potential," said Tokayev.
The head of state drew attention to the fact that both countries are rich in natural resources and have opportunities for joint work on the exploration, mining, and development of deposits of iron, phosphate, bauxite, and other rare-earth elements.
I note the readiness of Kazakh entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in the mining industry in Togo. Along with this, there was a comprehensive discussion of cooperation between the two countries in the transportation and logistics sector. Kazakhstan was invited to consider the potential of the port of Lome, which is the second-largest in West Africa. We must make every effort to develop a mutually beneficial partnership. Therefore, I invited Togo entrepreneurs to participate next year in the Astana International Forum.
At the same time, he emphasized the importance of establishing cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Astana and Lome.
“This will allow the two nations to get to know each other better. I suggested that young people from Togo study at universities in Kazakhstan. We agreed to appoint honorary consuls for our countries to give a new impetus to our relations. The agreements reached will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening cooperation," added Tokayev.
Additionally, the President noted that our countries have established successful interactions within the framework of global and regional structures, underscoring the importance of mutual support and consultations within the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the African Union.
In turn, Gnassingbe said that the West African nation pays special attention to cooperation with Kazakhstan and is interested in developing a strategic partnership not only at the interregional but also at the pan-African level.
I think Togo may be of interest to Kazakh investors as a country that has an established trade turnover with the countries of West Africa, the total population of which exceeds 300 million people. We are happy to develop our cooperation in the agricultural sector. Today, Kazakhstan has great opportunities to supply grain to Togo. Your country has made significant progress in digitalization. We also intend to implement digitalization projects in our country and establish cooperation in this direction.