Singapore President Halimah Yacob visits Kazakhstan to boost trade, investment, and cultural ties

President Halimah Yacob concluded her State Visit to Kazakhstan on Wednesday, May 23, 2023. During her visit, she met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov, and other senior government officials. She also visited the Astana Grand Mosque, the Friendship House of Astana, the Astana International Financial Centre, and the Nazarbayev University.

In her meetings with President Tokayev and Prime Minister Smailov, President Halimah discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Singapore and Kazakhstan. The two sides agreed to cooperate in areas such as trade, investment, education, and culture. They also discussed the importance of working together to address regional and global challenges.

President Halimah also met with representatives of the business community in Kazakhstan. She encouraged them to explore business opportunities in Singapore. She also spoke about Singapore’s experience in developing a knowledge-based economy and urged Kazakhstan to adopt a similar approach.

President Halimah’s visit to Kazakhstan was a success. It helped to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and pave the way for further cooperation in the future.

Highlights of President Halimah’s visit:

  • She was conferred the Order of Dostyk (Friendship) of the First Class by President Tokayev.
  • She witnessed the signing of several MOUs, including the Agreement on Trade in Services and Investment.
  • She met with representatives of the business community in Kazakhstan and encouraged them to explore business opportunities in Singapore.
  • She spoke about Singapore’s experience in developing a knowledge-based economy and urged Kazakhstan to adopt a similar approach.

President Halimah’s visit was a positive step in strengthening bilateral relations between Singapore and Kazakhstan. It is expected that the two countries will continue to cooperate in areas such as trade, investment, education, and culture in the years to come.

Additional information:

  • President Halimah Yacob is the first Singaporean President to visit Kazakhstan.
  • Kazakhstan is a country in Central Asia with a population of over 18 million people.
  • Singapore and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations in 1992.
  • Bilateral trade between Singapore and Kazakhstan is valued at over $1 billion.
  • Singapore and Kazakhstan have signed several agreements to cooperate in areas such as trade, investment, education, and culture.

Sourced from Singapore MFA