ISTANBUL 

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Friday presented his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic with the country's highest state award for his “significant contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries.”

Tokayev gave the Order of the Golden Eagle to his Serbian counterpart during a ceremony following bilateral talks in the Kazakh capital Astana which addressed trade relations and cooperation in the defense industry and artificial intelligence, according to the country's presidential press service Akorda.

The Kazakh statement said Tokayev described Serbia as a “very important strategic partner in Europe” and highlighted efforts to strengthen cooperation in the economy, as well as humanitarian and cultural spheres.

“A direct flight between Astana and Belgrade has been launched, and our trade relations are developing very successfully. More than 60 Serbian companies are successfully operating in Kazakhstan. We share common approaches to key international issues,” Tokayev said.

In response, Vucic thanked Tokayev for the hospitality and said relations between the two countries are strategic.

“I am confident that our friendship will reach a new level through strengthened cooperation in artificial intelligence, information technology and energy. I look forward to welcoming you to Serbia in the near future,” Vucic added.

He also expressed interest in expanding the participation of Kazakh companies in joint projects, primarily in construction, and emphasized the significant potential for growth in cooperation in the defense industry, artificial intelligence, and data centers.

Following the meeting, Kazakhstan and Serbia signed 10 memorandums covering cooperation in health, justice, digital development, agriculture, science, culture, investment, and public administration.