"Kazakhstan becomes Turkey’s gateway to China, and Turkey — to Europe": Interview with Professor Turgul Ismail

In a conversation with Ukrainian politician Vitalii Barvynenko, Turkish international affairs expert Prof. Turgul Ismail shared his views on the geopolitical significance of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to Turkey, priorities in energy security, logistics, and the evolving role of the Organization of Turkic States in the Eurasian order.

Vitalii Barvynenko:

Professor, thank you very much for joining me today. Let’s start with the key issue — the visit of President Tokayev of Kazakhstan to Turkey. How do you assess its importance?

Turgul Ismail:

This visit was highly anticipated and it turned out to be important not only for bilateral relations but for the region as a whole. The two leaders clearly signaled that the strategic partnership between Ankara and Astana is entering a new phase. Turkey sees Kazakhstan as one of its main allies in Central Asia.

V.B.:

What were the main issues discussed?

T.I.:

The agenda included energy, transportation corridors, security, digital transformation, logistics, defense industry cooperation, science, and education. More than ten intergovernmental agreements were signed, including one to establish a logistics hub in the Kazakh port city of Aktau.

V.B.:

Was oil exportation one of the topics?

 T.I.:

Of course. There’s growing attention on alternative routes, especially the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline. Kazakhstan is already using this route to reduce its dependence on Russian infrastructure. Turkey is prepared to expand its role in transporting Kazakh energy resources to world markets.

 V.B.:

The strategic cooperation agreement also includes education and cultural aspects, right?

T.I.:

Yes, and that’s a very strong dimension. Over 12,000 Kazakh students are currently studying in Turkish universities. Education builds long-term trust, which is just as vital as politics or economics.

V.B.:

How does Turkey view Kazakhstan’s role in the so-called "Middle Corridor" linking Europe and China?

T.I.:

Kazakhstan is an essential player. It connects China with the Caucasus and Turkey. Without Kazakhstan, the Middle Corridor can’t function. Turkey not only supports but is strategically investing in this route — ports, logistics, railway infrastructure.

 V.B.:

Do you see any risks regarding regional power balances, considering the interests of China, Russia, and Turkey?

 T.I.:

Naturally, balance is always a challenge. Kazakhstan is pursuing a multi-vector foreign policy and so far, it's managing it well. Turkey doesn’t aim to confront anyone — it offers alternatives. And that approach is proving effective.

 V.B.:

What does Turkey’s leadership in the Organization of Turkic States mean in practical terms?

 T.I.:

It’s not about neo-imperial ambitions, as some critics suggest. It’s about language, culture, education, and coordination. All countries are equal — there’s no dominance. It’s a horizontal platform, unlike some other integration projects that are more vertical in structure.

 V.B.:

What are your expectations for the future of Turkey–Kazakhstan relations?

 T.I.:

I see only positive momentum. Turkey and Kazakhstan are becoming the pillars of the Turkic world in the region. Together, they can become a reliable bridge between East and West — to the benefit of their peoples.

 V.B.:

Thank you for this insightful conversation, Professor.

 T.I.:

Thank you as well. Always happy to share my perspective.

 About the speaker:Prof. Turgul Ismail is a leading Turkish political scientist and graduate of Kyiv University. He is the author of numerous publications on international relations and a recognized voice in matters of Central Asia, Turkey, and the post-Soviet space.