Kazakh president awards Georgian PM highest first-class Order of Dostyk as strategic deal signed

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has awarded Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze the First-Class Order of Dostyk (Order of Friendship), Kazakhstan's highest state decoration in the category, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations.

The award ceremony took place during Kobakhidze's official visit to Kazakhstan, where the two countries also elevated their relations to the level of a strategic partnership.

Presenting the award, Tokayev praised Kobakhidze's role in advancing cooperation between the two countries and highlighted Georgia's recent political and economic development.

“Under your strong leadership, Georgia is successfully implementing large-scale social and economic reforms, improving the well-being of its citizens while strengthening its international standing and role as an important regional partner,” Tokayev said.

The Kazakh president described Georgia as “a strong and successful state” and said the two countries are linked by deep historical ties, shared cultural values and longstanding traditions of friendship and mutual understanding.

He noted that bilateral relations have entered a new stage in recent years, marked by intensified political dialogue, growing trade and expanding economic cooperation.

Tokayev also stressed cooperation in international organizations and said Kazakhstan and Georgia have consistently supported each other on key international issues.

Referring to the agreement signed during the visit, the Kazakh president described the establishment of a strategic partnership as “a truly historic decision.”

“Today we signed a joint declaration that elevates our relations to the level of a strategic partnership. This is truly a historic decision that serves the fundamental interests of our peoples and creates a solid foundation for further expanding cooperation between our countries,” he said.

Tokayev said the prime minister's visit and personal efforts had played a significant role in reaching the milestone.

“Mr. Kobakhidze, in recognition of your outstanding leadership and your significant contribution to strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and Georgia, I have decided to award you the First-Class Order of Dostyk,” he said, describing the decoration as a symbol of the close ties and growing partnership between the two countries.

Accepting the award, Kobakhidze thanked Tokayev and described the honor as a reflection of the friendship between the Georgian and Kazakh peoples.

“This order symbolizes the special friendship that exists between our two countries and peoples. We are proud of this strong friendship and partnership,” the Georgian prime minister said.

Kobakhidze thanked Tokayev for his personal contribution to the development of bilateral relations and reaffirmed Georgia's commitment to expanding cooperation in all areas.

“Today is already a historic day for our bilateral relations. We signed the Agreement on Strategic Partnership between Georgia and the Republic of Kazakhstan, which will elevate cooperation between our countries to a qualitatively new level,” he said.

The prime minister also thanked Kazakhstan for its continued support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and expressed confidence that the newly established strategic partnership would bring greater prosperity and benefits to both countries.