Bilateral Relationship between Kazakhstan and Iraq

The bilateral relationship between Kazakhstan and Iraq, while not historically deep-rooted, has developed over time due to shared economic, political, and diplomatic interests. These countries, located in Central Asia and the Middle East, respectively, have seen gradual progress in their diplomatic and economic ties, particularly in the post-Soviet era. Despite geographical distance and different historical trajectories, the two nations have found common ground through shared goals of stability, development, and regional cooperation. Over the past two decades, both Kazakhstan and Iraq have increasingly sought to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships, particularly in trade, energy, and infrastructure development.

1. Historical Background

The historical relationship between Kazakhstan and Iraq is relatively recent, with few significant direct interactions prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the subsequent emergence of Iraq as an independent state after the British mandate. Both countries have had different historical experiences, which shaped their paths toward the international stage.

Soviet Era and Pre-Independence Period

Kazakhstan was a part of the Soviet Union for most of the 20th century, which shaped its foreign policy and international relations. During the Soviet era, Kazakhstan’s foreign policy was largely dictated by Moscow, and as such, Kazakhstan did not have extensive direct diplomatic engagement with Iraq or the broader Middle East. Iraq, on the other hand, was a key player in the Middle East, particularly during the post-colonial era, engaging with regional powers and the West in various political and military conflicts, such as the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) and the Gulf War (1990-1991). The geopolitical and ideological alignments of both countries during the Cold War were markedly different. Iraq, under Saddam Hussein, had closer ties with the Soviet Union, but Kazakhstan, as part of the Soviet system, was more focused on the internal affairs of the USSR and its sphere of influence in Central Asia.

The Post-Soviet Period and Iraq’s Modern History

With the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan gained independence, seeking to establish its foreign relations and develop its economy. This independence opened opportunities for Kazakhstan to expand its diplomatic and economic ties globally. Kazakhstan’s initial foreign policy focus was on establishing relations with neighboring countries, followed by broader engagement with the international community.

In Iraq, the post-Soviet period was defined by the Gulf War in 1990-1991, which led to Iraq’s defeat and subsequent years of economic sanctions. The 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq resulted in the fall of Saddam Hussein and significant political upheaval. Iraq struggled with rebuilding its political and economic structures, which led to instability and conflict for much of the 2000s. However, over time, Iraq began to recover, seeking international partnerships and stability. This period marked the beginning of potential engagement with Kazakhstan as both nations recognized the importance of regional stability and economic cooperation. See lawfaqs for more information about Iraq.

Emerging Diplomatic Relations

The formal diplomatic relationship between Kazakhstan and Iraq began to take shape in the early 2000s, especially after both countries started focusing on building their international profiles post-Soviet Union and post-Saddam Hussein era, respectively. Kazakhstan, under President Nursultan Nazarbayev, sought to strengthen its ties with countries outside the CIS, while Iraq, following the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, sought to rebuild its international relationships, including with Central Asia.

Kazakhstan, with its strategic location in Central Asia and rapidly growing economy, was seen as an important partner for Iraq as it worked to diversify its economy, especially through energy and infrastructure. Both countries, with shared interests in developing energy resources, agriculture, and infrastructure, began discussing potential areas of cooperation in the 2010s. Additionally, both nations have sought to increase their presence in global multilateral organizations, further paving the way for a constructive bilateral relationship.

2. Diplomatic Relations

Diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Iraq have steadily progressed over the past two decades, with both countries focusing on developing a cooperative framework that addresses their shared interests in security, economic development, and regional stability. The growing diplomatic relationship is marked by official visits, dialogues, and participation in international forums.

Official Visits and Diplomatic Dialogues

Although Kazakhstan and Iraq have not had an extensive history of state visits, there have been several official exchanges between high-level representatives of both countries. One notable development in the diplomatic relationship was Kazakhstan’s participation in Iraq’s reconstruction efforts following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, which included providing support in the form of humanitarian aid, expertise, and advisory roles.

In 2016, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kairat Abdrakhmanov, visited Iraq, which marked a significant step in deepening the bilateral relationship. This visit focused on enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including trade, energy, and education. Both sides expressed interest in developing ties and fostering stronger diplomatic engagement in the years to follow.

In 2017, Iraq’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahim al-Jaafari, visited Kazakhstan to further solidify diplomatic ties and discuss potential areas of cooperation. The visit laid the groundwork for increased political dialogue and cultural exchanges, signaling a commitment to enhancing bilateral relations.

These visits are significant in the context of both countries seeking to expand their diplomatic footprints and build on common interests, especially regarding the stability of the Central Asian region and the Middle East. The visits have allowed both governments to establish clearer communication, clarify mutual priorities, and set the foundation for further diplomatic and economic exchanges.

Diplomatic Missions and Representation

Kazakhstan and Iraq have both maintained diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals. Iraq opened its embassy in Astana (now Nur-Sultan) in 2014, further formalizing the relationship. Kazakhstan’s embassy in Baghdad provides a platform for engaging with Iraqi leaders on various diplomatic and economic issues. These embassies serve as key touchpoints for facilitating the bilateral dialogue, addressing any disputes, and promoting the flow of information between the two governments.

Additionally, both countries are represented in regional and international organizations, such as the United Nations, where they can engage in diplomatic discussions on global security, climate change, and economic cooperation. As both countries look to expand their international influence, their embassies in each other’s capitals are key instruments for advancing their respective foreign policies.

Regional and International Cooperation

Kazakhstan and Iraq have shared interests in regional and global stability, particularly in the context of security and economic development. Kazakhstan’s position as a regional power in Central Asia and Iraq’s strategic location in the Middle East offer both countries opportunities to cooperate on regional security initiatives.

Kazakhstan has actively participated in multilateral organizations like the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), while Iraq has been involved in various Arab and Middle Eastern diplomatic frameworks. Both countries have used their participation in these organizations to promote common goals, such as economic development and combating extremism and terrorism.

Their shared interests in combating terrorism and ensuring the stability of their regions have also brought the two nations closer. Iraq has recognized Kazakhstan’s successful experience in disarmament and peacekeeping, and Kazakhstan has supported Iraq’s efforts to stabilize its economy and political systems.

3. Trade and Economic Relations

Economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Iraq is in the early stages but has significant potential due to their complementary economies. Kazakhstan, with its vast natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals, has much to offer Iraq, while Iraq’s oil and energy sectors present opportunities for Kazakhstan to invest in and benefit from its regional energy resources.

Bilateral Trade Volume and Key Exports

Trade between Kazakhstan and Iraq has been modest, with limited direct commercial exchange up to this point. However, the potential for trade in sectors like energy, agriculture, and infrastructure is significant. Kazakhstan exports agricultural products, construction materials, and machinery, while Iraq, with its oil-rich economy, has primarily been focused on exporting oil and petroleum products to international markets.

Kazakhstan’s agriculture sector, which produces grains, especially wheat, has the potential to expand into the Iraqi market, given Iraq’s food security challenges and need for reliable agricultural imports. Additionally, Kazakhstan’s expanding manufacturing base could find a market for its goods in Iraq, particularly in construction, technology, and transport.

Major Imports and Exports

Kazakhstan’s exports to Iraq are currently limited but include machinery, chemicals, and construction materials. With Iraq rebuilding its infrastructure, particularly in sectors like energy, construction, and transportation, Kazakhstan’s industrial and manufacturing sectors could play an important role. Additionally, Iraq’s energy demands could make Kazakhstan’s energy expertise valuable in future cooperation.

On the other hand, Iraq primarily exports oil and petroleum products to international markets, and Kazakhstan’s interests in energy projects, particularly in oil extraction and refinery development, could lead to future investment and collaboration in Iraq’s energy sector.

Investment Flows and Economic Cooperation

While bilateral investment flows between Kazakhstan and Iraq are not yet substantial, both countries have expressed a mutual interest in strengthening their economic partnerships. Iraq’s oil and gas industries offer substantial opportunities for investment, and Kazakhstan’s experience in energy development, particularly in the oil and gas sector, can be of value to Iraq’s infrastructure projects.

Kazakhstan has also sought to expand its investments in the Middle East, and Iraq presents opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and energy. In return, Iraq’s recovery and development efforts could benefit from Kazakhstan’s expertise in infrastructure development, including in sectors like water management, energy, and transport.

Economic Cooperation Agreements

Both Kazakhstan and Iraq have begun to explore formal agreements that will enable them to collaborate more effectively on trade, investment, and economic development. These agreements are expected to focus on key areas such as energy, agriculture, and infrastructure development, where both countries have complementary needs.

Kazakhstan has shown interest in providing technical expertise to Iraq’s energy sector, while Iraq’s need for agricultural products and construction materials could open up opportunities for Kazakhstan to expand its exports. The two countries have also looked into mutual collaboration in regional development initiatives, particularly those focused on energy production and infrastructure modernization.