“The country of white cars“: another visa-free regime may become available for Kazakhstanis

Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan is discussing the possibility of introducing a visa-free regime with Turkmenistan. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Aibek Kuantyrov at a plenary session of the Mazhilis.
Today, the Mazhilis ratified the agreement between the governments of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan on mutual encouragement and protection of investments. During the discussion of the bill, Mazhilis deputy Serik Yerubaev raised the issue of the potential introduction of a visa-free regime between the two countries.

“A visa-free regime creates a favorable and predictable environment for foreign investors and strengthens confidence in the investment climate, reflecting the country’s orientation towards openness, capital protection, and the development of sustainable international economic relations. As you know, Turkmenistan is a visa-required country for citizens of Kazakhstan. Citizens permanently residing in the Atyrau and Mangistau regions can enter and temporarily stay in Turkmenistan without a visa for no more than five days. Is the introduction of a visa-free stay being considered?” Yerubaev asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs representatives.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Aibek Kuantyrov confirmed that this issue is being discussed. In 2001, an agreement was indeed signed regarding visa-free visits to Turkmenistan for residents of Atyrau and Mangistau for up to 5 days. However, Turkmenistan canceled this agreement in 2016.

"Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received certain complaints. But we are currently in the process of resolving this issue. Consultations have already been held in Astana. We are waiting for proposals from Turkmenistan to address this matter. We will resolve it with the interested agencies and ministries. This issue is under control," Kuantyrov assured.

Reminder: In April, former President of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited Kazakhstan. Together with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, he visited Turkestan Region. There, Berdimuhamedov expressed his readiness to purchase a Tank 300 SUV from Kazakhstan, provided it was "painted white".
According to media reports, Turkmenistan only allows driving white cars. The city of Arkadag, mentioned by Berdimuhamedov, is even called the "white-stone city" because of the color of its buildings.