Turkmenistan’s Balkan Province and Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Region have expressed support for the initiative to reinstate the five-day visa-free regime for residents of border areas. The issue was discussed during a meeting between Hojamyrat Ashirmyradov, the Hyakim of Turkmenistan’s western region, and Nurdaulet Kilybay, Akim of the Mangystau Region, held on Thursday in Aktau.

According to the regional administration, both sides agreed that the measure would contribute to strengthening humanitarian, cultural, and economic ties.

The meeting also covered the strategic partnership development program for 2025–2027 and outlined key priorities for interregional cooperation.

“We are ready to support partnership between the Mangystau Region and the Balkan Province in all areas. There is strong potential in the oil and gas sector, logistics, agriculture, culture, and tourism,” Kilybay said.

At the conclusion of the talks, both sides expressed their intention to jointly implement specific initiatives aimed at deepening interregional collaboration.

Located in western Kazakhstan along the Caspian Sea, the Mangystau Region shares a border with Turkmenistan. The region plays a vital role in the country’s oil and gas industry and serves as a key transport and logistics hub thanks to the Aktau seaport.