Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan and visiting Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, following their meeting in Yerevan, said their two countries plan to increase business and trade relations and cooperation in the fields of high-tech education and culture.

To mark this renewed push for expanded relations, a park in Yerevan will be named after the 19th century Kazakh poet and philosopher Ibrahim (Abai) Qunanbaiūly.

In turn, a park in the Kazakh capital Astana will be named in honor of the Armenian monk, theologian, and linguist Mesrob Mashtots who, according to tradition, invented the Armenian alphabet in 405 A.D.

“We have special respect for the ancient history, rich culture, and traditions of Armenia. Armenia is a very important and reliable partner for Kazakhstan in the South Caucasus,” Tokayev said at a joint briefing.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the two countries.

Astana and Yerevan were also declared “sister cities”.