Kazakhstan has deepened its collaboration with China in the oil and gas sector, unveiling fresh agreements aimed at expanding joint exploration and investment. The announcement came as President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited Beijing this week to promote closer political and economic ties with the country’s eastern neighbor.

KazMunayGaz (KMG), Kazakhstan’s state-owned oil and gas company, confirmed it has signed a strategic framework agreement with China’s CNOOC International. The deal was formalized during Tokayev’s trip, which coincided with events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

CNOOC International is already a partner in Kazakhstan, working with KMG on exploration efforts in the Zhylyoy block, a promising oil and gas area located near Tengiz — the nation’s largest oilfield, operated by Chevron. The new agreement signals plans to broaden this cooperation and potentially unlock greater Chinese financing for upstream development.

Kazakhstan has been actively seeking to attract foreign investment into its energy industry while balancing relationships with both Western operators and Asian partners. The latest deals reflect the government’s push to strengthen long-term strategic ties with China, a key buyer of Kazakh oil and gas and an important financial partner for infrastructure projects.

Officials from both countries described the move as a step forward in building durable economic partnerships that align with Kazakhstan’s broader energy and trade ambitions.