EU Pledges to Enhance Partnership with Kazakhstan
The European Union (EU) is aiming to strengthen its ties with Kazakhstan and other Central Asian nations, as stated by EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela during a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on March 13. President Tokayev, who is currently visiting all five countries in the region, emphasized Kazakhstan’s significant role as a key partner for the EU in Central Asia. The Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was highlighted as a solid foundation for enhancing the multifaceted cooperation between the two parties.
The discussions between the EU and Kazakhstan focused on various practical matters, particularly addressing existing and new economic projects aimed at developing transport corridors, logistics infrastructure, sustainable energy sources, and digital solutions. Both parties also exchanged views on regional and global issues, expressing their readiness to coordinate their approaches at the upcoming EU-Central Asia summit.
Earlier in the day, key agreements were signed between Kazakhstan and the EU under the Global Gateway Strategy. These agreements include a $3.3 million contract with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to enhance critical raw materials cooperation, as well as a $217.5 million framework loan agreement between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK) for sustainable transport and renewable energy projects. Supported by a $19.6 million EU guarantee, these deals aim to advance initiatives such as the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and the Team Europe Initiative on Water, Energy, and Climate Change.
