EU’s Commitment to Attract Expertise and Investment for TITR Progress
European Delegation Confirms Interest in Developing Trans-Caspian International Transport Route at Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Council Meeting
During the 21st meeting of the Kazakhstan-European Union Cooperation Council in Luxembourg on Oct. 14, the European delegation reaffirmed its interest in developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) by attracting expertise and investments within the Global Gateway strategy.
Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu and Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó participated in the council meeting, where they emphasized the TITR’s potential for expanding logistics, trade, and investment ties between the Asian and European markets. They welcomed the establishment of the Coordination Platform for TITR development and stressed the importance of launching specific projects as soon as possible through joint efforts.
The officials also highlighted green energy cooperation, focusing on green hydrogen development and the transition to a sustainable economy. Nurtleu invited European partners to actively engage in investment projects related to this sector.
Transport relations were also discussed, with progress noted in negotiating a horizontal agreement on air transportation. Nurtleu underscored the need to accelerate the simplification of the EU visa process for Kazakh citizens, while the EU expressed readiness to negotiate agreements on visa facilitation and readmission.
Szijjártó commended Kazakhstan’s reforms and commitment to creating favorable conditions for attracting direct investments, pointing out opportunities for energy and sustainable development cooperation after Kazakhstan’s recent referendum on nuclear power plant construction.
Food security and potential for increased grain and agricultural exports to the EU from Kazakhstan were also mentioned. The officials discussed expanding educational cooperation through EU programs to provide new opportunities for Kazakh students.
During a session on regional and international security challenges, discussions addressed issues in Central Asia, Afghanistan, and the Middle East, as well as the threat of climate change to sustainable development. The EU expressed interest in Kazakhstan’s proposal to host a Regional Climate Summit under the UN’s auspices in 2026.
Nurtleu also engaged in talks with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the EU.
