Top EU Diplomat in Kazakhstan Aims to Sustain Positive Partnership Momentum
The European Union (EU) is reaffirming its commitment to strengthening its relationship with Kazakhstan, according to Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission. During a media briefing in Astana on Aug. 1, Borrell expressed the EU’s intention to maintain the positive momentum in its ties with Kazakhstan.
This visit marks Borrell’s second trip to Kazakhstan, with the first visit taking place in November 2022. While in Astana, Borrell met with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu to discuss various aspects of bilateral cooperation. He also had a meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Borrell emphasized the importance of the partnership between Kazakhstan and the EU, highlighting the significant progress in trade relations. The trade turnover between the two parties reached $20 billion in the first five months of 2024, accounting for 37% of Kazakhstan’s foreign trade. In 2023, this figure exceeded $41 billion.
The focus of the discussions included cooperation in areas such as energy, transportation, agriculture, engineering, manufacturing, and information technology. Both sides are now looking to enhance cooperation in the field of critical raw materials.
In addition to economic cooperation, regional and international issues were also on the agenda. Discussions included challenges in Central Asia, climate change in the region, as well as the situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Both parties emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts based on the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity as outlined in the United Nations Charter.
Borrell praised Kazakhstan for its strategic geographical position and its wide-ranging reforms. He highlighted the need for economic and political reforms to go hand in hand, along with the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Connectivity was also highlighted as an important aspect of the Kazakhstan-EU partnership. The EU has supported Kazakhstan in developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and announced a significant commitment to invest in the corridor’s development. The upcoming investments aim to enhance land connectivity and boost air connectivity between the EU and Kazakhstan.
The EU and Kazakhstan are also looking to strengthen people-to-people ties, with discussions on visa facilitation underway. The growing bilateral cooperation between the two parties is evident in the record number of visa applications processed from Kazakhstan and the mutual benefits derived from the increasing collaboration.
Overall, Borrell emphasized the dynamic development of the relationship between Kazakhstan and the EU over the past five years, highlighting the mutual benefits and shared interests that continue to drive the partnership forward.
