Kazakhstan and EU Leaders Discuss Enhanced Partnership, Trade, and Energy Cooperation

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

• 💡 Talks in Astana between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the President of the European Council marked the latter's first official visit to Kazakhstan.
• 🎯 The visit held symbolic significance, occurring before the 10th anniversary of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), which Kazakhstan was the first Central Asian country to conclude with the EU.
• ✅ Both sides emphasized their mutual readiness to expand all-round Kazakhstan-EU cooperation, highlighting a robust partnership based on respect and understanding.

Economic and Trade Partnership

• 📈 The EU remains Kazakhstan's largest trade and investment partner, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $50 billion US last year.
• 📊 Kazakhstan accounts for 80% of the EU's total trade with Central Asia, underscoring its significant economic role in the region.
• 🔑 President Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to maintaining a stable and transparent investment climate for European businesses.

Key Cooperation Areas

• ⚡ Special attention was given to energy cooperation, including critical minerals, nuclear energy, petrochemicals, and renewable energy sources.
• 🚀 Discussions also focused on expanding transport and logistics links, specifically the joint development of the Trans-Caspian transport route.
• 💰 Kazakhstan expressed readiness to support the EU's 12 billion euro investment package for Central Asia under the Global Gateway Initiative, aiming to become a key Eurasian transportation hub.

Regional Development and Innovation

• 🌐 Efforts to simplify the visa regime were welcomed, alongside praise for the effectiveness of the C5 plus EU format in promoting regional development.
• 💡 The possibility of Astana Hub becoming home to the first Central Asia-EU innovation compass was explored, aiming to connect startups and digital entrepreneurs.

Shared Principles and Recognition

• 🤝 Kazakhstan and the EU reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the UN Charter and international law during the negotiations.
• 🏆 The President of the European Council was awarded the Dostic Order of the First Degree by President Tokayev for his outstanding contribution to strengthening the partnership.