Negotiations will begin for both countries on Tuesday in Luxembourg, the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union said on X.

The move comes at a critical time for both nations with Ukraine in the middle of an invasion by Russia and Moldova facing a Russian-led insurgence by a breakaway state.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the European Union for its “robust political will” to begin negotiations with his country despite the current Russian aggression.

“We look forward to next week,” Zelensky said on X. “We congratulate our Moldova friends on this significant step toward our shared European future. We will make the EU stronger together. I am grateful to everyone on our team who worked hard to make this historic step a reality.

“Millions of Ukrainians and indeed generations of our people are realizing their European dream. Ukraine is returning to Europe, where it has belonged for centuries, as a full-fledged member of the European community.”

Moldova President Maia Sandu confirmed on social media that she also signed a decree allowing accession negotiations with the European Union to move forward.

“Becoming an EU member is our path to peace, prosperity and a better life for all citizens,” Sandu said on X. “Wishing our delegation every success as they officially launch negotiations in Luxembourg next week.”

The European Union announced earlier this month that Moldova and Ukraine both met the requirements to join the group. All 27 countries must agree to allow them in. Hungary and its President Viktor Orban are expected to be the main roadblock for both countries.

Orban, who has maintained a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, had criticized Ukraine for its past corruption.

Source : UPI

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President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Luxembourg’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Jean Asselborn, noting that his official visit opens up good prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation.

Tokayev warmly recalled a dialogue with Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Xavier Bettel on the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly about the long-term prospects for deepening the partnership between the countries.

“Kazakhstan treats your country and people with great respect. We are optimistic about the future of our co-operation,” the President said.

Speaking about the positive dynamics of interaction, Asselborn mentioned the agreement on increasing the number of flights to 21 per week. The Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry signed a second memorandum of understanding in this regard.

The parties also reviewed the prospects for cooperation in transport and logistics, digitalization, green energy, and within the Astana International Financial Centre.

Following the meeting, Asselborn held talks with Murat Nurtleu, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, stating that Luxembourg will do its utmost to facilitate a visa regime for Kazakh citizens.

Asselborn noted Kazakhstan will soon become one of Luxembourg’s key energy, transport, and trade partners. His visit, which coincided with the 31st anniversary of diplomatic relations, shows that the European Union and Kazakhstan can build a sustainable partnership.

With an increasing interest in strengthening and expanding their partnership with Kazakhstan, Asselborn mentioned bilateral memorandums of understanding signed on cooperation in aviation, exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.

Nurtleu described trade and economic cooperation as effective driver for developing bilateral relations. He said the trade turnover grew nearly 2.5 times in 2022, increasing by 4.5 times this year. The inflow of foreign direct investment from Luxembourg in 2022 totaled $202.5 million.

“Kazakhstan and Luxembourg fully support territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful conflict resolution, good neighborliness, and cooperation,” said Nurtleu.

After exchanging views on pressing issues of the regional and international agenda, the parties agreed to continue inter-ministerial consultations. The next round of talks will take place in Astana in 2024.

“We highly appreciate the reform process launched by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The EU will continue to support Kazakhstan on its path of democratization and political reform,” Asselborn said.

Source: EU Reporter

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