Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu paid a working visit to Brussels and held talks with high-ranking representatives of the European Union to discuss the current agenda of bilateral and multilateral cooperation and promising areas for its further development, Tengrinews.kz reports citing the ministry .

As noted, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy – Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell warmly welcomed the first visit of Murat Nurtleu as head of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry to the EU capital.

During the meeting, the diplomats reviewed a wide range of multifaceted relations between Astana and Brussels under the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the EU. The regular nature and increased dynamics of political dialogue at the highest and high levels, a noticeable increase in economic cooperation and the volume of European investments were noted.

As specified, the parties paid special attention to discussing practical steps to develop cooperation in the fields of energy, transport and logistics, digitalization, civil aviation, production and use of critical raw materials. Measures were considered to strengthen cooperation in the development of education and science, advanced technologies and innovations .

During the meeting, Borrell underlined the firm commitment of European diplomacy to further expand and strengthen cooperation with Astana through the implementation of a number of specific measures and projects that will respond to the significant untapped potential of cooperation.

“We are closely following the modernization of your country and support President Tokayev’s large-scale political reforms aimed at building a Just Kazakhstan. This year, the European Union and Kazakhstan celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and during this time we have laid a strong foundation for partnership,” the High Representative said. EU.

According to the agency, the interlocutors exchanged views on topical issues on the international agenda, including regional security, cooperation in Central Asia and the situation in Afghanistan. The parties also discussed measures to mitigate the possible negative consequences of European sanctions for the Kazakh economy.

At a meeting with the Chief Advisor to the President of the European Council for Foreign Policy Simon Mordu, the Minister noted the productive visit of President Charles Michel to Astana in October 2022 and the success of his first meeting with the leaders of Central Asian countries.

The interlocutors stressed that these events gave a powerful impetus to the further strengthening of bilateral and interregional cooperation. The parties are working on preparing a second meeting in this format in the near future, which is designed to continue the process of deepening interregional cooperation between Central Asia and the EU.

During the visit, which took place in a business like and constructive atmosphere, the minister presented Borrell and Mord with high state awards – the Dostyk orders of the first and second degrees, respectively – for their significant contribution to strengthening and developing cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the EU.

In general, Nurtleu’s visit to the capital of the European Union made it possible to outline priority areas for cooperation, discuss specific measures and steps to further deepen relations between the parties.

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Kazakhstan is a crucial partner for the European Union (EU) in Central Asia, said European Council President Charles Michel at an Oct. 27 meeting in Astana with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, reported the Akorda press service.

“Strong cooperation between Central Asian countries is key to the security and development of the region. Today’s meeting is much more than just a policy dialogue between two regions. It is a powerful symbol of our reinforced cooperation and a strong signal of the EU’s commitment to this region,” said Michel.

President Tokayev highlighted that the country’s foreign policy priority remains the development of a strategic partnership with the EU. He noted that Kazakhstan is the only Central Asian country to sign the EU Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

“Your visit provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate significant achievements across the spectrum of the partnership between Kazakhstan and the EU. Next year we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. We consider your official visit to Kazakhstan as evidence of mutual interest in bringing our relations to a new level,” said Tokayev.

In a joint statement, the two leaders welcomed the constructive dialogue between Kazakhstan and the EU on human rights and the rule of law. The European Council president praised the country’s significant reform plan for advancing its political modernization and vision of a Just Kazakhstan and its commitment to a complete and transparent investigation of the January events.

The joint statement paid particular attention to avoiding an unintended negative impact on Kazakhstan’s economy of the EU’s sanctions. Michel reiterated that EU sanctions were not directed against third countries and highlighted the importance of international sanctions being neither evaded nor circumvented. Both sides also discussed the relocation of European manufacturing companies, the products of which are not subject to sanctions, to Kazakhstan.

Tokayev and Michel exchanged views on regional and international agenda, including Afghanistan. The sides underlined the importance of strengthening regional dialogue in Central Asia, which is a key to prosperity, resilience, and sustainable development of the region.

Given the current geopolitical situation, President Tokayev and President Michel noted the importance of expanding existing and developing new international transport corridors between Europe and Central Asia to facilitate global production and supply chains. They also discussed the opportunities offered by the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and options for its development and the role of other transport connections in the region.

The meeting also touched upon cooperation in critical raw materials, including rare earth metals. The sides confirmed their willingness to develop a strategic partnership in this field. They welcomed the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Kazakhstan and the EU on a strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials, batteries and renewable hydrogen value chains.

The two presidents noted that climate change is one of the most pressing challenges to which Kazakhstan and the EU need to adapt their economic activities. The problem of global warming requires urgent and effective action by the global community. Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening expert, technological and technical cooperation to adapt their economies to low-carbon development. 

Source : Astana Times

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