Kazakhstan and the eu reach a new level of strategic partnership

In Brussels, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Tokayev stressed that relations between Kazakhstan and the EU have reached an unprecedented level, characterized by strategic partnership and mutual trust.

Tokayev outlined key priorities: deepening cooperation in all significant areas and giving new momentum to bilateral ties. He recalled that Kazakhstan was the first country in Central Asia to sign and ratify the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU and highlighted the regular high-level political dialogue.

Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. According to Tokayev, the EU is currently Kazakhstan’s leading trade and investment partner. European companies are actively operating in various sectors of the economy, demonstrating their confidence in the country. Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan remains committed to maintaining a favorable investment climate for European investors.

A significant part of the discussion focused on transport and logistics projects. The President highlighted the prospects of linking the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) with the EU’s Global Gateway initiative. He also noted the EU’s support for major infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is interested in cooperation in the field of critical raw materials. Tokayev expressed readiness to attract European investment into processing industries, promote technology transfer, and launch joint manufacturing projects.

Other priority areas include energy, including nuclear energy, digital transformation, agriculture, water security, and climate policy. The President also emphasized the importance of humanitarian cooperation in education, science, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Kazakhstan highly values its participation in Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe and intends to expand partnerships with European universities while seeking associated country status in Horizon Europe.

Tokayev welcomed the completion of negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission agreements and thanked the EU for supporting Kazakhstan’s political modernization program, as well as for sharing experience in governance, innovation, and sustainable development. He also highlighted the importance of the Central Asia–European Union platform as a mechanism for interregional partnership.

Welcoming Tokayev, António Costa noted that he shared the priorities outlined in the President’s article published in Euronews ahead of the visit. According to the President of the European Council, Kazakhstan’s geography and culture make it a natural bridge between Europe and Asia. Costa emphasized the country’s role in transport connectivity and the importance of investing in education, science, and innovation in the context of digital transformation.

Ursula von der Leyen highlighted a decade of cooperation during which bilateral trade has more than doubled. She noted the potential for further diversification of trade relations, including in agriculture, and stressed the need to remove barriers to stimulate trade and investment. EU leaders also confirmed the convergence of positions regarding visa facilitation and readmission agreements.

The meeting concluded with the signing of several documents, including an agreement on certain aspects of air services, an order for up to 50 Airbus aircraft for Air Astana, and several memorandums of cooperation in transport, digitalization, and the mining and metallurgical sector. These steps are expected to strengthen bilateral relations and create new opportunities for cooperation.

SEO Elements:
Meta Title: Tokayev Meets EU Leaders: Kazakhstan and the European Union Reach a New Level of Partnership
Meta Description: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels. The parties discussed trade, transport, humanitarian cooperation, and signed a number of agreements.
Tags: Kazakhstan, EU, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, negotiations, economic cooperation, transport, logistics, investments, digital transformation, humanitarian cooperation, Erasmus+, Horizon Europe.