The First Kazakhstan-Spain Forum Opened New Prospects for Partnership

Arman Issetov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Diego Martínez, State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain took part in the first  Kazakhstan-Spain Forum was held today in Astana.

Deputy Minister noted the active economic cooperation between the two countries. It was highlighted that many leading Spanish companies have successfully established themselves in the country's market, including Airbus, Maxam, Talgo, Técnicas Reunidas, Glovo, Roca, and Inditex.

Arman Issetov stressed on promising areas of cooperation – from transport and logistics to renewable energy, digital technologies, water resource management, advanced manufacturing, and agribusiness. "Kazakhstan acts as a strategic bridge between Europe and Asia, and Spain brings internationally recognized experience in infrastructure, innovation, sustainable development, tourism, and industrial modernization," the Deputy Minister added.

The event included three panel sessions on the topics "The European Union's Strategy for Central Asia: The Role of Kazakhstan and Spain," "Sustainable Urban Infrastructure, Logistics, and Business Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Spain," and "Tourism and Sports: Best Practices and Current Challenges in Kazakhstan and Spain." The Kazakh side was represented by representatives of Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Maqsut Narikbayev University, Kazakhstan Center for Modernization and Development of Housing and Public Utilities, Kazakhstan Football Federation, Kazakh Tourism.

The forum focused on prospects for cooperation in tourism, sports, and education. Following the event, agreements were reached to continue active dialogue to develop the bilateral partnership.

Last year, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Spain amounted to $1.93 billion. From 2005 to 2025, Kazakhstan attracted approximately $345 million in direct investment from Spain. 35 joint ventures operate in Kazakhstan.