Perspectives of strengthening political and economic cooperation discussed with EU High Representative

Doha, March 26, 2022 – Perspectives and plans for further strengthening of the full range of areas of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union were discussed at today’s meeting between Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy – Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell. The meeting took place on the margins of the annual Doha Forum.

The parties outlined priority areas of cooperation in the short and medium term within the framework of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the EU, which covers 29 areas.

The Kazakh Foreign Minister informed his interlocutor in detail about the reforms undertaken by the Head of State to build a “New Kazakhstan” with a strong civil society. He emphasized the reform plan is aimed at the renewal of society, while the concept of the “Second Republic” is aimed at modernising the model of public administration.

In turn, the head of EU diplomacy expressed strong support for the course of wide-ranging reforms in the country and readiness to assist in advancing cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU in all spheres of mutual interest. The EU is Kazakhstan’s largest trade partner and investor.

The parties also discussed current issues on the international and regional agenda.

Special attention was paid to the joint efforts of the international community to settle the situation in Ukraine. Tileuberdi assured his interlocutor of Kazakhstan’s readiness to contribute to the diplomatic resolution of the situation through mediation services, as well as to continue providing humanitarian aid to those affected.

The Kazakh Foreign Minister also drew attention to the need to jointly discuss the indirect impact of sanctions imposed by Western countries against Russia on Kazakhstan and to consider further opportunities to diversify areas of cooperation, in particular, transit routes.

The sides agreed to continue working closely together to further deepen the strategic partnership.