On the first Kazakh-Greek political consultations

Athens, May 19, 2021 - Athens hosted the first Kazakh-Greek political consultations in the history of bilateral relations.

Prior to its start, the delegation of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, headed by Timur Sultangozhin, Director of the Department of Europe, was received by Temistoklis Demiris, Secretary General of the Hellenic Foreign Ministry.

The hosting side of the consultations was headed by Hara Skolarikou, the Director of A5 Directorate of the Hellenic MFA for Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, the Caucasus, the Black Sea and Central Asia.

The status and prospects of bilateral cooperation, issues of interaction within international organizations and measures taken by the two countries to overcome the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic were discussed during the talks.

The Hellenic side welcomed the information on the political and economic reforms conducted within the framework of the concept of the "Hearing State" in Kazakhstan. The parties agreed that the geographical location of Greece and Kazakhstan offers promising opportunities for the development of transcontinental shipping between Europe and Asia.

The parties paid special attention to intensifying the contacts on both high and the highest levels. They agreed to promote intergovernmental, interparliamentary and business ties between the two states and also discussed joint plans for the conclusion of new bilateral documents in various fields.

The consultations participants noted the progressive development of bilateral trade and economic relations. The steady performance of mutual trade despite the coronavirus pandemic was mentioned in a positive light. Trade turnover between the two countries in 2020 amounted to 1.4 billion U.S. dollars. In this regard, the importance of the Kazakh-Hellenic intergovernmental commission on economic and technological cooperation was outlined. In addition, a presentation on the investment climate of Kazakhstan was made for the Hellenic side.

There was a substantive discussion on consular matters, including the facilitation of visa procedures for business trips of citizens. The important role of the Greek diaspora in Kazakhstan, which is a "living bridge" between the two countries, was emphasized.

The delegations discussed interaction in the UN, OSCE and other international organizations and exchanged views on topical international and regional issues.

As a result of the talks, the parties agreed to hold regular political consultations in the Kazakh and Greek capitals.