Foreign Minister holds bilateral meetings in Brussels

Brussels, May 10, 2021 -  Deputy Prime Minister-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi held several bilateral meetings during his visit to Brussels.

During a meeting with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, he discussed main issues of further deepening cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU. The sides noted that the both parties are interested in realization of the full potential of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the EU, which will contribute to the restoration of economic growth and development in the post-pandemic period.

Foreign Minister spoke to HRVP about continuing implementation of political and economic reforms initiated by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev within the concept of a “hearing state”.

The parties agreed that the high-level visits bring significant dynamics to relations and discussed the prospects for close contacts, and exchanged views on issues on the international agenda. The interlocutors discussed the cooperation of the European Union with Central Asia with a focus on sustainable development.

“We should expand cooperation with Kazakhstan in the framework of the EU strategy for Central Asia, especially in terms of post-pandemic recovery, connectivity and security,” the HRVP said.

At the end of the meeting, the diplomats agreed on upcoming events for 2021 under the cooperation platforms of Kazakhstan - EU, Central Asia – EU umbrella. M. Tileuberdi invited J.Borrell to visit Kazakhstan at a convenient time for the latter.

Foreign Minister also held meetings with Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, David McAlister, EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmour and MEP, Chairman of the Kazakhstan-EU Parliamentary Friendship Group, Ryszard Czarnecki. The sides discussed inter-parliamentary cooperation, the development of civil society, the schedule of parliamentary contacts and mutual visits of parliamentarians, as well as the course of implementation of political reforms in Kazakhstan.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to conduct a constructive, mutually respectful dialogue in the field of human rights protection.

Minister Tileuberdi also met with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Portugal – chair country of the EU Council – Augusto Santos Silva. The diplomats discussed a number of issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, exchanged views on regional and international issues.

As part of promoting trade and investment cooperation, the Minister held a number of meetings with the leadership of prominent European companies operating in Kazakhstan and interested in working in the Kazakhstani market.