Cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union discussed in Nur-Sultan

Nur-Sultan, June 9, 2021 - The Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi met with the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia, Peter Burian, who is visiting Nur-Sultan on his regional tour.

During the conversation, the parties exchanged views on a wide range of issues on the international and regional agenda, including issues of strengthening strategic relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union. Foreign Minister and EUSR discussed cooperation within the framework of the EU Strategy for Central Asia with a focus on the implementation of projects and programs aimed at sustainable development in the region, as well as the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) with Kazakhstan, including the EU’s “Team Europe” Initiative.

One of the main topics was the citizens' vaccination against COVID-19. The parties discussed the prospects for the recognition and use of the so-called "vaccination passports" in Kazakhstan and the EU. In particular, Burian noted that the creation of Kazakhstan's own vaccine, "QazVac", reflects the research potential of Kazakhstan.

Minister Tileuberdi briefed his European colleague on the progress of political reforms initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev within the framework of the concept of “Hearing State”. The Special Representative positively assessed the implementation of the third package of political reforms in Kazakhstan.

On the same day, Peter Burian met with the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan for International Cooperation, Yerzhan Kazykhan, where the parties discussed the priority areas of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union in the political, trade, economic, and investment spheres within the framework of the EPCA. Particular attention was given to the discussion of interaction in the field of green energy and the fight against climate change. The Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan informed the European diplomat about the political reforms in the country initiated by President Tokayev.

Following the meeting, Special Representative Kazykhan thanked EUSR Burian for his continuous efforts to develop friendly relations between Kazakhstan and the EU. In accordance with the Decree of the Head of State, European Union Special Representative, Ambassador Peter Burian was awarded the Order of Dostyk of the II Degree for his significant contribution to the development and implementation of strategic documents of the European Union on cooperation with Kazakhstan and Central Asia.