President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of the European Council Charles Michel hold telephone conversation

On August 26, 2021 at the initiative of the European side, President Tokayev held a telephone conversation with President Michel.

The leaders had a thorough exchange of views on the current situation in Afghanistan. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, at the request of Charles Michel, informed him in detail about Kazakhstan's position on the Afghan problem. He announced the decision to temporarily locate the UN Office in Afghanistan in Almaty as a symbolic gesture symbolizing strong support for the world organization.

The President also said that the corresponding assistance is provided to Afghan students in Kazakhstan. The head of state believes that Kazakhstan and the EU could closely interact with each other on the Afghan agenda, including in Afghanistan itself. Kazakhstan has provided an opportunity to refuel transport aircraft at its airports for the evacuation of EU citizens.

Such areas of cooperation as combating illegal migration, drug trafficking, human and arms trafficking are of mutual interest. The diplomatic and other relevant departments of Kazakhstan can provide advice to the EU on these issues.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed hope for stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan after the creation of an inclusive government with the participation of representatives of all ethnic groups, which would be in the interests of the entire Afghan people suffering from the war.

The President of the European Council expressed his gratitude for the useful conversation, noting the close stance on most Afghan issues. Charles Michel said he expects a personal meeting during the President's visit to Brussels later this year to conduct a detailed exchange of views on the broad agenda of Kazakhstan's cooperation with the EU.