Kazakh Foreign Minister partakes in Central Asia – European Union video conference

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi took part in the Central Asia – European Union Ministerial videoconference.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international political and economic processes, as well as the prospects for deepening cooperation in the Central Asia-European Union format were in focus of talks between the foreign ministers of the five Central Asian states and Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU  for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Vice President of the European Commission.

Mr. Borrell presented the European Commission's plans to develop further cooperation in the framework of the new EU Srategy for Central Asia, as well as the Team Europe package of assisting the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences. The package includes the implementation of joint projects with the World Health Organisation worth 3 million Euros aimed at fighting the coronavirus in Central Asia.

The High Representative praised the measures Kazakhstan has taken to fight the coronavirus, as well as the reforms launched by the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev aimed at further democratisation.

Mr. Tileuberdi spoke about the results of the work done by the government of Kazakhstan to support the sustainable growth of the economy and provide social support for the country's population in a state of emergency and quarantine. The Foreign Minister thanked the EU representatives for their assistance to flood victims in Maktaaral district of the Turkestan Region.

The talks resulted in a productive exchange of views on tackling current health and social issues, with the sides considering joint steps to enhance regional cooperation. The diplomats agreed to continue coordinating joint actions to minimise the negative impact of the pandemic on Central Asia's economic ties with the European Union.