Kazakhstan and EU have more to gain from intensified dialogue and cooperation
Article by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi.
The world has experienced many challenges this year. Most notably, of course, is the military confrontation in Ukraine, which has rocked Europe and the world, including indirectly through economic downturns and worrying geopolitical tensions. Kazakhstan has not been immune from these trials. The war of sanctions has impacted our economy, while risks of a global recession are affecting business confidence in the region.
Against this difficult background it would have been easy for the government of Kazakhstan to look inward, particularly due to the tragic events that took place in our country in January. Back then, many doubted whether Kazakhstan would recover. Despite our assurances and firm commitments to reform, democratisation, and further protection of human rights, some questioned whether this would be achieved in practice. As we approach the end of this turbulent year, we can say with confidence that Kazakhstan has kept its promises. In addition to demonstrating our resilience and stability, we have transformed our country through significant political and socio-economic initiatives.
We have implemented constitutional reforms following a nationwide referendum in the summer, which have ushered in new democratic principles in our governance system, including a more influential parliament, limited presidential powers, an independent Constitutional Court, simplified procedures for registering new political parties, direct elections of rural akims (mayors), among many other important measures. Last month, our country held a presidential election under the new Constitution, which means all future heads of our state, including current President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, will serve a single seven-year term without the right to re-election. In addition, many of the participants of the January events have received an amnesty, while steps have been taken to prevent human rights abuses by a minority in law enforcement. All of this contributes to the creation of a Just and Fair Kazakhstan – a fairer society, and a more vibrant, dynamic and competitive political system.
The course taken by Kazakhstan has opened the door to enhanced cooperation with the European Union. We appreciate the fact that the EU has welcomed the political and socio-economic reforms initiated by President Tokayev and considers Kazakhstan to be an important and valuable partner of the European Union. Indeed, the EU is Kazakhstan’s largest trade partner and investor, accounting for 40 percent of the country’s external trade. This year alone, the volume of trade between Kazakhstan and the EU countries reached $29.5 billion over the first nine months, increasing by 42 percent. As our relations develop, we continue building them on the Enhancement Partnership and Cooperation Agreement that has been in force since March 2020.
The unprecedented global challenges have only spurred Kazakhstan and the EU to intensify our cooperation. There are many avenues to explore when it comes to our relations.
Firstly, both Kazakhstan and the EU are interested in increasing connectivity between Europe and the countries of Central Asia. In this regard, we work on consolidating opportunities offered by the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Kazakhstan has for many decades been a bridge between East and West, being at the very heart of the new Silk Road. While we will continue to facilitate trade between Asia and Europe, we are determined to establish new trade routes directly between Kazakhstan and EU. As geopolitical tensions persist, Kazakhstan can play a key role in stabilising global and European markets through these routes and the export of many resources that are available in our country.
Secondly, we share the EU’s objective of tackling climate change. In particular, we are interested in deepening a mutually beneficial partnership with the EU in the field of renewable energy sources. Just last month, the European Commission signed a memorandum with Kazakhstan’s government to develop supplies of green hydrogen and raw materials to manufacture equipment such as wind turbines and batteries for electric cars. There are not many places where large-scale production of green hydrogen is possible. Kazakhstan is one of them. Our cooperation with the EU will contribute to our ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. While this is not an easy task, we have every confidence that we will achieve this objective and spare no effort to do so.
he world has experienced many challenges this year. Most notably, of course, is the military confrontation in Ukraine, which has rocked Europe and the world, including indirectly through economic downturns and worrying geopolitical tensions. Kazakhstan has not been immune from these trials. The war of sanctions has impacted our economy, while risks of a global recession are affecting business confidence in the region.
Against this difficult background it would have been easy for the government of Kazakhstan to look inward, particularly due to the tragic events that took place in our country in January. Back then, many doubted whether Kazakhstan would recover. Despite our assurances and firm commitments to reform, democratisation, and further protection of human rights, some questioned whether this would be achieved in practice. As we approach the end of this turbulent year, we can say with confidence that Kazakhstan has kept its promises. In addition to demonstrating our resilience and stability, we have transformed our country through significant political and socio-economic initiatives.
We have implemented constitutional reforms following a nationwide referendum in the summer, which have ushered in new democratic principles in our governance system, including a more influential parliament, limited presidential powers, an independent Constitutional Court, simplified procedures for registering new political parties, direct elections of rural akims (mayors), among many other important measures. Last month, our country held a presidential election under the new Constitution, which means all future heads of our state, including current President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, will serve a single seven-year term without the right to re-election. In addition, many of the participants of the January events have received an amnesty, while steps have been taken to prevent human rights abuses by a minority in law enforcement. All of this contributes to the creation of a Just and Fair Kazakhstan – a fairer society, and a more vibrant, dynamic and competitive political system.
The course taken by Kazakhstan has opened the door to enhanced cooperation with the European Union. We appreciate the fact that the EU has welcomed the political and socio-economic reforms initiated by President Tokayev and considers Kazakhstan to be an important and valuable partner of the European Union. Indeed, the EU is Kazakhstan’s largest trade partner and investor, accounting for 40 percent of the country’s external trade. This year alone, the volume of trade between Kazakhstan and the EU countries reached $29.5 billion over the first nine months, increasing by 42 percent. As our relations develop, we continue building them on the Enhancement Partnership and Cooperation Agreement that has been in force since March 2020.
The unprecedented global challenges have only spurred Kazakhstan and the EU to intensify our cooperation. There are many avenues to explore when it comes to our relations.
Firstly, both Kazakhstan and the EU are interested in increasing connectivity between Europe and the countries of Central Asia. In this regard, we work on consolidating opportunities offered by the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Kazakhstan has for many decades been a bridge between East and West, being at the very heart of the new Silk Road. While we will continue to facilitate trade between Asia and Europe, we are determined to establish new trade routes directly between Kazakhstan and EU. As geopolitical tensions persist, Kazakhstan can play a key role in stabilising global and European markets through these routes and the export of many resources that are available in our country.
Secondly, we share the EU’s objective of tackling climate change. In particular, we are interested in deepening a mutually beneficial partnership with the EU in the field of renewable energy sources. Just last month, the European Commission signed a memorandum with Kazakhstan’s government to develop supplies of green hydrogen and raw materials to manufacture equipment such as wind turbines and batteries for electric cars. There are not many places where large-scale production of green hydrogen is possible. Kazakhstan is one of them. Our cooperation with the EU will contribute to our ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. While this is not an easy task, we have every confidence that we will achieve this objective and spare no effort to do so.