Cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union was discussed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan

Nur-Sultan, June 9, 2021 – Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi met with the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia Peter Burian, who was on a visit to Nur-Sultan as part of a tour of the countries of the region.

During the meeting, a thorough exchange of views took place on a wide range of current issues on the international and regional agenda, including issues of strengthening strategic relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union. The interlocutors discussed cooperation within the framework of the new EU Strategy on Central Asia with a focus on the implementation of projects and programs aimed at the sustainable development of the region, as well as the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) with Kazakhstan, including on the Team Europe Initiative of the European Union.

The most relevant topic of negotiations was the issue of vaccination of the population against coronavirus infection. The parties discussed the prospects for the recognition and use of the so-called "vaccination passports" of Kazakhstan and the EU. In particular, Peter Burian noted that the creation of proprietary vaccine – QazVac – reflects the research potential of Kazakhstan.

Mukhtar Tileuberdi briefed the European diplomatic official on the implementation of political reforms initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev within the framework of the concept of «Hearing State». In this regard, the EU representative positively assessed the implementation of the third package of political reforms in Kazakhstan.

Later in the day, Peter Burian met with the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan for International Cooperation Erzhan Kazykhan, during which the interlocutors discussed the implementation of new programs aimed at the creation, development and dissemination of innovations and technologies in Kazakhstan and throughout Central Asia. In return, Erzhan Kazykhan turned interlocutor's attention to the democratic transformations in Kazakhstan and the need for further implementation of the EPCA provisions.

Following the results of the meetings, Peter Burian expressed gratitude for the efforts to develop friendly relations between Kazakhstan and the EU. In accordance with the Decree of the Head of State, he 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.