On the meeting with special representatives of the EU

Nur-Sultan, October 5, 2021 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Yerlan Alimbayev met with EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore and EU Special Representative for Central Asia Teri Khakala, who are visiting Kazakhstan.

Mr. Alimbayev briefed the delegation in detail of the priorities of Kazakhstan's foreign policy. He also informed his European colleagues on the progress made in implementation of political reforms initiated by President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev within the framework of the Listening State concept.

Mr. Gilmore thanked for organizing his first visit to Kazakhstan and expressed commitment to strengthen cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union, including in the area of human rights.

Within the framework of the EU – Central Asia dialogue platform, the parties discussed the upcoming Civil Society Forum, which is scheduled to be held in a hybrid format on October 6 in Almaty. Representatives of civil society in Central Asia and the European Union will participate in this Forum to discuss the implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia.

The situation in Afghanistan was a further topic of the discussion. The parties noted the need to provide assistance and join efforts to stabilize the situation in the country.

The sides also discussed the implementation of the EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. The Deputy Minister stressed the need for practical implementation of the agreements reached during the EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Council meetings.