Kazakh Foreign Minister took part in the Central Asia – European Union video conference

NUR-SULTAN, June 12, 2020 – The Kazakh Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mukhtar Tileuberdi, participated in the Central Asia – European Union (EU) ministerial video conference.

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

Mr. Borrell presented the European Commission's plans for further cooperation within the framework of the new EU strategy for Central Asia, as well as the Team Europe assistance program on combating the pandemic and its consequences. In particular, this package includes the implementation of joint projects with the World Health Organization for 3 million euros aimed at combating coronavirus in Central Asia.

The High Representative highly appreciated the actions of Kazakhstan to combat the coronavirus, as well as the reforms for further democratization launched by President Tokayev.

Minister Tileuberdi briefed about the results of the work done by the Government of Kazakhstan to support the sustainable growth of the economy and social support of the population in a state of emergency and quarantine. The Minister expressed his gratitude to the EU representatives for their assistance to the flood victims in the Maktaaral district of the Turkestan region.

During the talks, the participants exchanged views on addressing current problems in health and social spheres, and considered joint steps to enhance regional cooperation. The diplomats agreed to continue coordinating joint actions to mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic on Central Asia's economic ties with the European Union.