Oil, gas, uranium: Kazakhstan and Slovakia strike new deals

Arujan Al-Farabi

©️ Akorda.kz

Tengrinews.kz - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico addressed the media following their official talks, according to Akorda.

At the beginning of his remarks, the President of Kazakhstan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Robert Fico and all members of the Slovak delegation for their visit. Tokayev emphasized that Slovakia is an important and reliable partner of Kazakhstan within the European Union.

“Our relationship, rooted in a rich history, continues to strengthen in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect. A substantive political dialogue has been established between Astana and Bratislava. Cooperation is actively developing in the trade, economic, and cultural-humanitarian sectors. A solid legal framework is in place, and mutual trade continues to grow steadily. Over 30 Slovak companies are operating successfully in Kazakhstan. I thank Mr. Robert Fico for bringing representatives of major Slovak businesses to our country. I am confident that today’s business forum will provide further impetus to our cooperation,” said the Head of State.

Tokayev noted that the in-depth discussions with Robert Fico resulted in concrete agreements on expanding Kazakh-Slovak cooperation.

“There are no disagreements between our countries. Kazakhstan and Slovakia have wide prospects for collaboration. Strengthening our multifaceted ties serves the interests of both nations. Slovakia is a rapidly developing country with stable economic growth. Kazakhstan seeks to further enhance bilateral relations. We discussed increasing trade volumes and deepening investment cooperation. In this context, the Intergovernmental Commission plays a key role. I proposed elevating the co-chair level to that of ministers.

Kazakhstan is ready to export oil, gas, uranium, food products, and other goods to Slovakia. We also see promising opportunities for joint projects in energy, engineering, agriculture, digitalization, and tourism. There is significant potential for cooperation in the military-technical sector. In addition, we discussed the possibility of jointly utilizing the strategic Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. I invited Slovak partners to participate in this project, which could open new avenues for bilateral trade,” the President added.

He also stated Kazakhstan’s interest in learning from Slovakia’s advanced experience in water resource management and expressed readiness for joint efforts.

“We stressed the importance of strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties. Special attention was given to ensuring the rights and social protection of Kazakh citizens working in Slovakia. We also reviewed prospects for deeper cooperation in education. Students from both countries are already studying in universities in Kazakhstan and Slovakia. I am convinced that the younger generation will bring our nations even closer. Our relationship is grounded in deep historical roots: during World War II, Kazakh soldiers participated in the liberation of Slovakia. In this regard, Mr. Robert Fico laid a wreath at the Otan Qorgaushylar Monument (Monument to the Defenders of the Fatherland), honoring the memory of fallen heroes. Thus, Kazakh-Slovak friendship, born in the challenging times of history, continues to grow stronger,” Tokayev emphasized.

The President also noted that international and regional issues were discussed during the talks.

“We expressed mutual concern over geopolitical instability, global tensions, and trade wars. Both sides agree that disputes must be resolved exclusively through peaceful means. Our countries are enhancing cooperation within international organizations, including the UN and the OSCE. Our positions on many global trends and challenges are aligned. We place high importance on multilateral diplomacy. Today’s negotiations reaffirmed the mutually beneficial nature of our relationship. I am confident that through joint efforts, Kazakh-Slovak cooperation will reach a new level,” Tokayev concluded.

Robert Fico praised the outcomes of the talks with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, noting the wide range of issues addressed.

“I believe we’ve taken a major step forward. All agreements reached today will be reflected in signed contracts and mutually beneficial cooperation,” the Slovak Prime Minister stated.

Photo: Akorda press service