Tokayev: I am confident we will turn Kazakhstan into a key transport hub of Eurasia

Tengrinews.kz — President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of the European Council Antonio Costa issued a joint statement, according to Akorda.

In his remarks, the Head of State emphasized that his talks with President Antonio Costa were highly productive and held in an open, friendly, and constructive atmosphere.

"Kazakhstan and the European Union are linked by comprehensive cooperation based on trust and mutual understanding. We reviewed a wide range of issues and reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to elevating our partnership to a qualitatively new level. President Antonio Costa’s visit takes place on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Kazakhstan was the first country in Central Asia to sign and ratify this 'new-generation' agreement," Tokayev stated.

The President stressed that this landmark document, which laid the foundation for bilateral relations, covers key areas of interaction — including trade, investment, infrastructure, innovation, culture, and more.

Photo: Akorda press service

Tokayev noted that economic cooperation was a central topic of discussion.

"Today we agreed on measures to further expand and diversify trade and investment relations. Kazakhstan will continue to ensure a stable and predictable investment climate for European businesses. There are significant opportunities for cooperation in energy efficiency, critical minerals, digital technologies, and transport connectivity," the President said.

He added that the talks also addressed ways to expand transport and logistics links, including joint development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

Photo: Akorda press service

"We welcome the active work of the coordination platform between Kazakhstan and the European Union, as well as the EU’s Global Gateway initiative. Kazakhstan is ready to support the EU’s €12 billion investment package for Central Asia, aimed at launching projects in transport, raw materials, green energy, and digital technologies. We are confident that together we can turn Kazakhstan into a key transport hub in the Eurasian space, which will benefit all parties," Tokayev said.

In addition, the sides discussed opportunities to strengthen energy security and ensure stable supplies of energy resources. They reached an agreement to expand cooperation in new areas of energy partnership, such as critical minerals, nuclear energy, petrochemicals, and renewable energy sources.

"Our goal is to deepen Kazakhstan’s integration into European supply chains not only as a supplier of raw materials, but also by developing local capacities for advanced processing, production of value-added goods, and waste management in accordance with EU standards," the President of Kazakhstan noted.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that special attention during the talks was given to cooperation in digitalization.

"By sharing experience and investing in technologies, Kazakhstan and the EU are creating a more inclusive and modern digital economy. Within the framework of the Team Europe Initiative on Digital Connectivity, our countries have established a partnership to expand secure internet access via satellite connections, especially in rural and remote regions," Tokayev said.

According to the President, the parties also agreed to explore the possibility of establishing in Astana Hub the first innovation campus for Central Asia and the EU, intended to bring together startups, tech researchers, and digital entrepreneurs. Kazakhstan, he emphasized, highly values the European Union’s Horizon Europe program and the Global Gateway concept, aimed at ensuring secure and reliable digital connectivity worldwide.

"We are rightfully proud to participate in this process (…) I express my gratitude to the European Union for its continued support in education, science, and academic mobility. Thousands of young Kazakhs have gained opportunities through such EU programs as Erasmus+. We highly appreciate the EU’s willingness to further expand these exchanges," the Head of State said.

Kazakhstan, he added, intends to strengthen cooperation in higher education, including through deeper partnerships between universities, the implementation of joint programs, and mutual recognition of qualifications.

"We look forward to continued cooperation with our EU partners on simplifying visa procedures for our citizens. I am confident that increased mobility will facilitate the development of cooperation in education, scientific activity, cultural exchanges, and B-to-B engagement," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized.

Special attention was given to further strengthening interregional cooperation.

"The Central Asia – EU format has become an effective tool for addressing key regional priorities in connectivity, trade, transport, clean energy, water resource management, and digital transformation. Today’s meeting once again confirmed that we are entering a new stage of our dynamic and forward-looking partnership, which is gaining increasing strategic importance. I am convinced that the agreements reached today will soon be implemented in practical projects and initiatives," Tokayev said.

Earlier during the negotiations, it was announced that Kazakhstan and Europe are preparing an agreement to simplify the visa regime.