Visas, billions of euros and new planes - Tokayev and EU leaders adopted a joint statement

Tengrinews.kz — Following negotiations in Belgium, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the European Council, and the President of the European Commission issued a joint statement.

On June 23, the President of Kazakhstan made an official visit to Brussels, where he held meetings with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The leaders welcomed Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit as a powerful signal of the strengthening strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union (EU) at a time of increasing geopolitical importance for transport connectivity, energy security, and resilient supply chains.

They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation under the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Union, the 10th anniversary of which is being marked in 2025.

The presidents emphasized the European Union's role as Kazakhstan's leading trade and investment partner. They agreed to further improve the investment climate and strengthen cooperation in strategic sectors, including through the EU's "Global Gateway" strategy as applied to Central Asia—specifically in the areas of critical raw materials, energy, transport, digitalization, and emerging technologies.

"They underscored the strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and welcomed the expansion of cooperation under the EU's 'Global Gateway' strategy. The leaders welcomed the signing of a Horizontal Aviation Agreement and the successful conclusion of technical-level discussions on visa facilitation and readmission agreements, which will enhance connectivity and people-to-people contacts between the citizens of Kazakhstan and the European Union," the Akorda press service stated.

The parties reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in the field of critical raw materials and expressed their commitment to implementing the Roadmap for the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union regarding sustainable raw materials, batteries, and the development of green hydrogen value chains.

The presidents also emphasized the significance of reliable energy cooperation, recognizing Kazakhstan's role as a major supplier of oil and uranium to Europe, as well as the potential for closer collaboration in renewable energy and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. They welcomed the ongoing constructive dialogue on sanctions.

Photo by the Akorda press service

The leaders welcomed the strengthening of cooperation with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), including the signing of a Transport Connectivity Support Agreement with the EIB (€150 million) and a Memorandum of Understanding with the EBRD to establish an internationally accredited national chemical analysis laboratory in Kazakhstan.

These initiatives will be implemented in partnership with the EU under the Team Europe approach. Support was also expressed for the establishment of an EIB representative office in Astana, as envisioned in the 2025 Central Asia–EU Summit Declaration.

The presidents welcomed the signing of a certification agreement between Air Astana and Airbus for the delivery of up to 50 A320neo/A321neo aircraft, with a total value of €7.145 billion. They noted this agreement as a prime example of deepening cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union in aviation, innovation, transport connectivity, and the attraction of private sector investment.

The presidents reaffirmed their commitment to active climate action and the transition to green energy, while maintaining a close dialogue to enhance competitiveness and economic cooperation. They also welcomed the expansion of cooperation in education, research, and innovation, including through the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs.

The European Union commended the political reform agenda being pursued in Kazakhstan and noted the adoption of a new Constitution via a national referendum in March 2026. The leaders welcomed the continued dialogue on human rights, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption, including cooperation with the Venice Commission and practical collaboration under the TAIEX and Twinning programs.

"The presidents reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, security, and stability, as well as the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. They emphasized the importance of effective multilateralism based on United Nations principles and reiterated their support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The leaders also stressed the importance of strengthening the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime, including support for nuclear-weapon-free zones. The European Union took note of Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish an International Water Organization within the UN system to address global water challenges," the Akorda press service noted.

The presidents welcomed the elevation of relations between Central Asia and the European Union to a strategic partnership and noted the outcomes of the Regional Environmental Summit held in Astana in April 2026. They emphasized the importance of strengthening regional cooperation in Central Asia to ensure shared prosperity, resilience, sustainable development, and stability.

In the presence of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a ceremony was held for the signing of several documents:

Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Union "on certain aspects of air services";

Ceremonial signing of an order for up to 50 aircraft between Air Astana JSC and Airbus;

Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on the implementation of intelligent transport systems and the allocation of a grant for the rollout of the "E-zholdary" digital platform;

Photo by the Akorda press service

Memorandum between the European Investment Bank and NC KazAvtoZhol JSC on financing projects for the rehabilitation of roads in Kazakhstan’s regions that form part of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route;

Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on the development of a feasibility study for the establishment of a Center of Excellence in minerals and metals.