“I came to Brussels with a clear goal” - Tokayev at a meeting with EU leaders

Tengrinews.kz — Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

During the negotiations with EU leaders, President Tokayev noted that relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union have reached their highest level in the history of bilateral cooperation.

"Our relations, built on mutual trust and respect, have acquired a truly strategic character. I have come to Brussels with a clear goal: to deepen our multifaceted cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. The important agreements and memorandums just signed serve as a clear testament to our commitment to further strengthening cooperation. I am confident that the outcomes of today's talks will open a new chapter in Kazakh-European engagement," the President of Kazakhstan said.

He emphasized that a regular political dialogue at the highest level has been established between Kazakhstan and the EU. He also recalled that Kazakhstan was the first country in the region to sign and ratify the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) with the EU.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid special attention to the development of trade, economic, and investment ties.

"Today, the EU is Kazakhstan's largest trade and investment partner. European companies are already widely represented in various sectors of our economy. Their success demonstrates the confidence of European business in Kazakhstan. We are proud to be a reliable partner of the EU in Central Asia and strive to maintain a stable and attractive investment climate for European investors," the President emphasized.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev specifically focused on strengthening transport and logistics links. In particular, he pointed to the prospects of aligning the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) with the EU's Global Gateway initiative, and noted the support from European partners for several major transport and infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan.

According to the President, the sphere of critical raw materials, of which Kazakhstan possesses significant reserves, also presents broad opportunities for developing cooperation.

It was noted that Kazakhstan counts on European investment in the manufacturing industry, technology transfer, and joint production projects.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev confirmed Kazakhstan's interest in further engagement with the European Union in sectors such as energy, including nuclear power, digital transformation, agriculture, water security, and the climate agenda.

The President identified the humanitarian dimension, covering education, science, culture, and people-to-people contacts, as another vital area of cooperation.

"Kazakhstan highly values the growing cooperation within Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and other educational and research programs. We will continue to support partnerships between our universities and European higher education institutions. Kazakhstan also expects to obtain associated country status within the Horizon Europe program," the Head of State said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev particularly welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on draft agreements regarding visa facilitation and readmission.

He also thanked the EU for its consistent support of the political modernization program in Kazakhstan, as well as for the European side's readiness to share expertise and best practices in governance, innovation, and sustainable economic development.

Furthermore, the President of Kazakhstan underscored the important role of the Central Asia – European Union dialogue platform, which has become an effective mechanism for strengthening interregional partnership.

Tokayev invites King Philippe of Belgium to Kazakhstan

On June 23, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Kazakh-Belgian cooperation, with a particular focus on strengthening political dialogue and developing trade, economic, and investment ties.

The President of Kazakhstan noted that he attaches exceptional importance to the upcoming state visit of King Philippe to Kazakhstan this year, which will be the first in the history of bilateral relations.