Kazakhstan, EU note ‘significant growth’ in economic cooperation, investments

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Kazakhstan and the EU on Thursday noted a “significant growth” in economic cooperation between the two sides, as well as in European investments in the Central Asian nation.

Following a meeting between Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry said: “They noted a regular nature and increased dynamics of political dialogue at the highest and high levels, as well as the significant growth of economic cooperation and volumes of European investments.”

Indicating that the two officials discussed current issues on the agenda of bilateral and multilateral cooperation and prospective ways to further develop them, the statement said Nurtleu and Borrell conducted an overview of bilateral ties within the framework of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Brussels and Astana.

It further said that they paid particular attention to discussing practical steps to develop cooperation in sectors such as transport and logistics, digitalization, civil aviation, agriculture, extraction and use of critical raw materials, and energy.

Nurtleu informed Borrell of the progress of comprehensive political and socio-economic reforms in the country, the statement said, adding that Borrell emphasized the EU’s determination to further expand and strengthen cooperation with Kazakhstan.

“It was important to me to come here, to Astana, to reaffirm our strong commitment to strengthen our cooperation with Central Asia as a whole, and Kazakhstan in particular,” Borrell was quoted as saying.

The statement went on to say that both officials exchanged views on current issues of the international agenda, including matters such as cooperation in Central Asia, as well as the situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East.

Borrell also met with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, according to a statement by the country's presidency, which said they discussed the prospects for developing cooperation and exchanged views on issues on the international agenda, including regional interaction between Central Asian countries.

The EU announced on Wednesday that Borrell will embark on a three-day visit to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, which it said will confirm the EU’s “commitment to further developing relations with both countries, as well as with the whole region of Central Asia.”