Kazakh and Czech Foreign Ministers Hold High-Level Talks in Astana

Kazakh and Czech Foreign Ministers Hold High-Level Talks in Astana

Astana, The Gulf Observer: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, held official talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Jan Lipavský, during his visit to Astana. According to Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry, the discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, addressing regional and global challenges, and exploring avenues for deepening mutually beneficial relations.

Minister Nurtleu expressed satisfaction with the dynamic progress in political, economic, and cultural-humanitarian ties between Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic, emphasizing that 30 years of diplomatic relations have resulted in strengthened cooperation across various sectors. In particular, he noted the growth in trade and economic collaboration, reflected in the increase of mutual trade turnover and foreign direct investment in recent years.

The talks paid particular attention to potential partnerships in engineering, transport, logistics, pharmaceuticals, energy, and cutting-edge fields like nanotechnology and hydrogen production. Minister Nurtleu highlighted the successful presence of leading Czech companies in Kazakhstan, including Škoda Auto, Omnipol, and Home Credit Bank. He further noted the promising future for expanding cooperation in energy and climate security.

“We see promising horizons for expanding cooperation in the field of energy and climate security,” Nurtleu remarked.

In response, Minister Lipavský reaffirmed the Czech Republic’s commitment to further enhancing its multifaceted partnership with Kazakhstan. “We attach great importance to our partnership with Kazakhstan. I am confident that my visit will contribute to further deepening our bilateral relations, both politically and in trade and investment,” he stated.

The ministers also discussed the strategic role of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route in promoting connectivity between Europe and Asia, enhancing trade opportunities for both nations.

Kazakhstan expressed its interest in the Czech Republic’s expertise in nuclear energy, following a national referendum supporting the construction of a nuclear power plant in the country.

The successful implementation of initiatives agreed upon during Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s visit to Kazakhstan in April 2023 was reviewed. Both sides welcomed the launch of direct flights between Astana and Prague earlier this year, which has boosted business, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

Another topic of discussion was the Kazakh-Czech project to reintroduce the rare Przewalski’s horses to Kazakhstan’s “Altyn Dala” nature reserve. The first seven horses were successfully delivered in June 2024, with plans to reintroduce 40 horses over the next five years.

Cooperation in science, research, and higher education was also discussed, with Minister Lipavský voicing support for accelerated negotiations on a draft agreement to simplify the EU visa regime for Kazakh citizens.

Addressing global and regional issues, including conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, both foreign ministers expressed hope for the resumption of peaceful and constructive dialogue between the involved parties. Minister Nurtleu reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to the UN Charter’s principles, advocating for conflict resolution through peaceful means and underscoring the country’s balanced foreign policy.

As part of the discussions, Minister Nurtleu congratulated his Czech counterpart on the Czech Republic’s election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term. The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic.

For reference, the Czech Republic is one of Kazakhstan’s top nine trading partners within the European Union. In 2023, bilateral trade reached $626.8 million, representing a 48.4% increase. From January to August 2024, trade between the two nations totaled $357.9 million. Since 2005, direct investment from the Czech Republic to Kazakhstan has amounted to $354.5 million, with $24.9 million recorded in the first half of 2024.