Kazakh FM, EU Commissioner Discuss Expanding Economic and Regional Cooperation
Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev met with EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela to review the current state and future prospects of economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union, the Foreign Ministry’s press service reported.
The discussions also covered interregional interaction between the EU and Central Asia, with both sides highlighting the importance of strengthening strategic connectivity across the region.
Special emphasis was placed on the outcomes of high-level meetings held earlier this year in Samarkand in April and Tashkent in November. Commissioner Síkela informed the Kazakh side of the key agreements achieved, including the launch of new regional initiatives focused on enhancing logistics and digital infrastructure, as well as modernizing port capacities and highways along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (the “Middle Corridor”).
The new initiatives aim to support the development of multimodal logistics, accelerate transport flows, and digitalize procedures along the corridor. The EU plans to invest €45 million in the modernization of the Aktau port and €150 million in the reconstruction of highways in Kazakhstan. Commissioner Síkela underscored that the European Union views Kazakhstan as a key partner in building a sustainable and efficient transport architecture in the region.
Minister Kosherbayev welcomed the results of the recent Economic and Investment Forums held in Uzbekistan and reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness to contribute actively to the practical implementation of the agreements achieved.
“We attach particular importance to further expanding our cooperation with the European Union in the fields of critical raw materials, transport and logistics, digital innovation, agriculture, education, and water management. In this regard, we welcome the start of negotiations on December 2 in Brussels on agreements regarding visa facilitation for Kazakh citizens and readmission,” the Minister stated.
Both parties agreed to maintain a regular dialogue to monitor the progress of joint projects and identify new areas of cooperation.
Following the meeting, Minister Kosherbayev and Commissioner Síkela reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political dialogue, deepening economic ties, and supporting initiatives that promote the stability and prosperity of Central Asia and Europe.
