Kazakh-French Political Consultations Mark 10th Anniversary with Strategic Dialogue
Astana, The Gulf Observer: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko and Director of the Continental Europe Department of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic Brice Roquefeuil convened on Friday to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Kazakh-French political consultations. This milestone event, reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, underscores the robust and dynamic bilateral relations between the two nations.
During the consultations, the diplomats evaluated the current state of bilateral cooperation, highlighting the active dynamics and trustful dialogue established between the heads of state, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Emmanuel Macron. Deputy Minister Vassilenko remarked on the significant strides in the strategic partnership, noting, “The first visit of our President to Paris in November 2022, followed by the French President’s visit to Kazakhstan less than a year later, has elevated our strategic partnership to a new level. Today, we are on the verge of enhancing the quality of our strategic partnership.”
The French delegation echoed this sentiment, with Brice Roquefeuil stating, “Paris attaches great importance to further deepening our strategic partnership with Astana. Considering the upcoming bilateral events, we are about to open a new chapter in our relations.”
The consultations also explored future prospects of the Kazakh-French partnership, focusing on deepening cooperation across various sectors, including trade and economic activities, investment, energy, agriculture, transport and logistics, as well as cultural and humanitarian endeavors. Water issues were also identified as a key area of focus.
Both sides reviewed the status of joint investment projects in sectors such as machine building, renewable energy, and rare-earth metals, outlining necessary steps to expedite their implementation. The French side reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting Astana in enhancing cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union.
Additionally, the diplomats exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and expanding bilateral ties at all levels. They confirmed their commitment to further developing the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and France.
Kazakhstan and France have enjoyed a robust strategic partnership since the signing of the Treaty of Strategic Partnership in Paris in June 2008. In 2023, trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $4.2 billion, marking a 7.7% increase from the previous year. Bilateral trade in the first quarter of 2024 reached $1.4 billion, up 34.5% from the same period in 2023.
Since 2005, France has invested a total of $19.1 billion in Kazakhstan’s economy, making it the fifth-largest investor in the country. Currently, 204 enterprises with French capital are operating in Kazakhstan, reflecting the strong economic ties and mutual interests of both nations.
