Kazakhstan Seeks to Deepen Cooperation with Finland
Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan expressed its interest in further deepening cooperation with Finland and extended its best wishes to Suomi for a successful chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2025. This was highlighted during a meeting between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Roman Vassilenko, and the Ambassador of Finland to Kazakhstan, Soili Mäkeläinen-Buhanist, as reported by media outlets, citing the press service of the Kazakh MFA.
The discussions focused on strengthening Kazakh-Finnish cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres, as well as their collaboration within the OSCE and other international organizations. Both parties emphasized the importance of maintaining an active political dialogue at high and highest levels between Kazakhstan and Finland.
Deputy Minister Vassilenko noted that the recent telephone conversation between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and President Alexander Stubb of Finland reaffirmed both nations’ mutual commitment to enhancing their bilateral relations.
The diplomats welcomed the outcomes of Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio’s visit to Kazakhstan and the 13th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, held in Astana on April 11, 2024. They acknowledged these events as significant steps toward boosting economic ties.
Furthermore, the meeting included an in-depth discussion on key issues within the OSCE agenda and Finnish priorities during its chairmanship in 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. Kazakhstan expressed its readiness to support Finland’s efforts to enhance the OSCE’s potential in the politico-military, economic and environmental, and human dimensions.
Both parties underlined the crucial role of the OSCE in addressing ongoing regional and global challenges within its mandate. They reaffirmed their intention to further promote the Kazakh-Finnish partnership, underscoring the indispensable nature of their cooperation in the face of contemporary global issues.
