Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu paid a working visit to Brussels and held talks with high-ranking representatives of the European Union to discuss the current agenda of bilateral and multilateral cooperation and promising areas for its further development, Tengrinews.kz reports citing the ministry .
As noted, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy – Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell warmly welcomed the first visit of Murat Nurtleu as head of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry to the EU capital.
During the meeting, the diplomats reviewed a wide range of multifaceted relations between Astana and Brussels under the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the EU. The regular nature and increased dynamics of political dialogue at the highest and high levels, a noticeable increase in economic cooperation and the volume of European investments were noted.
As specified, the parties paid special attention to discussing practical steps to develop cooperation in the fields of energy, transport and logistics, digitalization, civil aviation, production and use of critical raw materials. Measures were considered to strengthen cooperation in the development of education and science, advanced technologies and innovations .
During the meeting, Borrell underlined the firm commitment of European diplomacy to further expand and strengthen cooperation with Astana through the implementation of a number of specific measures and projects that will respond to the significant untapped potential of cooperation.
“We are closely following the modernization of your country and support President Tokayev’s large-scale political reforms aimed at building a Just Kazakhstan. This year, the European Union and Kazakhstan celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and during this time we have laid a strong foundation for partnership,” the High Representative said. EU.
According to the agency, the interlocutors exchanged views on topical issues on the international agenda, including regional security, cooperation in Central Asia and the situation in Afghanistan. The parties also discussed measures to mitigate the possible negative consequences of European sanctions for the Kazakh economy.
At a meeting with the Chief Advisor to the President of the European Council for Foreign Policy Simon Mordu, the Minister noted the productive visit of President Charles Michel to Astana in October 2022 and the success of his first meeting with the leaders of Central Asian countries.
The interlocutors stressed that these events gave a powerful impetus to the further strengthening of bilateral and interregional cooperation. The parties are working on preparing a second meeting in this format in the near future, which is designed to continue the process of deepening interregional cooperation between Central Asia and the EU.
During the visit, which took place in a business like and constructive atmosphere, the minister presented Borrell and Mord with high state awards – the Dostyk orders of the first and second degrees, respectively – for their significant contribution to strengthening and developing cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the EU.
In general, Nurtleu’s visit to the capital of the European Union made it possible to outline priority areas for cooperation, discuss specific measures and steps to further deepen relations between the parties.