Kazakhstan: 21st Cooperation Council with the European Union

The Cooperation Council between the European Union (EU) and Kazakhstan held its twenty-first meeting on Monday, 14 October in Luxemburg. During the meeting, both parties confirmed their commitment to deepening and widening their cooperation and to exploring the full potential of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA). As Kazakhstan’s first trade partner and foreign investor, the EU expressed strong support for the country’s economic reform and political modernization process.

The EU underlined that the rule of law, good governance and fight against corruption are the very foundations of a functioning democracy, and essential for a conducive business climate attracting foreign investment. The EU stressed the importance of freedom of expression, assembly and association, as well as independence of lawyers, pluralism and independence of media. A thriving civil society is fundamental, this includes granting Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working on human rights access to domestic and foreign funding without obstacles.

The risk of disinformation and misinformation was also discussed. With regard to Kazakhstan’s membership of the UN Human Rights Council in 2022–2024, the EU expressed gratitude for the very good cooperation in this forum.The enhanced cooperation between the EU and Kazakhstan includes strengthening transport connectivity, in particular the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. The EU expressed appreciation to Kazakhstan for the country’s active participation in the high-level political launch event held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on 3 October 2024, in the presence of European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen.The EU and Kazakhstan welcomed the initialling of their Horizontal Aviation Agreement in the margins of the Cooperation Council and hoped that the Agreement could be finalised for signature soon.

Both parties welcomed the ongoing cooperation in the area of critical raw materials through the implementation of the current Joint Roadmap. They looked forward to the adoption of a new ambitious Roadmap for 2025-2027. Kazakhstan’s participation in the EU Raw Materials Week in November 2023 was instrumental in strengthening business-to-business contacts in this field. The EU also expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan for having joined the Mineral Security Partnership this year.The EU and Kazakhstan confirmed their openness to pursue the preparation of negotiations for a Visa Facilitation Agreement and a Readmission Agreement.

The EU recognized the important role of Kazakhstan in EU’s energy security and expressed support for the development of renewable energy sources in Kazakhstan. The EU appreciated that Kazakhstan committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 and has joined the Global Methane Pledge.

Kazakhstan benefits from a dedicated Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (2021-2027), to support the implementation of the EPCA through a Cooperation Facility focusing on sustainable economic growth and rule of law.The EU welcomed Kazakhstan’s active participation in Erasmus+ and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions under Horizon Europe, underlining the potential for greater involvement of Kazakh researchers.

Regional EU programmes and initiatives in Central Asia as well as wider regional developments including the situation in Afghanistan and other security challenges, were discussed.The Cooperation Council was chaired by Peter Szijjártó, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, on behalf of EU High Representative, Josep Borrell. The Kazakh delegation was led by Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.

The president of Kazakhstan received proposals on Kazakhstan's accession to the BRICS. Kazakhstan is recognized as a responsible and authoritative member of the international community.

These proposals are carefully considered by the head of state of Kazakhstan and, on his instructions, are analyzed by the relevant departments from the point of view of Kazakhstan's national interests.

At the same time, currently and most likely in the foreseeable future, Kazakhstan will refrain from applying to BRICS, including taking into account the multi-stage process of considering membership, as well as other issues related to the prospects for the development of this association.

Enhanced partnership and cooperation agreement between the EU and the Republic of Kazahkstan
Global Gateway (European Commission)
Speech by Commissioner Urpilainen at the high-level launch of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Coordination Platform
Speech by Commissioner Urpilainen at the high-level launch of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Coordination Platform, 3 October 2024

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