Astana, Jun 11 (EFE).- The Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, presented his country’s oil and uranium needs to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during talks held Wednesday in Astana.
Slovakia seeks energy cooperation with Kazakhstan
“We have five reactors and will soon connect a sixth one (…) If our Kazakh colleagues show interest in working together, we are ready,” Fico said during the meeting.
Fico, a vocal critic of the European Union’s military support for Ukraine, which he claims contributes to prolonging the war, recalled that before Russia launched its military campaign, Slovakia imported nearly three million tons of Kazakh oil annually.
“We also discussed with the president the use of the Druzhba pipeline through Russia and Belarus to Slovakia. Going forward, we can address crude imports with the help of experts,” he added.
Potential defense cooperation and joint production
The prime minister said he had also spoken with Tokayev about defense cooperation. He noted that Slovakia could supply Kazakhstan with military equipment or even jointly produce weapons.
Still, he stressed that Slovakia “is a country that loves peace” and supports “peaceful projects.”
He also expressed respect for “the ambitious plans” of the largest Central Asian republic. He emphasized that he often tells his EU colleagues they should look not only within the bloc but “also at the experience of other countries.”
“Sometimes I feel that the EU is in love with itself. We believe we are the world’s pioneers and want to lecture everyone,” he said.
Tokayev opens door to energy, trade, and transport cooperation
For his part, Tokayev said Kazakhstan is ready to cooperate with the Central European country not only in the energy sector but also in agriculture, digitalization, and machinery manufacturing.
“Kazakhstan is ready to export oil, gas, and uranium, food products, and other goods to Slovakia,” he stated.
The Kazakh leader also invited Fico to participate in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor project, which spans from China to Europe via Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus, and Turkey, aiming to enhance trade exchanges.
Shared views on peace, diplomacy, and global instability
Tokayev and Fico shared concerns about “geopolitical instability” and “trade wars.”
“Both sides agree that all conflicts must be resolved exclusively through peaceful means,” said the Kazakh president. Astana and Bratislava place great importance on ‘multilateral diplomacy.’” EFE