Kazakhstan’s President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on Wednesday called on his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, to lend additional momentum to the cooperation between their countries. The appeal comes as the nations are set to sign a series of agreements, primarily focused on energy and investments.
“Cooperation between Kazakhstan and France is progressing dynamically, but it requires further impetus. Hence, your visit can be considered historic and of great significance. I am confident that today’s negotiations will be fruitful,” the leader of Central Asia’s largest economy said at the start of his meeting with Macron at the Akorda Palace.
Tokayev stressed that France was a “key and reliable partner” of Kazakhstan within the European Union, as well as one of the largest investors in the nation’s economy.
The French President, in turn, highlighted the significance of his visit, marking an important year for the bilateral partnership.
“We will be able to make progress on major international issues and reaffirm our commitment to the UN Charter principles such as territorial integrity and national sovereignty. We will also discuss key bilateral issues,” Macron said.
“We are significant economic partners. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that we will sign substantial contracts that will boost the strategic and economic relations between our countries,” he noted.
The two heads of state aim to address the enhancement of political dialogue and deepen cooperation in trade, economy, investment, energy, transportation, logistics, and cultural-humanitarian spheres during their meeting.
Over the past decade, trade and economic relations between the two countries have fluctuated annually between $2.5 billion and $6.5 billion, with Kazakhstan’s exports accounting for 80-90% of the total, according to official figures.
In 2022, trade volume rose to $4 billion, a 30.4% increase from the previous year. Kazakhstan’s exports amounted to $3.1 billion, while imports stood at $916.5 million.
The country’s primary exports include oil, metals, metal products, chemicals, agricultural products, chromium oxides and hydroxides, copper, and copper cathodes.
Conversely, Kazakhstan imports from France aircraft, electrical, electronic, and mechanical equipment, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, automobiles, and food products.
Approximately 170 enterprises with French participation operate in Kazakhstan, including Total, Orano, Alstom, Danone, Vicat, Saint Gobain, among others involved in high-technology projects. EFE