Astana, Apr 3 (EFE).– Kazakhstan’s president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, met Thursday with the heads of the European Council and the European Commission, Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, to discuss economic cooperation between Astana and Brussels ahead of the Central Asia–European Union summit taking place the following day in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Priority Areas for Kazakhstan–EU Cooperation
During his meeting with von der Leyen, Tokayev highlighted four strategic areas where Kazakhstan seeks to deepen its partnership with the European Union.
These areas include:
“Energy, infrastructure and industrial projects, development of transport and logistics networks, digital innovation, advanced technologies, and artificial intelligence,” he said, according to a statement from the Kazakh presidency.
Von der Leyen Emphasizes Transport and Logistics Projects
Von der Leyen, in turn, underscored the significance of improving transport and logistics, especially the Trans-Caspian Corridor, an alternative trade route between Asia and Europe that bypasses Russia. She also congratulated Tokayev on the discovery of a large rare metals deposit in Kazakhstan.
Talks with European Council President Antonio Costa
In a separate meeting with Antonio Costa, Tokayev addressed opportunities for expanding cooperation across a range of sectors. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a dynamic partnership based on mutual trust and shared strategic interests.
Kazakhstan–EU Trade Continues to Grow
The European Union remains Kazakhstan’s top trading partner, accounting for over 40% of direct foreign investment in the country. Last year, bilateral trade rose by 17%, reaching nearly $50 billion.
Central Asia–EU Cooperation Summit in Samarkand
The first Central Asia–European Union summit will gather the presidents of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan in the historic Uzbek city of Samarkand. EFE