Tokayev welcomes start of negotiations on war in Ukraine

Astana, Apr 4 (EFE).- Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed the start of negotiations on the war in Ukraine in his speech at the EU-Central Asia summit on Friday in the historic Uzbekistani city of Samarkand.

“Kazakhstan consistently advocates peaceful resolution of conflicts. Therefore, we welcome the start of negotiations on Ukraine and hope for a favorable outcome, although we fully understand the complexity of the problem,” Tokayev said.

Shortly before, European Council President António Costa warned the countries participating in the summit that the war started by Russia in Ukraine is not a local conflict, but a threat to international stability.

SAMARKAND (Uzbekistan), 04/04/2025.- A handout photo made available by the Kyrgyz President press service shows (L-R) President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev, European Council President Antonio Costa, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov pose for a family photo at the EU-Central Asia summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 04 April 2025. The first EU-Central Asia Summit takes place in Samarkand on 03-04 April 2025. (Kazajstán, Kirguistán, Tadjikistan) EFE/EPA/KYRGYZ PRESIDENT PRESS SERVICE / HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALESHANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

SAMARKAND (Uzbekistan), 04/04/2025.- A handout photo made available by the Kyrgyz President press service shows President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev, European Council President Antonio Costa, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov attending the EU-Central Asia summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 04 April 2025. The first EU-Central Asia Summit takes place in Samarkand on 03-04 April 2025. (Kazajstán, Kirguistán, Tadjikistan) EFE/EPA/KYRGYZ PRESIDENT PRESS SERVICE / HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALESHANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

Tokayev noted that his country highly values the support of the European Union for the stable operation of the Caspian Oil Pipeline Consortium (CPC) after its infrastructure on Russian territory has been attacked by drones at least twice.

Kazakhstan exports 70 % of the oil extracted in the country through that pipeline, supplying 13 % of the crude oil imported by the European Union.

“Kazakhstan produces 19 out of 34 types of raw materials needed by the EU economy, including uranium, titanium, copper, lithium, cobalt, tungsten, and others,” the Kazakh leader stressed.

He added that within the framework of its agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Kazakhstan participates in joint geological exploration projects and introduces advanced and sustainable practices in the mining industry. EFE