Kazakhstan, France discuss partnership in nuclear energy and high-tech industries
ASTANA. Nov 6 (Interfax) - Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed broader cooperation in nuclear energy with French business leaders at an investment roundtable in Paris, emphasizing the strategic potential for civilian nuclear power collaboration, the presidential press service said.
"We anticipate a stronger presence of French industry in Kazakhstan, which we believe will support the integration of advanced technologies into our production sector. Kazakhstan is the world's top uranium producer and France possesses extensive nuclear expertise, so there is considerable potential for collaboration in civilian nuclear energy," Tokayev, who is making a state visit to France, was quoted as saying.
Tokayev said energy had always been a key area of cooperation between Astana and Paris. "As a major supplier of oil and uranium to the European Union, Astana is ready to continue supporting France's energy sovereignty," he said.
Tokayev said at a meeting with EDF CEO Luc Remont that, "the majority of Kazakh citizens endorsed building the country's first nuclear power plant following a referendum. A French company is among the shortlisted candidates to supply nuclear technology for the project." "Kazakhstan is considering an international consortium as a model for carrying out this crucial project," Tokayev said.
Remont reaffirmed EDF's commitment to continued partnership with Kazatomprom and presented proposals for joint renewable energy projects. Tokayev also met with Nicolas Maes, President of Orano S.A., to explore further collaboration in high-tech industries, secure uranium supply to France and joint initiatives in rare metals extraction and processing.
Tokayev emphasized "the importance of a partnership that would allow Kazakhstan to develop high-tech industries while ensuring reliable and secure uranium supplies to France. The meeting also explored opportunities to deepen the Kazakh-French strategic partnership in science and technology, as well as in the extraction and processing of rare metals," the press service said,