EU, Kazakhstan to intensify cooperation in light of 'new geopolitical context' - statement

BRUSSELS. June 21 (Interfax) - Cooperation between the European Union and Kazakhstan has become even more relevant "in light of the current geopolitical context," particularly as concerns raw materials and alternative routes linking Asia and Europe, the European Union said in a statement following a meeting of the EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Council in Luxembourg on Monday.

"The current geopolitical context has highlighted the need for new alternative routes that connect Asia and Europe, and connectivity has become an area of strategic importance where there is a mutual interest for further cooperation," it said.

The parties analyzed the implementation of the EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), which took effect on March 1, 2020.

"The EU conveyed a strong message of commitment to the bilateral relations and the demonstrated willingness to open new avenues of cooperation in the framework of the EPCA, for instance on critical raw materials," it said.

The EU is Kazakhstan's first trade partner and first foreign investor, and Kazakhstan remains the EU's main trade partner in Central Asia. Trade balance between the two amounted to 12 billion euros in favor of Kazakhstan in 2021.

The parties compared their positions on such value-based criteria as good governance, the promotion and protection of human rights, and engagement with civil society, it said.

"The EU shared its concerns regarding the follow up of the January events and highlighted the importance of a full and independent investigation that would be shared with the international community, including on human rights violations. The EU welcomed the political reform path that Kazakhstan has embarked on," it said.

The EU offered Kazakhstan its expertise and support to modernize the country's energy system by "harnessing its sun and wind potential." The EU recognized Kazakhstan as "an influential regional player."

The participants also discussed regional security, including the situation in Afghanistan, border management, and efforts against terrorism.

The Cooperation Council meeting was chaired by French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. The Kazakh delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi.