President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič, European Union Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais, and Vice President of the European Investment Bank Marek Mora, the Akorda press service reported. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
During the meeting, the head of state assessed the outcomes of negotiations with President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. According to Tokayev, these negotiations confirmed the mutual readiness of Kazakhstan and the EU to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Astana and Brussels.
The President also highlighted the economic component of the current visit. In particular, he mentioned the signing of commercial agreements and memorandums worth over $12 billion. According to the head of state, this demonstrates the trust of European business in Kazakhstan's economy and the reform course being pursued in the country.
Tokayev separately noted the partnership with the European Investment Bank. The President expressed confidence that further cooperation with this financial institution would contribute to Kazakhstan's sustainable economic development and the promotion of initiatives to strengthen regional connectivity.
Maroš Šefčovič, in turn, stated that Tokayev's official visit opens a new chapter in relations between the European Union and Kazakhstan. According to him, the commercial agreements signed during the visit are the result of many years of joint work to develop trade and economic cooperation.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue constructive dialogue to promote joint initiatives in areas of mutual interest.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that Kazakhstan and the EU signed a number of documents in the presence of Tokayev, Costa, and von der Leyen. These include an agreement on certain aspects of air transport, a ceremonial signing of an order for up to 50 aircraft between Air Astana and Airbus, as well as memorandums on the digital platform "E-zholdary," restoration of roads on the Middle Corridor route, and the creation of a Center of Excellence in minerals and metals.
It was also reported that following the negotiations, Tokayev, Costa, and von der Leyen adopted a joint statement. In it, the parties noted the strengthening of the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the EU, the role of the European Union as Kazakhstan's leading trade and investment partner, and the importance of cooperation in transport, energy, critical raw materials, digitalization, aviation, education, and regional security.