The EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Council meeting will be held in Luxembourg.
The Kazakh delegation arrived in Luxembourg on Monday, October 14, for the 21st meeting of the Cooperation Council between the European Union and Kazakhstan. This meeting promises to be a significant event in the context of bilateral relations between the two countries. The meeting will discuss key aspects of political, economic, and trade cooperation as well as security issues. It is particularly relevant in light of geopolitical instability and global challenges.
A number of pressing issues that go beyond the standard agenda are expected to be discussed in detail. The European Union will be represented by Péter Szijártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary and acting on behalf of Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union. The choice of Hungary as the representative deserves special attention given Budapest's complex relations with the EU and its ambiguous position on foreign policy issues, which may influence the tone and focus of discussions, especially in the context of EU sanctions policy and relations with Russia. As expected, the Kazakh delegation will be led by Murat Nurtileu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. His presence underscores the priority Kazakhstan attaches to its partnership with the European Union. The agenda will focus on the Global Gateway initiative, the EU's ambitious plan to invest in infrastructure and digital transformation in partner countries. Discussions are likely to focus on specific projects implemented or planned in Kazakhstan within the framework of this initiative. These could include projects in the energy sector, the development of transport infrastructure, the digitalization of the economy, and other areas of mutual interest. The success of these projects depends on the effectiveness of coordination between the EU and Kazakhstan as well as ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of funds.
In addition, a wide-ranging discussion of current regional and international developments is expected, including the situation in Central Asia, the impact of the Ukrainian crisis on the region, as well as challenges related to energy security and climate change. Kazakhstan, as a major energy producer, plays an important role in ensuring stability in energy markets, and the EU is interested in further developing partnership in this area.
The previously announced figures on mutual trade between Kazakhstan and the EU amounting to 20.2 billion dollars in the first five months of 2024 represent 37% of Kazakhstan's total trade turnover. This indicates the significant role of the EU in Kazakhstan's economy. However, it is important to consider the structure of this trade given Kazakhstan's dependence on commodity exports. Diversifying the Kazakh economy and strengthening industrial potential are key factors for long-term sustainable trade relations. In this context, discussions will focus on opportunities for expanding cooperation in high-tech, innovation, and green economy areas. The success of the meeting depends on the parties' ability to find mutually agreeable solutions to a wide range of issues and establish a solid foundation for further strengthening bilateral relations.
A number of pressing issues that go beyond the standard agenda are expected to be discussed in detail. The European Union will be represented by Péter Szijártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary and acting on behalf of Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union. The choice of Hungary as the representative deserves special attention given Budapest's complex relations with the EU and its ambiguous position on foreign policy issues, which may influence the tone and focus of discussions, especially in the context of EU sanctions policy and relations with Russia. As expected, the Kazakh delegation will be led by Murat Nurtileu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. His presence underscores the priority Kazakhstan attaches to its partnership with the European Union. The agenda will focus on the Global Gateway initiative, the EU's ambitious plan to invest in infrastructure and digital transformation in partner countries. Discussions are likely to focus on specific projects implemented or planned in Kazakhstan within the framework of this initiative. These could include projects in the energy sector, the development of transport infrastructure, the digitalization of the economy, and other areas of mutual interest. The success of these projects depends on the effectiveness of coordination between the EU and Kazakhstan as well as ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of funds.
In addition, a wide-ranging discussion of current regional and international developments is expected, including the situation in Central Asia, the impact of the Ukrainian crisis on the region, as well as challenges related to energy security and climate change. Kazakhstan, as a major energy producer, plays an important role in ensuring stability in energy markets, and the EU is interested in further developing partnership in this area.
The previously announced figures on mutual trade between Kazakhstan and the EU amounting to 20.2 billion dollars in the first five months of 2024 represent 37% of Kazakhstan's total trade turnover. This indicates the significant role of the EU in Kazakhstan's economy. However, it is important to consider the structure of this trade given Kazakhstan's dependence on commodity exports. Diversifying the Kazakh economy and strengthening industrial potential are key factors for long-term sustainable trade relations. In this context, discussions will focus on opportunities for expanding cooperation in high-tech, innovation, and green economy areas. The success of the meeting depends on the parties' ability to find mutually agreeable solutions to a wide range of issues and establish a solid foundation for further strengthening bilateral relations.