On August 21, State Counselor Erlan Karin engaged in discussions with a delegation from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, led by Chair David McAllister, to explore areas for enhancing cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union. The talks, which took place in the capital city, aimed to strengthen the existing partnership between the two entities, spanning various domains including inter-parliamentary engagement.
Both sides lauded the current state of affairs and the potential for nurturing a more robust partnership between Kazakhstan and the EU. Acknowledging the shared objectives and aspirations, the discussions revolved around enhancing cooperation not only at a diplomatic level but also within the inter-parliamentary context.
Karin took the opportunity to elucidate the ongoing reforms in Kazakhstan, which have garnered commendation from the visiting EU delegation. These reforms are aimed at fortifying democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding human rights, principles that the EU has consistently championed.
The dialogue extended to encompass a range of pertinent global and regional issues. The exchange of perspectives allowed both parties to gain insights into each other's viewpoints and priorities, fostering a deeper understanding of the respective challenges and opportunities.
In a meeting with representatives from the Kazakh Ministry of National Economy, members of the EU Parliament signaled their keen interest in enhancing collaboration with Kazakhstan within the EU-Central Asia framework. The discussions underscored joint efforts towards advancing cooperation in diverse spheres such as investment policy, economic diversification, and the leveraging of Kazakhstan's transit potential.
“The European Union stands as a pivotal trade and investment partner for Kazakhstan, and expanding economic collaboration remains a top priority. The EU's support for Kazakhstan holds strategic significance, facilitating the implementation of OECD recommendations crucial for Kazakhstan's engagement with the forum," Minister of National Economy Alibek Kuantyrov emphasized.
In the first half of the year, trade volume between Kazakhstan and the EU reached a noteworthy $20.2 bn, comprising $15.2 bn in exports and $5 bn in imports. The Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), inked between Kazakhstan and the EU back in 2015, spans a comprehensive spectrum of 29 domains. These areas encompass international and regional security, trade and investment, infrastructure development, as well as innovation, culture, sports, and tourism.
As the discussions concluded, both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening the partnership, fostering closer ties, and harnessing their collective potential to address shared challenges and seize opportunities in an evolving global landscape.
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