In an online session, Roman Vasilenko, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, joined the inaugural ministerial meeting between Central Asian countries and the Group of Seven (G7). The meeting focused on prospects for cooperation in regional security, economics, transportation, energy, investments, climate change, environmental protection, water management, and tourism.
During his address, Deputy Minister Vasilenko emphasized the importance of expanding trade relations, increasing the involvement of the G7 economies in the region, and developing the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route connecting key industrial centers in Europe and Asia.
Vasilenko highlighted Kazakhstan's commitment to joint efforts in addressing contemporary global and regional challenges, particularly climate emergencies, food crises, water resource issues, and the salvation of the Aral Sea. Kazakhstan outlined its plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Additionally, the Kazakh diplomat called on counterparts to support the initiative to establish a UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty and participate in the Regional Climate Summit in Kazakhstan under the auspices of the UN in 2026.
Representatives from Central Asian countries also emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in priority areas for the development of the region, expressing readiness for further dialogue in this format.
In turn, the heads of the foreign ministries of the G7 countries and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Vice President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, affirmed their commitment to the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Central Asian states in accordance with the UN Charter. They noted that active collaboration between individual G7 members and Central Asian states is already underway through bilateral and multilateral channels. They advocated for further expansion and deepening of cooperation in security, infrastructure development, trade, and the economy.
Particular attention was given to mutual interest in improving connectivity, including through the exploration of regional projects under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) – a comprehensive initiative of the G7 countries aiming to attract $600bn for global infrastructure projects by 2027.
Delegates also engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on the impact of geopolitical turbulence on Central Asian countries, addressing challenges related to global instability, supply chain disruptions, and ways to overcome them.
The Group of Seven (G7) consists of leading economically developed countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Canada, the United States, France, and Japan. Currently, Japan chairs the group. The G7 countries are major trade and investment partners of Kazakhstan, contributing to over 20% of the country's foreign trade balance. Last year, G7 investments in the Kazakh economy grew by 30%, exceeding $8bn, while the trade turnover reached $30bn.
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