The European Union Delegation in Astana, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and with the support of the Kazakh Government, successfully hosted a key roundtable focused on critical transnational threats impacting both the EU and Kazakhstan on 14 November 2024.
The event, which gathered over 70 experts, government officials, and international representatives, addressed pressing security concerns such as terrorism, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and other cross-border challenges.
The roundtable featured high-level participation from both EU and Kazakh authorities, with discussions centered on the connections between international extremism, terrorism, border protection, critical infrastructure, and the illegal trafficking of migrants, drugs, and arms. Experts from both sides highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation to effectively address these complex and evolving threats.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Roman Vassilenko, opened the discussions, emphasizing that transnational threats disregard borders and national sovereignty.
“Whether it’s cyberattacks, organized crime, terrorism, trafficking in persons, or illegal migration, no country is immune from these global challenges,” he said.
Vassilenko also noted that Kazakhstan has ratified all 19 UN universal counter-terrorism conventions and protocols, underlining the country’s active engagement with the international community, including the European Union.
EU Ambassador Aleska Simkic praised the event as a significant step forward in EU-Kazakhstan security relations.
“Today’s global security threats are neither confined by borders nor limited to single regions; they affect us all, underscoring the need for a united and coordinated response. The European Union and Kazakhstan are bound by shared interests and mutual challenges—whether addressing extremism, human trafficking, or organised crime,” Simkic stated.
She emphasized that the roundtable provided a vital platform for exchanging insights, strengthening security, and enhancing cooperation between both sides.
Dutch Ambassador Nico Schermers highlighted the need for collaboration, stating that tackling transnational threats requires shared perspectives and insights. He expressed confidence that the roundtable would pave the way for increased multilateral and bilateral cooperation between the EU and Kazakhstan.
As the discussions concluded, participants agreed on the need for continued expert-level dialogues to further enhance cross-border cooperation. The renewed commitment from both the EU and Kazakhstan to combat terrorism, trafficking, and organized crime sets the stage for deeper, more effective collaboration in the future. This roundtable marks an important milestone in EU-Central Asia cooperation, reaffirming both regions’ commitment to tackling transnational threats with a united approach.
Looking ahead, this roundtable is planned to become an annual platform for addressing international security issues, fostering greater coordination, and reinforcing collective efforts to ensure peace and stability across both regions.
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