The European External Action Service (EEAS), which is the European Union (EU)'s diplomatic service, reported on July 31 that High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell is traveling to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan from August 1 until August 3.
The visit is reportedly an important opportunity to confirm, in a challenging geopolitical context, the EU’s commitment to further developing relations with both countries, as well as with the whole region of Central Asia.
The top European Union (EU) diplomat started his mission in Kazakhstan.
The High Representative/Vice-President will start his mission in Kazakhstan.
The Astana Times says Josep Borrell on August 1 held a bilateral meeting with Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu. The two reportedly discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to bilateral cooperation.
This will be followed by a joint press conference
On the same day, Josep Borrell met with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The meeting was followed a joint press conference.
“My main message today is that we, the European Union, will remain committed to maintaining this positive momentum and continuing to strengthen our relations further with a more positive and continuous dynamic for the benefit of our people and the whole nations,” Borrell said, according to The Astana Times.
Addressing journalists at a media briefing, Murat Nurtleu reportedly said the partnership between Kazakhstan and the EU is intensifying across many areas. According to him, in five months of 2024, the bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and the European Union reached US$20 billion, accounting for 37% of the country’s foreign trade turnover. In 2023, the figure surpassed US$41 billion.
On the same day, Josep Borrell will meet with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The Akorda (the official residence of Kazakhstan president) says the parties discussed prospects of further expansion of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union. Tokayev and Borrell also exchanged views on current issues on the international agenda as well as regional collaboration between Central Asia’s nations.
On Saturday, the top EU diplomat will hold a bilateral meeting in Kyrgyzstan with Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeenbek Kulubayev. Separate talks with Minister of Emergency Situations Boobek Azhikeyev are also planned.
