Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hosted Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, in Astana on August 1 to discuss advancing bilateral and regional cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU.

The discussions highlighted a range of issues, including the future of Kazakhstan-EU relations under the Partnership and Enhanced Cooperation Agreement. Both leaders explored opportunities to strengthen ties in various sectors such as transport, logistics, digitalization, civil aviation, agriculture, and critical raw materials.

Prior to the meeting with Tokayev, Borrell met with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Murat Nurtleu. Nurtleu stressed the importance of the visit given the current geopolitical and economic circumstances. He detailed Kazakhstan’s progress under Tokayev’s political and socio-economic reforms and discussed the growth in economic cooperation and European investments.

Borrell affirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Kazakhstan’s reform agenda and strengthening overall cooperation with Central Asia. The conversation also covered global issues such as security in Central Asia, the situation in Afghanistan, and the Middle East.

The EU continues to be a key partner for Kazakhstan, accounting for more than 30% of the nation’s foreign trade and investment. In 2023, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the EU reached $41.4bn, with exports totaling $31bn and imports $10.4bn. For January-May 2024, trade revenue was $20.2bn, a 14.1% increase from the previous year. European investments in Kazakhstan have totaled $180bn since 2005.