Astana (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Josep Borrell emphasized Kazakhstan’s strategic role as a bridge between Europe and Asia.
For the European Union, Kazakhstan is an immense stepping stone between East and West, stated Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
His statement came during a press conference following his discussion with Murat Nurtleu, the foreign minister of Kazakhstan.
How Does Kazakhstan Serve as a Bridge Between East and West?
“Kazakhstan has a strategic geographical position; it is a great bridge between Europe and Asia. Under the leadership of President [Kassym-Jomart] Tokayev, Kazakhstan has embarked on a path of wide-ranging political and economic reforms that we support. We support this path to modernization, where economic and political reforms should go hand in hand,” he stated.
Borrell stated that the EU is keen on getting down to brass tacks and beefing up its cooperation with Kazakhstan.
What Are the Prospects for EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation?
“As my mandate representing the European Union will conclude in three months, it was important for me to come here to Astana to reaffirm our robust interest and commitment to strengthening [our] partnership with Central Asia as a whole and with Kazakhstan, the largest country in the region in particular,” he contended.
Earlier, Borrell discussed with the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Takoyev. During the meeting, the parties were concerned about the prospects for cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union. They also had a discussion of the minds on current international issues and the significance of regional cooperation among Central Asian countries.
How Has the EPCA Elevated EU-Kazakhstan Relations Since 2020?
The European Union and Kazakhstan have been allies since the country’s independence in 1991. In December 2015, the European Union and Kazakhstan inscribed an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA). This new Accord, the first of its kind with a Central Asian ally, brought ties between the EU and Kazakhstan to a new status and represented an essential milestone in more than 25 years of EU-Kazakhstan relations.
The EPCA, approved by all EU Member States and the European Parliament, entered into force on 1 March 2020. The EPCA allows the EU and its Member States to advance and support cooperation with Kazakhstan in key policy dimensions such as promoting mutual trade and investment, collaboration in justice and home affairs, economic and financial collaboration, energy, transport, environment and climate change, engagement and social affairs, culture, education and research.
At the regional level, the EU Strategy on Central Asia assumed in 2019, provides an excellent framework to support regional cooperation by taking advantage of unique opportunities in the region and managing common challenges together.
