ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 16. Kazakhstan and the EU discussed the development of cooperation within the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route - the Middle Corridor, Trend reports.
The Cooperation Council between the European Union (EU) and Kazakhstan convened for its twenty-first meeting on October 14 in Luxembourg, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening and broadening their collaboration under the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA).
The discussions centered around enhancing cooperation in various sectors, with a strong emphasis on strengthening transport connectivity. A key focus is the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, a critical component of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. The EU expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan for its active participation in the high-level political launch event held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on October 3, 2024.
During the meeting, the EU and Kazakhstan also welcomed the initialing of a Horizontal Aviation Agreement on the sidelines of the Cooperation Council. Both parties expressed optimism that this agreement could be finalized and signed soon, further solidifying their partnership.
The meeting was chaired by Peter Szijjártó, Hungary's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, representing EU High Representative Josep Borrell. The Kazakh delegation was led by Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.
Meanwhile, on October 3 in Ashgabat, the EU and Turkmenistan inaugurated the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Coordination Platform. This initiative is designed to enhance connectivity by advancing transport routes between Central Asia and the EU.