Astana, Kazakhstan, Oct.14
By Daniyar Mukhtarov - Trend:
Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov and Managing Director for Europe and Central Asia of the European External Action Service Luis Felipe Fernandez de la Pena discussed the bilateral cooperation issues on Oct.14, Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry said.
"During the negotiations, the sides discussed the status of and prospects for bilateral cooperation in the spheres of economy, energy, security and removal of Kazakh airlines from the EU safety list," the Foreign Ministry said.
They also exchanged views on the topical issues on the international agenda, including the cooperation in the Central Asia - European Union format.
The two sides focused on the results of the visit of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev to Brussels on Oct.8-9. Note, during this visit, there were signed political statements about the successful completion of negotiations on a new expanded partnership and cooperation agreement between Kazakhstan.
Documents on the completion of bilateral negotiations between Kazakhstan and the EU regarding Kazakhstan's accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) were also signed during the visit.
"A new agreement with the EU gives opportunity to improve our cooperation in all spheres," Idrissov said.
Moreover, the sides discussed the prospects for visa facilitation which will also promote the intensification of political, economic, cultural and humanitarian dialogue between Kazakhstan and the EU.
"The visa regime between Kazakhstan and EU no longer meets the requirements of the existing reality and the development goals of the political and economic dialogue," Kazakh foreign minister said.
Touching upon the Central Asian-EU cooperation, the minister said that Kazakhstan is interested in the successful implementation of EU strategy in Central Asia.
"Taking into account the regional challenges, the strategy should not only meet the interests of the European community, but also mid-term and long-term demands of the countries of our region. In this respect, Kazakhstan praises and supports the EU initiative to hold high-level dialogue on the security of Central Asia and EU," Idrissov said, adding that Kazakhstan is ready to further contribute to the development of this dialogue by actively participating in it.