BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 12. Kazakhstan and the EU are keen to improve ties in the fields of transport, logistics, and infrastructure, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.
According to the ministry, this matter was discussed during the meeting between Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, and the Head of the Representative Office of the EU in Kazakhstan, Ambassador Kestutis Jankauskas.
At the meeting, special attention was given to the deepening of cooperation in the fields of transport, logistics, and infrastructure, which have become especially important in light of the EU Global Gateway strategy [promotion of green, democratic, and secure economic development and partnership].
In addition, further steps to fully implement the potential of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the EU (EPCA) were also discussed. Murat Nurtleu emphasized the effective work of the dialogue platforms that were established under the EPCA, as well as the dynamic development of engagement at the inter-regional level. In this context, the parties discussed the preparations for the upcoming Central Asia-EU Economic Forum, scheduled to take place on May 18-19 in Almaty.
Furthermore, the sides exchanged views on topical issues of the international and regional agenda. The priority areas of cooperation for the near, medium, and long term were also outlined.
The EU is Kazakhstan's main trade and investment partner. The EU accounts for more than 30 percent of Kazakhstan's foreign trade and foreign investment. In 2022, the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the EU amounted to $39.9 billion, which is 38 percent higher than in 2021.