The 18th Cooperation Council between the European Union and Kazakhstan held on Monday 10 May confirmed their joint commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations, according to a statement by the Council of the EU.
The two sides reviewed the progress made on the implementation of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), which has been in force since March 2020 (see EUROPE 12568/26). “The government is ready to create favourable investment conditions”, said Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukthar Tleuberdi to the media.
The Cooperation Council also provided an opportunity to strengthen political dialogue and address issues of good governance, protection of human rights and engagement with civil society. It is important to achieve tangible results, including regarding obstacles to freedom of expression, assembly and association, an independent and pluralistic media, and a flourishing civil society, the EU said.
Mr Tleuberdi emphasised contact between people, adding that visa facilitation for Kazakhs was one of the most important issues of cooperation with the EU.
The parties also discussed stability and security in Central Asia and climate issues ahead of the EU-Kazakhstan climate conference on 3 June in Nur-Sultan, and the COP26. Kazakhstan’s goal is to be climate neutral by 2060. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)