Brussels, 19/07/2006 (Agence Europe) - The eighth EU/Kazakhstan Cooperation Council in Brussels on Tuesday attended by Kazakh Minister for Agriculture Akhmetzhan Yessimov covered subjects as varied as the former USSR republic's candidature for the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) presidency in 2009, energy, regional cooperation, illegal immigration and the prospects of Kazakhstan's membership to the WTO. According to an EU press release on the candidacy for the OSCE presidency, the EU above all stressed that any Chair of the organisation should naturally “comply with the OSCE's undertakings and standards including those concerning the human dimension” - and even set an example. This is not yet the case, however, EU representatives stressed (Finnish Foreign Affairs Secretary Pertti Torstila speaking for the Council, and Benita Ferrero-Waldner for the Commission). Kazakhstan must make rapid progress in several “crucial areas”: freedom of the media and the ability of political parties to operate freely, pursuit of democratic reform and respect of individual human rights. Kazakhstan's commitment to deepen regional cooperation with its neighbouring countries was welcomed by the Cooperation Council, as were the increased efforts by the government to strengthen legislation on combating money laundering. For illegal immigration, the EU restated its offer concerning assistance in border management. It expressed on this occasion its “concern” about corruption in the ranks of border officials, which worsens the problem of illegal immigration. Regarding visa policy, the EU has requested that Kazakhstan grant the same treatment to all 25 EU Member States. As far as energy is concerned, both sides noted that improving energy transport routes from Kazakhstan to the European market is a “common priority”. Different projects (building of gas pipelines, diversification of gas export routes, projects in the field of nuclear energy, etc.) are underway and will be continued, the press release states. The Cooperation Council also discussed the possibility of concluding a new bilateral agreement in the field of steel, pending the country's future accession to the WTO. The EU is ready to help Kazakhstan resolve the last outstanding issues that are still hindering membership (especially questions such as market access, protection of intellectual property and an improved investment climate).