Kazakhstan and the EU aim to enhance their bilateral cooperation.

During the conversation, the parties noted the high dynamics of bilateral cooperation development over the past year, expressing satisfaction with both the numerous and regular high-level contacts and the significant growth in trade turnover and investment activity. The interlocutors also "synchronized their watches" on key issues of Kazakh-European cooperation and discussed the schedule of events for the upcoming year in detail.

The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of further complete and effective implementation of the Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU and its member states, as well as the development of interaction in the "Central Asia – European Union" format.

Special attention was given by the interlocutors to further deepening cooperation in promising areas such as transport and logistics, critical raw materials, climate, and green energy.

In particular, the parties welcomed the progress made in developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, including the launch of the Coordination Platform for the Middle Corridor. It was positively noted that there are intentions to sign a Roadmap for Strategic Partnership in the field of critical minerals for 2025-2026.

R. Vasilenko also highlighted the mutual importance of promptly initiating negotiations between Astana and Brussels regarding the Agreement on Simplifying the EU Visa Regime for Kazakh citizens. In this context, the significance of the initialed and upcoming Horizontal Aviation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the EU was noted, which aims to strengthen ties between the business communities and citizens of our countries.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties expressed satisfaction with the positive dynamics of bilateral cooperation and agreed to enhance collaboration on issues of mutual interest.

The European Union is the main trading and investment partner of Kazakhstan.

Trade turnover from January to October of this year amounted to 41.2 billion USD, which is 23% more compared to the same period last year (Kazakhstan's exports – 32.6 billion USD, imports to Kazakhstan – 8.6 billion USD). In 2023, trade turnover increased by 3.5%, reaching 41.4 billion USD.

The volume of European investments in Kazakhstan's economy since 2005 has reached 180 billion USD.

There are over 3000 companies with European participation operating in Kazakhstan.