Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Brussels for talks with EU leaders as Kazakhstan seeks to expand its partnership with Europe beyond energy and raw materials, with a growing focus on technology, connectivity and industrial cooperation.
The visit comes as Kazakhstan and the European Union mark ten years since signing the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. On the eve of his trip to Brussels, Tokayev published an article in Euronews reflecting on the evolution of the relationship and outlining his vision for its future development.
Over the past decade, the European Union has become Kazakhstan’s largest trading and investment partner. Thousands of European companies operate in the country, while European investment has helped modernise key sectors of the economy. However, Tokayev argues that the scale of global change now requires a broader approach to cooperation.
His argument is rooted in the geopolitical and economic shifts that have reshaped international affairs in recent years. The war in Ukraine, sanctions, supply chain disruptions and growing competition for technology and strategic resources have altered patterns of trade and investment far beyond Europe’s borders. In such conditions, Tokayev writes, countries need reliable partners and a pragmatic approach to international cooperation.
Energy remains one of the foundations of Kazakhstan’s relationship with the European Union. Tokayev notes that the country currently accounts for around 13% of the EU’s oil imports and 16% of its natural uranium supplies. However, he argues that the relationship should increasingly extend beyond the export of raw materials to include technology, industrial development and investment in sectors capable of generating greater added value.
Agriculture is among the areas highlighted in the article. As food security becomes an increasingly important concern worldwide, Kazakhstan is seeking to strengthen its position as a major producer and exporter of grain. According to Tokayev, the country has considerable potential to help diversify supplies for European markets, while European technology and investment could support deeper processing and higher-value agricultural production within Kazakhstan.
Connectivity is another central theme of the article. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, commonly known as the Middle Corridor, has attracted growing attention as governments and businesses seek alternative links between Europe and Asia.
For Kazakhstan, the route is more than a transport project. Tokayev describes major trade corridors as drivers of investment, market access and economic integration. In that context, he presents the Middle Corridor as a route capable of strengthening links between Europe, Central Asia and Asian markets further east, while creating new opportunities for trade and business cooperation.
The article also points to areas likely to play a larger role in the next phase of Kazakhstan-EU relations. Tokayev highlights developments in artificial intelligence, digital governance and innovation ecosystems, reflecting the country’s ambition to deepen cooperation with Europe in technology and the digital economy.
The article reflects a broader message from Astana. While energy and raw materials remain important to relations with Europe, Kazakhstan is increasingly emphasising logistics, technology, industrial cooperation and human capital. Those priorities are expected to feature prominently during Tokayev’s talks with EU leaders in Brussels.
U.S. President Donald Trump said there was an "all-day negotiation" on Tuesday with Iran, characterising the talks positively while also threatening t...
SpaceX has reported a sharp rise in quarterly revenue, fuelled by strong demand for its Starlink satellite internet service and rapid growth in its ar...
The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador in Washington, escalating a growing diplomatic dispute between the two countries over am...
U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran has a "last chance" to sign what he described as "a good document", claiming talks are continuing at Tehran's request with backing from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.
Tehran had made plans to strike sites in Ukraine after Kyiv attacked an Iranian cargo ship in the Caspian Sea, a senior Iranian military adviser has said. Iran refrained from taking action after Kyiv said the strike was a mistake, Mohsen Rezaei told the state IRIB TV channel.
Indonesian rescue teams are searching for 28 people still unaccounted for, three days after a passenger ferry caught fire off the coast of Madura island.
Nauru, the world’s third smallest country, has changed its name to Naoero, the Pacific island nation’s President said. The new name corresponds to the spelling and pronunciation in the national language.
The U.S. has made its visa bond programme permanent for citizens of 50 countries, requiring some business and tourist visa applicants to pay refundable deposits of up to $20,000. Several Central Asian countries remain on the list, but Uzbekistan is not.
Lebanon has marked the sixth anniversary of the Beirut port explosion, with victims' families gathering to remember those killed while cautiously hoping the long-delayed investigation is finally nearing its conclusion.
More than 800 Afghan families returned from Pakistan and Iran over two days as Afghan authorities continued receiving thousands of people arriving through deportations and voluntary returns from neighbouring countries.
Türkiye has urged Russia and Ukraine to protect civilian shipping in the Black Sea after a drone struck a Turkish-owned cargo ship, reportedly injuring three crew members. Ankara said attacks on commercial vessels risk further destabilising maritime security.
Central Asian countries are adapting their energy strategies as Russia’s fuel sector comes under mounting pressure from Ukrainian drone attacks on oil infrastructure and continuing export restrictions.
Switzerland aims to deepen its economic partnership with Azerbaijan, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said during his first official visit to the country. The trip marks the first stop on his wider tour of Central Asia.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment