The EU’s Special Representative for Central Asia Terhi Hakala visited Nur-Sultan on February 7 noting that the European Union and Kazakhstan have enjoyed a long partnership since the establishment of diplomatic relations on February 2, 1993.
Hakala met with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, with the latter noting that Kazakhstan attaches great importance to the further development of strategic partnership with the European Union.
According to Akorda, the press service of Kazakhstan’s Presidential Palace, Tokayev conveyed words of gratitude to European Council President Charles Michel for his support to Kazakhstan expressed during the virtual talks held on January 10 and a strong commitment to strengthening cooperation.
Hakala discussed the January protests and violence. The Presidential Palace quoted Tokayev as saying that Kazakhstan’s Prosecutor General’s Office has been instructed to conduct a thorough investigation into what happened during the January events. He stressed that observing human rights is a priority for all branches of government.
Tokayev also spoke about his country’s plans to modernize the political system and implement a New Economic Course that is aimed at correcting social imbalances and diversifying the national economy.
Tokayev reaffirmed his commitment to developing close ties with the European Union in all areas of cooperation and his intention to fully implement the agreements reached earlier.
On February 2, 1993, diplomatic relations between the #EuropeanUnion and #Kazakhstan were established. In December 1993, Kazakhstan opened its office in Brussels. In November 1994, the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan began its work in Almaty. #EUinKZ pic.twitter.com/qqrV6l2lLX
— EU in Kazakhstan (@EUinKazakhstan) February 2, 2022
For her part, Hakala reported on Brussels’ interest in further developing relations with Kazakhstan and reiterated the EU’s support for helping to reform Kazakhstan by advancing the stability and prosperity of the country.
