Kazakhstan and EU Strengthen Strategic Cooperation in Connectivity and Green Energy
Kazakhstan and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to expanding strategic cooperation in transport connectivity, green energy, and digital transformation during a ministerial meeting in Luxembourg focused on advancing links between Central Asia, the Eastern Partnership, Türkiye, and the EU, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry reported.
Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Issetov highlighted Kazakhstan’s role as Central Asia’s largest economy and a key transit hub, noting $35 billion invested in transport and logistics infrastructure over the past decade. He underlined Kazakhstan’s readiness to take part in practical initiatives to strengthen regional and interregional connectivity, particularly through the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR).
Expanding Strategic Partnership
On the sidelines, Issetov met with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, European Commissioner Jozef Síkela, and EU Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais. The sides noted steady progress in implementing the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), which covers 29 areas including critical raw materials, transport, green energy, digitalization, agriculture, and education.
Issetov briefed EU counterparts on Kazakhstan’s reform agenda and priorities outlined in President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state-of-the-nation address, including the development of artificial intelligence and digital governance.
Expanding Cooperation with the European Investment Bank Issetov also held talks with EIB Director-General Andrew McDowell to discuss infrastructure, clean energy, and digital innovation projects. The parties reviewed progress under the €1.47 billion Memorandum of Understanding signed by the EIB with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan to support Middle Corridor development.
Discussions also covered the Kambar-Ata-1 Hydropower Plant, cooperation on critical raw materials (including projects with Sarytogan Graphite and ZhezkazganRedMet), and joint digital initiatives such as Alem.AI and Smart Cargo.
Kazakhstan expressed appreciation for the EIB’s support of digital inclusion projects, particularly the partnership with Luxembourg-based SES to provide internet access to more than 600 rural settlements.
Photo credit: Kazakh Foreign Ministry.
