Kazakhstan and France Issue Joint Declaration to Strengthen Strategic Partnership
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a joint declaration on Nov. 5, reinforcing Kazakhstan-France relations with commitments to peace, mitigation of climate change, energy cooperation and a range of economic and cultural initiatives, reported Akorda.
The two leaders reaffirmed the Strategic Partnership Agreement of 2008, emphasizing expanding cooperation. Following recent meetings, they expressed mutual commitment to diversifying their partnership.
Both presidents highlighted their dedication to global peace and adherence to the UN Charter’s principles, particularly sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution. They voiced concerns over the conflict in Ukraine and its humanitarian and food security impacts, supported Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization, and underscored the importance of stability in the South Caucasus for developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.
The leaders committed to enhanced consultations on regional and global issues, including Afghanistan and peacekeeping, and reaffirmed cooperation under the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU, emphasizing Central Asia-EU connectivity and critical minerals.
Both nations reiterated their commitment to climate action, with joint preparations for the One Water Summit in Riyadh, and celebrated progress on a one-gigawatt wind farm in Kazakhstan, advancing the nation’s carbon-free energy goals. President Macron also invited Kazakhstan to join the Paris Pact for People and the Planet.
Economic cooperation was further highlighted, with new opportunities in energy, critical materials, and aerospace. President Macron pledged support for Kazakhstan’s energy sovereignty, including its civil nuclear energy ambitions, while both leaders welcomed the opening of the French Development Agency office in Kazakhstan.
Educational and cultural ties were strengthened with the opening of the Kazakhstan: Treasures of the Great Steppe exhibition in Paris, the planned establishment of French schools in Astana and Almaty, and initiatives to expand French language education.
The presidents emphasized cooperation on migration control, including the Intergovernmental Readmission Agreement, and backed preparations for visa facilitation and readmission agreements with the EU.
President Tokayev extended his gratitude to President Macron and invited him to visit Kazakhstan.
