Kazakhstan and Italy Strengthen Partnership, Mark 15th Anniversary of Strategic Partnership
Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov and Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Edmondo Cirielli reaffirmed readiness to continue a multifaceted dialogue aimed at strengthening the entire spectrum of the Kazakh-Italian strategic partnership during an Oct. 29 meeting.
During the recent discussions, Kazakh and Italian officials reviewed the implementation of agreements reached during President Tokayev’s official visit to Italy in January, addressing bilateral cooperation, Central Asia + Italy dialogue, and multilateral engagement within international organizations, according to the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.
Kazakh representative Kuantyrov highlighted Italy as Kazakhstan’s largest trade partner within the European Union, noting a 36% year-over-year increase in trade turnover, reaching $16 billion between January and September. Italian investments in Kazakhstan since 2005 have surpassed $7.6 billion, with 278 Italian capital-based entities currently operating in the country.
Italian official Cirielli underscored Italy’s dedication to its strategic partnership with Kazakhstan, also referencing a project led by Sogesid for the social and environmental revitalization of the Aral Sea region. Kuantyrov expressed support for Italy’s initiative to establish knowledge networks across Central Asia and Italy through an action plan, which would facilitate joint working groups focused on agriculture, healthcare, transport, higher education, water resources, and energy.
