On the eve of their joint participation in the 15th European Union – Central Asia Ministerial conference in Bishkek, Foreign Minister Beibut Atamkulov today held talks with Vice-President of the European Commission – High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini.

During the meeting, the parties discussed topical issues of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU, including the implementation of agreements reached during the visit of President of the European Council Donald Tusk to Nur-Sultan in May 2019.

The parties noted the importance of timely and effective implementation of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Kazakhstan and the EU and the new EU Strategy for Central Asia, including through the formulation of joint development programs.

“We hope the new Strategy will give a powerful impetus to our interaction and will serve as the beginning of closer and coordinated cooperation aimed at achieving concrete practical results for the benefit of each country and the region as a whole," stressed Beibut Atamkulov.

It was noted that “Kazakhstan became the first country in the Central Asian region to sign an EPCA in 2015, the effective implementation of which will give a qualitative impetus to relations on the full range of mutual interests." As far as the prospects for the development of trade and economic cooperation are concerned, great importance is given to the new format of meetings on economic and business issues with ambassadors of EU Member States with the participation of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan. The first such meeting took place on July 1 this year.

The Foreign Minister thanked Federica Mogherini for her personal contribution to the development of friendly relations between Kazakhstan and the EU, and, on behalf of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, presented the Order of Dostyk (Friendship) of the 1st degree to the high-ranking European politician. Federica Mogherini made a significant contribution to the development of EU strategic documents on cooperation with Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

The High Representative expressed her sincere gratitude to the leadership and the people of Kazakhstan for the appreciation of her activities, and assured that in the future she will continue working to strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation between the EU and Kazakhstan.

For reference: The Order Dostyk is the highest state award of the Republic of Kazakhstan, awarded to foreign citizens for their contribution to the strengthening of peace, friendship and cooperation between nations. The corresponding decree on awarding Federica Mogherini was signed by the President of Kazakhstan on July 2, 2019.