During the meeting the sides discussed ways to strengthen political, trade and economic ties between Kazakhstan and the European Union. The parties also focused on the international agenda, including key issues of regional cooperation in the Central Asian region.
In addition, Nursultan Nazarbayev and Jean-Claude Juncker held a joint press briefing.
Addressing the media, Nursultan Nazarbayev noted that Kazakhstan has been cooperating with the European Union for almost 23 years.
“Today Kazakhstan is the only post-Soviet country that has concluded an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the European Union. The document was signed last year and our country has already ratified it, therefore starting from May 1 we are able to apply the provisions that deal with economic issues,” he said.
The President of Kazakhstan also thanked Jean-Claude Juncker for the congratulations on the successful presidential and parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan.
“More than 1,000 international observers monitored the elections, many of whom reiterated that the election process was based on the principles of democracy, freedom and competitiveness and fully complied with the appropriate laws,” he added.
Nursultan Nazarbayev invited the EU member states to take part in the upcoming EXPO 2017 to be held in the capital of Kazakhstan and called them to support the establishment of the Astana International Financial Centre.
The Head of State stressed that Kazakhstan and the EU have agreed to continue taking joint efforts to resolve the sanction standoff and find the best solution for all parties involved, especially taking into account their influence on Kazakhstan. Nursultan Nazarbayev also underscored that Kazakhstan is building a close relationship with its neighbours and the country’s major economic partners – the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation.
Nursultan Nazarbayev said that during the talks the sides also covered issues of mutual trips of the EU and Kazakhstan’s citizens, including the possibility of introducing a visa-free regime for our country, similar to the one that has been introduced by Kazakhstan for Europeans. The parties considered ways to resolve the situation with the restriction of Kazakhstan’s flights to the EU.
In conclusion, the President of Kazakhstan underscored that the sides reached mutual understanding on all issues discussed during the negotiations.
Jean-Claude Juncker, in turn, expressed his hope for further development of trade and economic partnership with Kazakhstan.
“Our close ties take many different forms. The European Union is among the most important economic partners of Kazakhstan,” he noted.
He also stressed that the EU reckons on the peace building efforts of Kazakhstan, which is an active member of many important regional organisations.
Jean-Claude Juncker said the talks also touched upon the reforms carried out by Kazakhstan, as well as the issues of further ensuring that human rights are respected in the country.
