In his speech at the meeting, the President of Kazakhstan noted that this meeting, which was taking place on the eve of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Central Asian countries and the European Union, has a symbolic meaning. This was reported by the press service of Akorda, the national portal "Adyrna" wrote.
- I would like to say that the European Union was one of the first to recognize Central Asia as a single, united region with a deep history and common culture. Over the past 30 years, our relations with the European Union have developed significantly and contributed to the strengthening of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Central Asian states. Interregional dialogue has been established in all priority areas of cooperation, and our potential is still great. Today's high-level meeting is a clear proof of our desire to further expand constructive relations in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres, the Head of State said.
According to Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev, Central Asia, located at the border of the Asian and European continents, is considered a connecting bridge between geopolitical centers and world markets. The President also expressed confidence that the desire to develop interregional cooperation on a large scale will be a solid foundation for comprehensive dialogue between Central Asian countries and the European Union.
- The world is changing rapidly. Central Asia feels threatened by unprecedented geopolitical tension. Today, it is very important to strengthen the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation in the heart of Eurasia. In such a difficult period, we should build a bridge, not a wall, between the countries located in Central Asia and Europe, said the President of Kazakhstan.
At the same time, the Head of State noted that Kazakhstan is contributing to the comprehensive settlement of the situation in Afghanistan. For this purpose, diplomatic efforts are being mobilized and humanitarian aid is being sent to this country.
The head of state noted trade, economic and investment activities as one of the most important areas of cooperation. Today, the European Union is one of the main economic and trade partners of Kazakhstan.
- In the last ten years, the European Union has invested more than 120 billion dollars in Central Asian countries. This, in fact, accounts for 40 percent of direct investment in the region. About 70 percent of all funds were allocated to Kazakhstan. In 8 months of this year, the volume of trade between Kazakhstan and the European Union member states reached about 30 billion dollars and increased by more than 40 percent compared to the same period last year. Currently, about three thousand companies with a share of European capital are working in various sectors of Kazakhstan's economy, the Head of State said.
According to the President, the structure of trade between our countries should be more balanced.
- Kazakhstan can offer more than 100 processed products worth 1.5 billion dollars per year in such areas as engineering, iron and steel production, food industry and agriculture. Food security has a lot of prospects. As you know, every year we export more than 5 million tons of wheat abroad, including to the countries of the European Union. Only last year, the volume of food products exported by Kazakhstan to European countries increased by 32 percent and exceeded 630 million dollars. For this reason, Kazakhstan can continue to supply agricultural products and mineral fertilizers to the countries of the European Union. "Green" energy is a separate issue. We can work closely in this direction as well. In general, I believe that cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union will continue, - said Kassym-Zhomart Tokaev.
In addition, the President of the European Council Charles Michel, the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov, the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Khojamurat Geldimuradov spoke at the meeting.
At the end of the meeting, the heads of the Central Asian states and the President of the European Council adopted a joint statement for the media.
"Adyrna" national portal
