“We are increasingly connected”

BRUSSELS, Oct. 27 (EUROPE PRESS) –

The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, has underlined this Thursday from Kazakhstan the importance of Central Asia for Europe, insisting that both regions are “increasingly connected” and pointing out the importance of reaching agreements on critical matters and geopolitical issues. .

“Central Asia and Europe are getting closer and connecting more and more,” said the President of the European Council at a press conference from Astana where he met with the Kazakh President, Kasim Tokayev, stressing that the meeting is “a powerful symbol of enhanced cooperation and the EU’s commitment to the region”.

In this sense, he has advocated “expanding” relations with Central Asia and Kazakhstan in particular and has identified issues such as cooperation on critical matters, especially rare earth metals. “The region can be an important partner for the EU”, she pointed out, welcoming Kazakhstan’s willingness to sign an alliance in this field.

Likewise, he welcomed the forthcoming signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Kazakhstan and the EU for a strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials, batteries and renewable hydrogen value chains.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, the former Belgian prime minister agreed with Tokayev in denouncing the violation represented by the Russian aggression and insisted that the EU firmly supports principles such as territorial integrity.

“We have a common ambition for peace, prosperity and stability”, explained the community leader, reiterating that he is addressing with the partners the effects of the invasion such as food insecurity and the energy crisis.

In terms of bilateral relations, Michel has had good words for the “ambitious reforms” of the Kazakh authorities and has insisted on having an independent investigation into the January protests that ended with dozens of deaths and that Tokayev denounced as a coup d’état.