The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, stressed Thursday from Kazakhstan the importance of Central Asia for Europe, insisting that the two regions are «increasingly connected» and pointing out the importance of reaching agreements on critical issues and geopolitical questions.
«Central Asia and Europe are becoming closer and more connected,» the President of the European Council said at a press conference from Astana where he met with Kazakh President Kasim Tokayev, stressing that the meeting is «a powerful symbol of the EU’s strengthened cooperation and commitment to the region.»
In this regard, he has advocated «broadening» relations with Central Asia and Kazakhstan in particular and identified issues such as cooperation on the issue of critical materials, especially rare earth metals. «The region can be an important partner for the EU,» he noted, welcoming Kazakhstan’s willingness to sign a partnership in this field.
He also 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 of Russian aggression and insisted that the EU strongly supports principles such as territorial integrity.
«We have a common ambition for peace, prosperity and stability», explained the EU leader, reiterating that he is addressing with the partners the effects of the invasion such as food insecurity and energy crisis.
On bilateral relations, Michel had good words for the «ambitious reforms» of the Kazakh authorities and insisted on having an independent investigation into the January protests that ended with dozens of deaths and which Tokayev denounced as a coup d’état.
