Key Insights from Tokayev-von der Leyen Discussion on Visa Matters, Trade, and Rare Earths
Revised Article:
A New Chapter in Kazakh-EU Relations: President Tokayev's Talks with Ursula von der Leyen
pective Central Asia-European Union (CA-EU) gathering, taking place in Samarkand on April 4, presents a momentous step in the partnership between EU and Central Asian nations, including Kazakhstan. Despite limited details on the discussions between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the summit tackled crucial aspects of Kazakhstan's collaboration with the EU.
According to Akorda's official statement, the dialogue centered on expanding cooperation in key sectors like the economy, digitalization, and innovation. Both leaders expressed satisfaction regarding the progress made during discussions on easing the visa issuance process between Kazakhstan and the EU.
President Tokayev underscored the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement as the primary pillar of Kazakhstan's engagement with the EU. He identified four domains for strengthened collaboration: energy and infrastructure projects, transport and logistics network development, digital innovations, and advanced technology/artificial intelligence.
Ursula von der Leyen accentuated the importance of joint transport and logistics initiatives, notably the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. She also congratulated President Tokayev on the remarkable rare earth metals exploration success in Kazakhstan, which could solidify the country's significance in global supply chains.
Notably, the Kazakh Ministry of Industry and Construction reported the discovery of substantial rare earth metal deposits on April 2. Geologists from Karagandy, working within a state-sponsored exploration program, unearthed an estimated one million tons of rare earth metals at the Kuirektykol site. The most promising zones, Irgiz and Dos 2, have exhibited mineralization levels surpassing 0.1%, with some samples reaching an impressive 0.25%. This finding positions Kazakhstan as a potential key supplier of critical minerals essential for high-tech industries, including renewable energy, electronics, and defense.
Both sides reiterated their dedication to continuous dialogue within the C5+EU format and deliberated on pressing regional and international matters. The summit set the stage for intensified cooperation and strategic alliances between the EU and Central Asia, with Kazakhstan playing a major role in these advancements.
While the specifics of each country's discussions are not extensively reported, the summit revolved around key areas integral to the EU's economic ties:
- Economic Cooperation: Emphasis on strengthening economic bonds, including the exchange of critical raw materials, crucial for the EU. Kazakhstan is a significant producer of 19 out of 34 raw materials needed by the EU.
- Digitalization and Innovation: With a focus on improving connectivity and collaboration in critical sectors, the summit suggests potential opportunities for future collaborations in these areas.
- Transport and Infrastructure Development: The EU proposed substantial investments, estimated at around €12 billion, to bolster transport connections and advance regional connectivity. This could be advantageous for Kazakhstan, as it would boost trade routes and stimulate economic development.
- Political and Security Cooperation: The summit underscored commitments to peace, security, and democracy, stressing the importance of international law and cooperation on regional issues.
- The summit held in Samarkand between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in the transport sector, including potential investments of around €12 billion in infrastructure development.
- In the economic sphere, President Tokayev and von der Leyen discussed ways to strengthen Kazakhstan's role as a significant supplier of 19 out of 34 raw materials essential for the European Union.
- President Tokayev highlighted the need for collaboration in digital innovations and advanced technology, particularly artificial intelligence, as vital areas for increased partnership between Kazakhstan and the EU.
- The importance of joint policy-and-legislation discussions, focusing on peace, security, and democracy, was a crucial point during the talks between the Kazakh and EU leaders, stressing the significance of international law and cooperation on regional issues.
- Innovations in the energy sector, such as the discovered rare earth metal deposits in Kazakhstan, were highlighted by Ursula von der Leyen as an essential aspect of the EU's engagement with Kazakhstan, which could solidify the country's importance in global supply chains, particularly in high-tech industries like renewable energy and electronics.
