Photo: Akorda Press Service
Astana, 1 November 2023 - French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Kazakhstan on 1 November for his first official visit at the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He met and held discussions with President Tokayev at Akorda, the presidential residence. The meeting was preceded by a welcoming ceremony for the President of France.
The leaders discussed the current state and future prospects of the Kazakh-French strategic partnership, with particular emphasis on strengthening political dialogue and deepening cooperation in trade, economy, investment, energy, transport, logistics, and cultural and humanitarian areas.
Stressing the importance of the visit, President Tokayev noted: "France is a key and reliable partner for Kazakhstan within the European Union. Last year, bilateral trade grew by 30 % and reached $4 billion. The volume of bilateral trade in the first eight months of this year increased by 21 % compared to the same period last year, totalling $2.7 billion.
He noted that both countries are implementing important projects in the energy, nuclear, mining, chemical, engineering, construction, aerospace and pharmaceutical industries. "This is evidenced by the successful presence of more than 170 French companies in the country, such as Alstom, Total Energies, Orano, Vicat," the Kazakh leader added.
Kazakhstan is France's main economic partner in Central Asia, while France is one of Kazakhstan's main trade and investment partners in Europe. Over the past decade, the annual volume of bilateral trade and economy has ranged between US$2.5 billion and US$6.5 billion. In particular, Kazakhstan's exports accounted for 80-90 % of this aggregate figure.
During the meeting, the parties identified priority areas for further cooperation, including green energy, logistics, transit, agriculture, healthcare, digitalisation and education.
President Macron noted the deepening cooperation between the two countries and said: "I believe that our economic relations, especially in agriculture, energy and renewable energy, will get a new impetus. We support investment in ongoing projects and new initiatives. Moreover, our cultural and humanitarian ties are growing strongly. We have reached definitive agreements in the fields of education and science."
The leaders stressed the importance of positive and sustained cooperation on central issues of regional and global concern. They also stressed the importance of intensifying dialogues between international organisations. Both Heads of State underlined their commitment to the UN Charter and shared views on pressing issues on the international scene and advocated peaceful diplomatic solutions to conflicts. In this context, President Macron noted: "We are ready to move forward on key international issues and uphold our commitment to the UN Charter and principles such as territorial integrity and national sovereignty. We are also ready to negotiate on vital bilateral issues."
President Macron has also invited President Tokayev to visit Paris next year and to be guest of honour at the Paris Peace Forum. The Kazakh leader accepted the invitation, adding: "I think we will hold a big exhibition dedicated to Kazakh culture. I believe that during this great event [the Paris Peace Forum] decisions will be taken on many important issues.
After discussions, the two leaders adopted a joint statement. Officials from both countries signed several agreements, including the establishment of a French Development Agency group and international French schools in Kazakhstan, support for cooperation in strategic minerals, production of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines, and the development of wind farms with a combined capacity of 1.2 GW. and rail infrastructure. Kazakhstan and France strengthen bilateral relations after Macron's official visit
(Press Service/Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan/Roz)
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