Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko received EU Special Representative for Central Asia Terhi Hakala, who arrived in Kazakhstan on a farewell visit marking the completion of her mission, El.kz cites MFA.
The parties welcomed the progress achieved in strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation, emphasizing the significance of the meetings of the leaders of Central Asian countries and the European Union in Astana and Cholpon-Ata, providing a powerful impetus to multilateral cooperation. They highlighted the large-scale Joint Road Map between Central Asian countries and the European Union, adopted at the CA-EU Ministerial meeting in Luxembourg in 2023.
Deputy Minister Vassilenko commended the launch of the Coordination Platform for the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and emphasized the importance of taking joint practical steps, including the modernization and digitalization of the Caspian Sea ports.
The Deputy Minister also underlined the importance for both sides of an early start of negotiations between Astana and Brussels on a Visa Facilitation Agreement.
On her part, Terhi Hakala reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to deepening long-term cooperation with Kazakhstan, including in the fields of tackling climate crisis, water, science and education, as well as regional connectivity.
At the end of the meeting, Roman Vassilenko presented Terhi Hakala with the Letter of Appreciation signed by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev along with a special pin of “Barys” for her contribution to strengthening friendly relations between Astana and Brussels.