Austria to deliver 25 passport scanners to Astana International Airport

During the talks, the sides confirmed the high level of Kazakh-Austrian relations based on mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation.

Today, we discussed key areas of Kazakh-Austrian cooperation and outlined new horizons for interaction. Austria is an important partner of Kazakhstan in the European Union, and we intend to further deepen our cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally, stated the Kazakh Foreign Minister.

Particular attention was placed to the progress in the implementation of agreements on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports and on readmission, which opens up additional opportunities for further strengthening bilateral cooperation. In addition, the Austrian side will hand over 25 passport scanners to Astana International Airport under the partnership with the OSCE.

The talks also focused on developing trade, economic and investment ties, including the holding of a business roundtable. In this context, the role of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council, as well as Austrian companies operating in Kazakhstan, was highlighted.

The interlocutors noted significant potential for cooperation in sectors such as mining industry, transport and infrastructure, energy, tourism and education. Kazakh-Austrian discussions prioritized expanding transport and logistics cooperation, including the development of the Middle Corridor and participation in the Global Gateway initiative, opening up new opportunities for Austrian businesses in Kazakhstan.

In the context of economic cooperation, the sides discussed issues of energy collaboration. The role of Kazakhstan as one of the key suppliers of oil to Austria, as well as its contribution to ensuring energy security and stable supplies, was underlined.

The sides also exchanged views on current international and regional security issues, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation and resolving contemporary challenges exclusively through peaceful means in accordance with the UN Charter.

Following the meeting, the sides expressed confidence that joint efforts would give a new impetus to Kazakh-Austrian partnership and contribute to the further expansion of cooperation.

Previously, Qazinform reported Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria Beate Meinl-Reisinger arrived in Astana for an official visit.