European Parliament held public hearing on challenges of EU-Kazakhstan partnership

Paolo Bartolozzi, head of the European Parliament's Delegation for Central Asia stated that cooperation with Kazakhstan must become more positive in coming years. According to him, "Kazakhstan is the most dynamic country in the region, where living standards are improving, and there are large reserves of natural resources, which is important for its economy. In addition, Kazakhstan has an important leadership role in the Central Asian region, which is a basis of cooperation with the EU."

In this connection, in his opinion, the EU should support the country's economic development and enhance strategic partnership. Also, it is needed to share with the Kazakh side experience, including in resolution of conflicts and problem issues.

At the same time Kazakhstan has some problems. Thus, progress is needed in the field of democratic development and human rights. However, the EU should try to improve relations with Kazakhstan, to find the right balance in the relationship, to be objective, from a practical point of view. Thus, only through dialogue, mutual exchange it is possible to achieve better results in terms of democratic development and human rights.

In this regard, he called for assistance to Kazakhstan in the completion of its democratic transformation and further improvement of the living conditions of the people of Kazakhstan. In his view, it is important to support the political and socio-economic progress, increase trade and provide investment to ensure a basis for the implementation of commitments by the Kazakh side in the field of common with EU values.