Kazakhstan-EU expanded partnership agreement to bring relations to a higher level - MFA

"The new agreement will be comprehensive, will reflect the existing mature and equal partnership between Kazakhstan and the EU, based not only on common interests, but also on shared values, mutual understanding, mutual respect and mutual benefit. It should provide a solid basis for bringing Kazakhstan's cooperation with the EU countries to a higher level," Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov said during a meeting with heads of diplomatic missions of European countries accredited in Kazakhstan on September 8, primeminister.kz reports.

According to him, the initialling of the agreement is scheduled for autumn this year. A key element of the new agreement is a modernized trade and investment section taking into account the prospect of accession of Kazakhstan to the World Trade Organization, as well as the development of the Customs Union, Single Economic Space and Eurasian Economic Union.

Kazakhstan and the EU also agreed that in addition to the new agreement, which will be the legal basis, it is planned to develop and adopt road maps and sectoral agreements on deepening cooperation in specific areas.

Idrissov emphasized that Kazakhstan was interested in a separate agreement with the EU on science, technology and innovation.

Kazakh Minister for Economic Integration Zhanar Aitzhanova noted that the European Union is the largest trading partner of Kazakhstan. In addition, she said that arrangements have already been achieved on many issues of the new agreement.

Head of the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan Aurelia Bouchez also noted the importance of an early conclusion of the negotiations on the agreement, including the section on trade and investment.

The sides also discussed issues of visa liberalization with the European Union, promotion of Kazakhstan's candidacy for non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2017-2018, as well as cooperation between Kazakhstan and the OSCE Mission in Astana and other issues.