Kazakhstan’s President in Brussels: Focus on energy, transportation routes, AI, and more
Kazakhstan's President in Brussels: Focus on Energy, Transportation Routes, AI, and More
Kazakhstan s President in Brussels - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s recent visit to Brussels has underscored the evolving relationship between Kazakhstan and the European Union. Highlighting shared goals, he emphasized that the two entities are now deeply interconnected, with the EU having become Kazakhstan’s most significant trade and investment partner over the past decade. This partnership, he stated, is more vital than ever, requiring renewed commitment to ensure long-term stability and mutual growth.
Three Strategic Priorities for Sustained Cooperation
Tokayev outlined three main priorities for the alliance: building resilience, expanding connectivity, and generating opportunities for the people. He framed these as essential steps to navigate the current geopolitical landscape, where competition among global powers is reshaping economic and technological dynamics. “Global supply chains, once seen as secure, are now more fragile,” he noted. “Trade and economic interdependence are increasingly influenced by national security concerns.”
“The partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union is more important today than ever before. And that is why it must be strengthened.”
Tokayev stressed that partnerships should not be abandoned in favor of rival blocs. Instead, he called for alliances rooted in mutual respect and shared interests. Kazakhstan, he argued, serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia, a role reinforced by its growing economic influence. “Our aim is to reach a GDP of 306 trillion dollars by 2026,” he added, illustrating the country’s ambitions for sustained development.
Geopolitical Shifts and the Middle Corridor
The geopolitical climate, according to Tokayev, is at a pivotal moment. He described how rising competition is altering the flow of trade, technology, and investments. “Resurgent competition is rapidly reshaping trade, technology and investment flows,” he remarked. “Global supply chains are newly vulnerable. Trade and economic interdependence now fall prey to national security.”
“Every traveller understands that the more uncertain the journey, the greater the value of dependable companions. As our world grows more uncertain, Kazakhstan and Europe are already fellow travellers.”
Tokayev’s vision for Kazakhstan’s role in this context includes the development of the Middle Corridor—a network connecting Europe and Asia. “This corridor aligns naturally with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy,” he explained. “But connectivity means more than just moving goods faster across borders. The Middle Corridor is better understood as the backbone of an emerging system linking Europe’s markets and economic engines with Central Asia’s resources, emerging industrial base, and logistics potential.”
Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence
Beyond traditional trade, Tokayev highlighted the importance of digital connectivity in modernizing Kazakhstan’s economy. He described how artificial intelligence, digital governance, innovation ecosystems, and trusted technologies are now central to international collaboration. “Kazakhstan has set ambitious goals in this area,” he said, aiming to become a digital state and fully integrate AI into public administration. “We are relying on European tech companies to ensure that technological progress remains inclusive, secure, and human-centred,” he added, underscoring Europe’s role in shaping the future of innovation.
Tokayev pointed to the potential of technology to drive economic growth, particularly in sectors like agriculture. “Kazakhstan stands as a significant global producer and exporter of grains,” he noted. “With strong potential for European markets that seek to diversify their supply chains, our collaboration could unlock even higher productivity through shared knowledge and investment.”
Pragmatic Approach and Institutional Reforms
Tokayev also emphasized Kazakhstan’s pragmatic stance in international relations. “We pursue a constructive and practical approach to cooperation,” he stated, while reaffirming the country’s dedication to the United Nations Charter. His focus on peaceful conflict resolution reflects a broader strategy of building trust and long-term stability. “We may not always agree, but we know each other,” he concluded, capturing the essence of the partnership.
Institutional reforms are another key aspect of Kazakhstan’s modernization efforts. The country has adopted a new constitution for the first time since independence, establishing a framework grounded in legal order and the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms. “This constitution reinforces a series of comprehensive political and economic reforms,” Tokayev explained. “It aims to strengthen public accountability and enhance the effectiveness of institutions through the formula: ‘Strong President, Influential Parliament, and Accountable Government.’”
Facilitating People-to-People Ties
Tokayev underscored the importance of tangible benefits for citizens, citing progress in visa policies as a positive example. “Partners and investors would gain access to new markets, reliable rules, and transparent economic policies,” he said. “We are already issuing visas to students, researchers, and entrepreneurs, which fosters greater cultural and academic exchange.”
Kazakhstan’s participation in initiatives like Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe further illustrates its commitment to integrating with European systems. These programs provide opportunities for knowledge transfer, collaboration, and shared prosperity. “The goal is not just economic growth but also fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose,” Tokayev added, reflecting on the broader implications of the partnership.
Energy and Resource Synergies
Energy remains a cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s economy, with the country supplying nearly 13% of the EU’s crude oil imports and 16% of its natural uranium imports. Tokayev highlighted the potential for deeper collaboration in energy efficiency and renewable technologies, suggesting that joint ventures could leverage Kazakhstan’s resource wealth and Europe’s expertise. “By combining our resources with European knowledge and investment, we can create sustainable energy solutions that benefit both regions,” he said.
As the global economy continues to evolve, Tokayev’s vision for Kazakhstan’s future includes a balance between traditional industries and emerging sectors. “The country is undergoing renewal,” he stated, “with a focus on modernizing its infrastructure, enhancing technological capabilities, and ensuring that progress is inclusive and equitable.” This approach, he argued, is critical to securing Kazakhstan’s position as a key player in the global arena.