President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan made a two-day state visit to France, during which he held talks with President Emmanuel Macron. One of the main topics discussed was the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, with the French company EDF among the candidates for the project.
Following the visit, Tokayev and Macron signed a Joint Declaration in Paris that summarized the main outcomes of their negotiations.
The two leaders:
- Emphasized the commitment of Kazakhstan and France to continue close cooperation within the framework of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the European Union and its member states, stressing the importance of EU-Central Asia connectivity and support for the EU's “Global Gateway” strategy, as well as cooperation in critical minerals;
- Welcomed progress on a major 1 GW wind power project with storage capacity in Kazakhstan, advancing Kazakhstan's transition to innovative carbon-free energy sources;
- Agreed on the importance of exploring new areas for structured cooperation in energy (including nuclear energy), critical materials, industry, transport, and aerospace. They highlighted the potential for new partnerships in agriculture, healthcare, and sustainable urban development and acknowledged strengthened collaboration in digitalization and artificial intelligence, noting the high potential for joint innovation in these areas;
- Appreciated the opening of the French Development Agency (AFD) office in Kazakhstan and discussed prospects for projects and funding, particularly in water management, agriculture, healthcare, digital technology, sustainable urban development, and energy transition.
In the closing press conference, Tokayev described the visit as crucial for Astana and called France a “close and reliable partner of Kazakhstan in the European Union.” He noted that trade between the two countries reached $4.2 billion in 2023 (a figure achieved in just nine months in 2024) and that France ranks sixth in investment volume in Kazakhstan, with a cumulative total of $19.5 billion.
Macron emphasized that amid current challenges, Kazakhstan and France support "multilateralism, respect for the UN Charter, and a rules-based world order." He also mentioned that the talks included discussions on the Ukraine conflict and Azerbaijan-Armenia relations, covered under the agenda item "Main International and Regional Issues."
Tokayev, in a more concise statement, noted only that he and Macron both believe in the necessity of resolving issues through peaceful and diplomatic means.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
November 6, 2024