EU reiterates the importance of his Strategy for Central Asia

USPA NEWS - The Cooperation Council between the European Union (EU) and Kazakhstan held its fourteenth meeting on Tuesday, 3 March. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr Erlan A. Idrissov. The delegation of the EU was led by Mr Edgars Rinkēvičs.

The Cooperation Council reaffirmed the commitment of both parties to strengthen EU-Kazakhstan relations across a number of areas and took stock of the progress made since the thirteenth Cooperation Council in July 2013. The Cooperation Council confirmed the mutual interest in signing and ratifying the new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the European Union as soon as possible.

The Council reiterated the importance of a comprehensive implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia both on a regional and national basis and welcomed Kazakhstan's involvement in the EU regional initiatives for Central Asia. Developments were discussed as regards concrete flagship initiatives, such as on the Rule of Law, Education and Environment. Also discussed a number of issues of importance to both parties, notably political reforms, rule of law and human rights, trade and economic relations, regional cooperation in Central Asia and international issues.

The EU reiterated its support for the membership of the Republic of Kazakhstan of the WTO, which will help dismantle remaining trade barriers and further boost bilateral trade. The Cooperation Council discussed regional cooperation in Central Asia and international issues, including Afghanistan. Also underlined the importance of regional cooperation in Central Asia as an effective means of conflict prevention and socio-economic development in the region.