European Union

ASTANA – The third round of negotiations on a new enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between the European Union and Kazakhstan starts on 10 July in Astana. The new enhanced PCA intends to replace the current agreement that underpins the EU-Kazakhstan partnership, which was signed in 1995 and has been in force since 1999. The new PCA will provide an appropriate framework for reinforced political dialogue, cooperation in home and justice affairs, promote mutual trade and investments and take the good relations that already exist between the EU and Kazakhstan even further.

 On this occasion, the chief negotiator from the EU side Mr Gunnar Wiegand, Director, European External Action Service said: "Kazakhstan is an important economic and political partner for the EU and these negotiations are built on the basis of an already existing good relationship, comprehensive actions, mutual respect and trust. As it was stressed by the EU High Representative, the EU is committed to further advance relations with adherence to the common values of democracy and the rule of law".

 The parties intend to discuss financial and economic cooperation, justice, freedom and security, trade and trade-related matters, as well as energy, political dialogue and reform, and cooperation in the field of foreign and security policy. The parties also decided to cover issues of cooperation policies in the field of transport, development, agriculture, and health. Negotiations were formally opened in June 2011 and the second round took place in Brussels on 24-25 May 2012. The current PCA will continue to remain in force until the new enhanced agreement replaces it.

 The EU is Kazakhstan's largest trading partner, with the EU accounting for almost 49% of Kazakhstan's foreign trade. The EU is also by far Kazakhstan's largest investment partner, with more than 60% of foreign direct investment in Kazakhstan coming from European companies.

 For additional information, please contact Ms Karla Jamankulova, Press and Information Officer, the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan, atkarlygash.jamankulova@eeas.europa.euor at +7 7172 97 11 48