The European Union’s Special Representative for Central Asia, Ambassador Terhi Hakala, completes her visit to Kazakhstan

The EU Special Representative for Central Asia (CA), Ambassador Terhi Hakala, has completed her visit to Kazakhstan.

During the visit the EUSR for Central Asia met with the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tleuberdi, Vice Speaker of the Senate of the Parliament of the RK Askar Shakirov, the special representative of the President of Kazakhstan for international cooperation Erzhan Kazykhan, and the Minister of Information and Social Development of Kazakhstan Aida Balayeva.

She also exchanged views on the most outstanding issues with other representatives of the government including the Ombudswoman, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Kazakhstan Elvira Azimova, as well as the EU Member States, the international diplomatic community and international organisations.

Within the framework of the visit, a briefing was held with the heads and representatives of the country's media organisations. A meeting with CSOs concerning key issues faced by the civil society was held as well. 

EUSR for Central Asia discussed with Kazakhstani partners further opportunities for advancing key areas of regional and bilateral cooperation dialogue focused on the country's reform and modernisation processes, including parliamentary cooperation, transition to green economy, fight against climate change, facilitating of digitalisation, human rights and freedoms including gender equality, to further regional and global integration.

Particular attention was paid to regional dialogue in such sectors as fight against climate change, sustainable management of water resources, border management. Ambassador Hakala welcomed the outcomes of the Consultative Summit of the Heads of Central Asian States in Avaza (Turkmenistan), and expressed EU's readiness to facilitate cooperation in the identified areas; she welcomed President Tokayev’s initiatives presented there.

EUSR discussed with the Kazakh side the latest developments in Afghanistan and welcomed hosting of the UNAMA mission in Almaty.

Ambassador Hakala presented to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the letter of the President of the European Council H.E. Mr. Charles Michel congratulating Kazakhstan on its 30 years of independence, and expressing readiness to meet in Brussels during the President’s upcoming visit.

In her meetings Ambassador Hakala informed about the upcoming Civil Society Forum in Almaty, Kazakhstan, planned for October 2021 and invited Kazakhstani partners to participate in this event.

For more information, please contact Ms. Elnura Abakanova, Communications officer,

EU Delegation to Kazakhstan, e-mail: elnura.abakanova@eeas.europa.eu, @EUinKazakhstan