Astana, Kazakhstan – At the Central Asia Media Forum held in Astana, Roman Vassilenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, sat down with Derya Soysal from Diplomat Times (EUROPE) for an exclusive interview.
He outlined Kazakhstan’s vision for fostering regional media collaboration, elaborated on President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiative for enhanced Central Asian dialogue, and emphasized the growing strategic partnership with the European Union (EU).
Strengthening Bilateral Relations with the EU
Marking 32 years of diplomatic ties, Kazakhstan and the EU have cultivated a robust partnership grounded in shared values such as democracy, human rights, and support for the United Nations. Deputy Minister Vassilenko highlighted the resilience of this relationship amid global changes, underpinned by strong trade, significant investments, and cooperation in transport, logistics, and critical raw materials (CRM).
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A pivotal moment came in October 2022, when President Tokayev hosted European Council President Charles Michel in Astana, followed by discussions at the Samarkand Summit with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. These engagements culminated in a joint agreement with an EU investment potential of €12 billion, signaling a new era of cooperation. Kazakhstan, the only Central Asian nation with a ratified Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) since 2015, is poised to deepen ties as Brussels increasingly recognizes its strategic importance. Recent visits by EU Commissioners Kaja Kallas and Josef Síkela underscore the momentum for future collaborations.
Bolstering Bilateral Trade and New Opportunities
Kazakhstan is actively enhancing trade with the EU, its key partner, with bilateral trade soaring to a record $50 billion in 2024—a 17% increase from 2023, accounting for 80% of EU-Central Asia trade. Under the EPCA framework, Kazakhstan is streamlining trade barriers, upgrading logistics, and advancing digital connectivity to drive further growth. The EU’s recognition of Kazakhstan as a honey-exporting country on February 24, 2025, marks a milestone, paving the way for expanded agricultural exports, including aquaculture products.
Looking forward, Kazakhstan aims to attract European investment in energy, industry, and agriculture, fostering mutual economic benefits. Over 3,000 EU companies, including Eni, Total, Siemens, and Carlsberg, thrive in Kazakhstan, reflecting the country’s investor-friendly environment and potential for new cooperative ventures.
Outcomes of the EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand
The inaugural EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand was a landmark event, elevating regional cooperation to a strategic partnership. With high-level participation from Central Asian heads of state and EU leaders, the summit reinforced mutual trust and a shared commitment to a resilient, long-term partnership. It highlighted Kazakhstan’s role as a regional leader in fostering dialogue and collaboration, setting the stage for deeper economic, cultural, and geopolitical ties between Central Asia and the EU.
Deputy Minister Vassilenko emphasized that the forum and summit reflect President Tokayev’s vision of a connected, cooperative Central Asia, with Kazakhstan at the forefront of building bridges through media, trade, and diplomacy. As the nation continues to strengthen its partnership with the EU, it remains committed to fostering understanding and unity across the region.
Derya Soysal : Mr. Vassilenko, what steps is Kazakhstan taking to strengthen bilateral relations with the European Union?
Roman Vassilenko:
This year, we mark 32 years of diplomatic relations with the European Union. Over these decades, our partnership has remained strong and resilient — even amid global upheavals. Our cooperation is built on shared values such as democracy and the protection of human rights, and is further strengthened by robust trade, investment, and collaboration in transport and logistics.
We are now at a critical juncture. At our most recent summit, Kazakhstan emphasized the strategic importance of economic and commercial cooperation with the EU. This aligns with President Tokayev’s 2022 initiative to enhance regional cooperation. That same year, President Tokayev welcomed European Council President Charles Michel to Astana — a testament to the depth of our ties.
Moreover, during the Samarkand Summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the significance of closer collaboration. This resulted in a joint agreement, paving the way for new initiatives, including €12 billion in EU investment potential. We’re particularly aligned on shared interests like Critical Raw Materials (CRM).
Derya Soysal : Kazakhstan has seen impressive growth in trade with the EU. What are the prospects for further development?
Roman Vassilenko:
Indeed, our trade with the EU reached a record $50 billion last year — a 17% increase from 2023 — making up 80% of EU trade with Central Asia. Under the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), we’re focused on removing trade barriers, improving infrastructure, and boosting digital connectivity.
We’re now moving into new sectors. For instance, as of February 24, 2025, the EU officially recognized Kazakhstan as a honey-exporting country. This milestone paves the way for the export of additional agricultural products. We’re also working on enabling aquaculture exports to the EU.
Energy, industry, and logistics remain key areas for attracting European investment. Over 3,000 EU companies — including Eni, Total, Siemens, Alstom, and Carlsberg — have a strong presence in Kazakhstan, and we aim to expand this engagement.
Derya Soysal : Let’s talk about the first EU–Central Asia Summit held in Samarkand. How do you assess its significance?
Roman Vassilenko:
The Samarkand Summit was a landmark event that elevated our cooperation with the EU to a strategic partnership. It demonstrated strong mutual trust and a clear vision for a long-term, resilient alliance between Europe and Central Asia.
High-level participation from Central Asian Heads of State and EU leaders showed the seriousness of our shared ambitions. For Kazakhstan, it reinforced the importance of President Tokayev’s regional vision — one that promotes dialogue, stability, and mutual prosperity across Central Asia.
Derya Soysal : And finally, how does media cooperation fit into Kazakhstan’s broader diplomatic strategy?
Roman Vassilenko:
Media plays a crucial role in fostering regional understanding. The Central Asia Media Forum serves as a platform to strengthen dialogue among our nations. By deepening media cooperation, we promote transparency, build trust, and enhance the global image of Central Asia as a region of peace, connectivity, and opportunity.
Interview by Derya Soysal | DIPLOMAT TIMES EUROPE DIPLOMACY HEAD
Location: Astana, Kazakhstan | April 16, 2025
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