Recent years have revealed significant vulnerabilities in the global economic system, as traditional supply chains and historic trade routes have struggled to adapt to an international system that is increasingly troubled by geopolitical tensions and instability. Unsurprisingly, the world’s leading powers have taken action to secure their position and protect long-term prosperity, adopting an approach to international cooperation and partnerships that now prioritizes resilience and flexibility.
Central to this approach is a concerted effort to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with emerging countries, especially those who can ensure greater stability and diversity of supply. For many nations, building relationships with diverse global partners now represents the most viable option for reducing dependence on unstable relationships or unreliable supply chains – a situation that has often undermined the resilience of economic systems.
Here in Kazakhstan, cooperation with our international counterparts has always been a guiding principle of our approach to foreign policy. Today, Kazakhstan, having historically served as bridge between East and West, is the largest economy in Central Asia. The country’s growth has fueled our transformation into an impactful and collaborative player on the world stage.
One of the factors in Kazakhstan’s progress has been our strengthening relationship with the European Union. Since the signing in 2016 of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU – which entered into full force in 2020 and remains the first and only one of its kind between the EU and a Central Asian country – we have been developing ties across multiple sectors, from innovation and infrastructure development to governance reforms and cultural exchange.
We were particularly encouraged to see this important cooperation reaffirmed at the highest levels of EU leadership. During her recent visit to Kazakhstan, Kaja Kallas, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy – vice president of the European Commission, underlined the value the EU places on its partnership with Kazakhstan, expressing a clear interest in expanding cooperation in areas such as energy, trade, environmental sustainability, and education. This forward-looking perspective aligns well with our own ambitions and demonstrates the depth of potential in our bilateral engagement.
This strategic partnership now offers a valuable opportunity for both sides to secure the long-term stability of important supply chains and improve their economic resilience. In fact, during his own recent visit to Astana, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela affirmed the EU’s interest in pursuing long-term cooperation with Kazakhstan to promote sustainable development and joint solutions to global challenges.
Culminating in the signing of two new agreements, including a 200 million euro loan from the European Investment Bank to the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, Síkela’s visit reflected the EU’s growing commitment to Kazakhstan’s long-term development, as well as our country’s relevance to Europe’s economic future. This was made clear by the particular focus placed on the Middle Corridor – a fast, secure trade route that traverses Kazakhstan and crosses the Caspian Sea to connect East Asia and China with Europe.
The Middle Corridor has emerged as a promising option for international commerce, as it allows for quicker and more efficient access to economic centers across China, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe. Over the past four years, we have witnessed remarkable growth in cargo volumes of eight times along this route, as they reached 4.5 million tons in 2024. Kazakhstan has played a leading role in modernizing transport and digital infrastructure to ensure the Middle Corridor meets the demands of today’s global economy.
The European Union has recognized the potential of this endeavor, as the Middle Corridor represents a significant asset in their pursuit of diversified supply chains that can withstand changing global dynamics. Through substantial investments and technical expertise, the EU is becoming an active partner in the project, and will share in the benefits of stability and reliability that it provides to the international system.
But Kazakhstan’s contributions to Europe’s economic resilience can extend far beyond logistics. As the EU looks to transition towards more sustainable energy sources – while simultaneously reducing dependence on foreign oil and gas – nuclear power has emerged as a cornerstone of its long-term energy strategy. Here too, Kazakhstan is strategically positioned to serve as trusted partner, as we are the world’s largest producer of uranium – responsible for over 40 percent of global output.
In addition to uranium, Kazakhstan is home to vast reserves of critical raw materials that are essential for the technologies shaping our modern world, including electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and artificial intelligence. Rare earth elements such as lithium and cobalt are the building blocks of progress in the 21st century economy, and as nations around the globe compete to secure these resources, Kazakhstan can offer stability and reliability of supply.
Kazakhstan and the EU have already taken steps to strengthen ties in this area, signing a memorandum of understanding on sustainable raw materials in 2022. This agreement is not limited to resource extraction, as it focuses on local infrastructure and environmental sustainability, as well as long-term collaboration. By investing in Kazakhstan’s mineral potential, Europe is developing a strategic advantage in this competitive race for new and untapped mineral sources, while Kazakhstan, which already produces 21 out of 34 rare earth elements critical for the European economy, is receiving the support necessary to expand this high-value industry.
The benefits of such fruitful partnerships between the EU and Kazakhstan are clear to see, and we hope to continue working together to address the key challenges of our time, be it the energy transition, the critical minerals race, or the pursuit of economic stability. Opportunities for further collaboration are all around us, including the upcoming Astana International Forum, taking place on May 29-30. Having already hosted top European policymakers and business leaders in years past, the forum is a symbol of our country’s openness to international cooperation, and offers a unique platform for the EU and Kazakhstan to find new avenues for mutual growth and resilience.
Considering the progress that has already been made, there should be little doubt that together we can build a truly transformative partnership that not only responds to today’s issues, but also lays the foundation for a more prosperous tomorrow. While geopolitical tensions and economic disruptions may have discouraged others from collaborating, Kazakhstan understands that the road ahead is one we must walk together – not as separate nations pursuing individual interests but as partners united by a common vision for prosperity and resilience.