Kazakhstan lays great emphasis on coop with EU - President N. Nazarbayev
According to him, political dialogue between Kazakhstan and the European Union has intensive and multilevel character. The EU is the main foreign policy partner of Kazakhstan in trade. "Our commodity turnover exceeded USD 30 bln last year. In 8 months of 2010 this figure increased by 54% and comprised USD 25 bln. European investments in economy of Kazakhstan hit USD 50 bln. This is almost one third of all investments attracted to our country. Kazakhstan is a leading supplier of energy resources to Europe from the countries which are not members of the OPEC. We provide over 20% of the total volume of import of energy to the EU", said the Kazakh President.
The parties discussed also the issue of raising the Kazakhstan-EU cooperation to a brand new level. For this, as N. Nazarbayev noted, the contractual-legal base between Kazakhstan and EU must be improved. "Entering into agreements on advanced partnership between Kazakhstan and European Union is of great importance. I am grateful for positive view on this issue and continuation of our negotiations", N. Nazarbayev noted.
Concluding the treaties on strategic partnership is a firm base for cooperation of Kazakhstan and the EU, the Kazakh President considers. Thus, Kazakhstan has already concluded such treaties with France, Italy, Spain and Germany. "I am sure that today's documents will give a new impulse to our interaction in energy, transport, engineering, chemistry and high technologies. Kazakhstan's accession to the Bologna process opens good opportunities for cooperation in science and education. A new international university was opened in Kazakhstan. It is called to be a flagman of the Kazakhstan science", the Head of State stressed.
The parties discussed also the issue of Kazakhstan's accession to the World Trade Organization. "For many years we have been negotiating this issue, and we have already approached the final stage with the EU. And we are thankful to the EU for support", N. Nazarbayev said.
Besides, the Head of State thanked the Chairman of the European Commission for his consent to participate in the OSCE top-level summit in Astana December 1-2.