New Head of EU Delegation to Kazakhstan presented her credentials to President Nazarbayev
On this occasion, Ambassador Aurélia Bouchez stated: "I am pleased and honoured to be taking up my duties as Ambassador, Head of the EU Delegation. I regard my new position as an opportunity to further strengthen the good relations between the EU and Kazakhstan." Ambassador Bouchez said she felt privileged to do so at a time when negotiations on a new enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement have just begun. The new main document will have a comprehensive character and will further develop political and security cooperation, as well as continue to support economic and trade relations while ensuring respect for common values of democracy, the rule of law and human rights, the press service of the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan said.
The EU currently has an enhanced role on the world stage, especially after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009 and after the establishment of the European External Action Service under the authority of the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Vice President of the Commission. These changes enable the EU to speak with one voice on the international stage and to cooperate effectively with its partners.
Since Kazakhstan's independence, the European Union has been active in developing cooperation. The relationship between Kazakhstan and the EU had moved to a new level by the turn of the 21st century.
Today, the Delegation's activities cover such fields as foreign policy and security, economy and trade cooperation, environment and transport, human rights, the rule of law and regional security, as well as many other areas that are important for students and citizens, organisations and businesses.
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.
