The European Union respects Kazakhstan’s position not to join the sanctions – EU Special Envoy

The European Union’s Special Envoy for Sanctions, David O’Sullivan, stated at a press conference today that the EU fully respects Kazakhstan’s decision not to join the anti-Russian sanctions, as reported by a correspondent from Kazinform News Agency.

European Union respects Kazakhstan’s position not to join the sanctions – EU Special Envoy
David O’Sullivan at a Jan. 30 press conference in Astana Photo credit: Yerzhan Zhanibekov/ Kazinform

He emphasized that the European Union acknowledges Kazakhstan’s stance, does not insist on its participation in the sanctions, and has no intention of disrupting lawful trade relations between Russia and Kazakhstan.

“We do not insist, nor will we insist, that Kazakhstan adopts the sanctions. We have no intention of interfering with or in any way harming the legitimate trade relations between Russia and Kazakhstan, which have existed for many years,” O’Sullivan stated.

At the same time, the EU is concerned that some unscrupulous business entities might use Kazakhstan as a platform to circumvent the sanctions.

“By taking advantage of this, they could resell EU-produced goods, particularly high-tech products used in Russian weaponry—such as missiles, drones, and artillery. In this regard, we are satisfied with our cooperation with Kazakhstan to prevent sanctions evasion,” he added.

O’Sullivan also mentioned that the EU is currently preparing its 16th sanctions package, and Kazakhstani companies could potentially be included in the list.

“It is not ruled out that Kazakhstani companies may be added, but no decision has been made yet. I would like to emphasize once again that only those companies for which we have indisputable evidence of involvement in sanctions violations will be included in the list,” he stated.

Additionally, the European official commented on the situation involving tankers carrying Kazakhstani liquefied gas that have been held up at the Polish border. Hundreds of tankers raised suspicions among Polish customs authorities, who requested additional documentation to verify whether the gas was genuinely of Kazakhstani origin and not from Russia.

“I assume that the liquefied gas was transported through Russia, which raises concerns that the product could be of Russian origin. The Polish authorities have every right to request documents confirming that the product is indeed from Kazakhstan. It should not be difficult to provide such documentation and prove that the gas was produced in Kazakhstan,” O’Sullivan stated.

Earlier, it was reported that Kazakhstan intends to increase exports of wheat and other agricultural products to Europe via Russian territory.

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