Tokayev, Macron hold press briefing
Heads of State of Kazakhstan and France Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Emmanuel Macron held a press conference following the bilateral talks, Kazinform News Agency cites the Akorda press service.
Noting that France is a key and reliable partner of Kazakhstan in Europe, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude to French leader Macron for accepting the invitation to pay an official visit to Kazakhstan.
This year marks 15 years since the signing of the strategic partnership agreement between the countries. Further strengthening of cooperation based on friendship and mutual support is our common task. I believe the goal set is to be achieved through joint efforts. Your today’s visit is of special importance, said Tokayev during the press briefing.
The Head of State pointed out that during the informative talks with President Emmanuel Macron, specific agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral ties were achieved.
France is among major trade partners of Kazakhstan. In eight months of this year, the trade turnover between our countries rose 21% compared to last year and reached $2.7billion. France is also our major foreign investor with around $18.7 billion of investments attracted in Kazakhstan from France in the past 15 years. Implementation of important projects in sectors such as energy, atomic industry, mining, chemical industry, mechanical engineering, construction, aero-space and pharmaceuticals industries is underway. This explains the successful operation of over 170 French companies such as Alstom, Total Energies, Orano, Vicat in our country, said the Kazakh President.
In addition, the transition to green economy and climate change issues were discussed during the talks. Tokayev presented the French President with a number of specific proposals meeting the interests of the two countries. The Head of State stated the readiness of Kazakhstan for joint work within the French initiative One Planet Summit.
Taking into account the importance of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, the presidents agreed on the realization of educational and scientific projects.
The two leaders exchanged views on the current issues of regional and global agenda and called for the settlement of conflicts by peaceful and diplomatic ways.
For his part, French President Macron thanked Tokayev for the invitation to visit Kazakhstan and noted the importance of further strengthening of cooperation between the two countries. He also stressed that Kazakhstan and France have similar positions on many issues.
The role and geographic location of your country, its size is key, therefore, discussions on our economic cooperation were held. The agreement signed this morning proves it. You, Mr. President, mentioned the importance of the enterprises operating in Kazakhstan. This is a long-term partnership of French enterprises in trade and energy spheres. Several French companies have been operating here for a very long time. We seek greater presence of our enterprises in other regions. There are backbone cooperation directions, which includes aerospace industry as well, said Macron.
The French President drew attention to the fact that Kazakhstan plays an important role in ensuring food security in the world.
Both sides’ official delegates signed the following documents:
- Agreement between the Kazakh and French governments to establish a group of the French Development Agency in Kazakhstan;
- Agreement between the Kazakh and French governments to establish international (French) schools in Kazakhstan and teaching French at secondary educational facilities in Kazakhstan;
- Joint declaration of intent between Kazakhstan and France on cooperation on strategic minerals;
- Agreement on cooperation, licenses and supply between Kazakhstan’s QazBioPharm and France’s Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health France to establish production of vaccines against foot-and-mouth disease in Kazakhstan;
- Agreement on a joint enterprise for the project to build a wind power stations with a total capacity of 1GW with an energy storage system;
- Agreement on investments to carry out the project ‘Manufacturing and service maintenance of railway locomotives and rolling stock as well as parts for railway locomotives in Kazakhstan.
President Emmanuel Macron of France is paying an official visit to Kazakhstan. The high-ranking guest was greeted by Kazah Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov at the airport in the Kazakh capital.
The leaders of the two countries held private talks at the Akorda presidential palace.
