EU Begins Preparing Visa Facilitation Agreement with Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has become the first Central Asian country with which the European Union has initiated negotiations on visa facilitation, Orda.kz reports.

On March 28, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, met with President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev to discuss strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU.

The talks focused on expanding trade and economic ties, particularly in energy, industry, and digitalization. The two sides also reviewed progress on major infrastructure projects, including the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (Middle Corridor).

Kallas emphasized that Kazakhstan was the first country in the region to sign an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU, underlining the depth of the bilateral relationship. She also confirmed that the European Commission is preparing an agreement to simplify the procedure for issuing Schengen visas to Kazakhstan's citizens.

President Toqayev welcomed the development, stating that the initiative was positively received in Kazakhstan and would foster stronger business ties with EU member states.

The two sides also exchanged views on global and regional issues. President Toqayev underscored the importance of restraint and responsibility in responding to complex international developments and reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to resolving conflicts through diplomacy.

They also discussed cooperation within the “Central Asia–EU” format as a key platform for enhancing regional stability.

Earlier, Orda.kz reported that Kaja Kallas’s visit to Almaty could mark a new stage in Kazakhstan-EU relations.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov