EU Commissioner to Visit Kazakhstan for Talks on Rare Minerals

cover Photo: Midjorney

European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, is set to visit Kazakhstan as part of a regional tour of Central Asia from March 12 to 18.  The visit is part of the EU's strategy to diversify raw material supplies, Orda.kz reports.

In Astana Síkela will meet with Kazakh government officials to discuss expanding bilateral collaboration, particularly in critical raw materials essential for high-tech industries and energy. 

The discussions will also cover transport and supply agreements for rare metals, with some deals expected to be signed. Additionally, Síkela will participate in a press conference and engage with business representatives from both Kazakhstan and the EU.

The European Union sees Kazakhstan as a strategic partner in securing stable supplies of critical raw materials. The two sides have already signed a memorandum on strategic cooperation in this area, focusing on supply chain development and advanced processing technologies.

Síkela’s visit comes ahead of the upcoming EU-Central Asia summit. It is part of efforts to expand the Global Gateway initiative — an EU investment strategy to enhance the region's infrastructure, digital connectivity, and sustainable energy.

Beyond Kazakhstan, Síkela’s tour will include stops in Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, where discussions will center on transport projects, digital transformation, and the shift to green energy.

Meanwhile, Canadian energy company Condor Energies has recently secured a license to develop a significant rare mineral deposit in Kazakhstan.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov

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