Qasym-Jomart Toqayev Speaks at EU–Central Asia Summit

President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev took part in the summit on strengthening relations between Central Asia and the European Union, held in Samarqand, Orda reports, citing Aqorda.

Addressing the issue of global security, Toqayev emphasized the importance of adhering to the UN Charter and universally recognized principles of international law. He specifically called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine:

Kazakhstan welcomes the start of negotiations on Ukraine. We hope for a positive outcome, although we fully understand the complexity of the matter.

Speaking on energy and logistics, Toqayev addressed the current situation with the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) and noted that Kazakhstan is actively developing alternative oil export routes.

Today, about 13% of EU oil imports come from Kazakhstan, the majority of which are transported via the CPC. In return, Kazakhstan is prepared to boost exports to the EU across 175 product categories totaling over $2 billion.

Container traffic along the Trans-Caspian route grew by 62% in 2024, reaching 4.5 million tons. Toqayev set a target of 10 million tons by 2027. He also highlighted that Kazakhstan supplies about 40% of the world’s nuclear fuel. As one American expert noted, Kazakh uranium could become a lifeline for the U.S.

Toqayev proposed creating a regional research center dedicated to rare earth elements.

Green energy was another key focus. Kazakhstan is developing projects in renewables and green hydrogen production. As planned, a joint transmission line with Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan will carry “green energy” across the Caspian to the European market.

Other key initiatives outlined by Toqayev:

• The creation of an international advisory council on AI under the President of Kazakhstan
• A proposal to establish a “Central Asia – EU” innovation campus based at Astana Hub
• A call to launch an “Erasmus+ for Central Asia” program focused on AI, water management, biotechnology, and etc.

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