Toqayev and Meloni Hold Bilateral Talks

President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev of Kazakhstan and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held talks in Aqorda, Orda.kz reports.

Italy is currently Kazakhstan’s third-largest trading partner globally and its top partner in Europe—an outcome that, according to President Toqayev, is the result of consistent bilateral engagement.

Prime Minister Meloni described the dialogue with Toqayev as personally significant and praised his leadership style.

We need dialogue, and you understand this very well. Our cooperation has always been very fruitful. But there is always room for more, from energy to culture, exchange between our universities and our peoples. (...) I want to emphasize that I consider you one of the most pragmatic leaders I have ever met. Communication with a person who deeply understands the complexity of current challenges is extremely valuable,
she stated, thanking the Kazakh president for the warm reception. 

Trade and investment were also on the agenda. The trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Italy has reached $20 billion. Approximately 270 Italian companies operate in Kazakhstan, including major investors such as ENI, SDF Group, PetroValves, Maire Tecnimont, and Ballestra.

Following the talks, the two leaders adopted a joint statement and oversaw the signing of several bilateral documents, including:

• An intergovernmental agreement on the readmission of persons
• A joint statement on cooperation in critical minerals and raw materials
• A memorandum between Samruq-Qazyna JSC and Maire Tecnimont
• An agreement between Samruq-Qazyna JSC and Ansaldo
• A memorandum on a cooperation program focused on water management knowledge exchange
• A joint declaration involving the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA, and SACE SpA
• A memorandum of understanding between Samruk-Energo JSC and SACE SpA
• A cooperation memorandum between Kazakh Invest and the Italian Trade Agency

Original Author: Zhadra Zhulmukhametova