Emmanuel Macron and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed the growing cooperation between France and Kazakhstan, which will be extended in the field of transport, rare earths or education, according to a joint statement.
“The two presidents noted the dynamics of Franco-Kazakh cooperation. They agreed, in the spirit of the strategic partnership, to continue to diversify and deepen ties
in all areas of mutual interest, including the economy and investment, education, health, science and culture,” according to the statement issued by the French presidency the day after their meeting in Paris.
Mr. Tokayev’s visit is part of a growing interest on the part of France and the EU in Central Asia, a pivotal region, crucial for trade between Asia and Europe, at the crossroads of Russian, Chinese, Turkish, but also American and European influences, and whose balances have been reshuffled by the consequences of the war in Ukraine.
The two heads of state “agreed to develop cooperation in the field of critical raw materials, including rare earths.
During the visit, agreements were signed, among others, on renewable energy, renewable hydrogen production, civil nuclear power, water resources management, rail transport and agribusiness,” according to the statement, without further details on the nature of these agreements.
Ahead of the visit, a Kazakh source had mentioned, for example, a contract for the extension of the activity of an Alstom Group factory in Astana.
The country, one of the world’s leading exporters of uranium and a supplier to France, is also seeking to build a nuclear power plant.
On the issue of the war in Ukraine, Mr. Tokayev and Mr. Macron “stressed their unwavering commitment to international law and the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, in particular respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.
Kazakhstan, a country traditionally in the Russian sphere of influence, has so far adopted a balanced posture on this conflict, not supporting Moscow without taking the Western line.
