Kazakhstan, EU mull cooperation
The Cooperation Council between the European Union (EU) and
Kazakhstan held its
thirteenth meeting on 24 July 2013, the EU Council reported.
The meeting was chaired by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas
Linkevicius, as head of the EU delegation. The delegation of
Kazakhstan was led by Deputy Prime Minister Yerbol Orynbayev. Also
present were Chief Operating Officer of the European External
Action Service David O'Sullivan and EU Special Representative for
Central Asia Patricia Flor.
The Cooperation Council discussed a number of issues of importance
to both parties, notably political reforms, rule of law and human
rights, trade and economic relations, regional cooperation in
Central Asia (including water, energy and environment) and
international issues.
Within the meeting the Cooperation Council underlined the
importance of regional cooperation in Central Asia as an effective
means of conflict prevention and socio-economic development in the
region. In this context, the Cooperation Council called on the
Central Asian partners to search for a sustainable settlement
regarding water management, security and energy issues in the
region, which would take into account all interests and preserve
unity in the region.
The Cooperation Council also reaffirmed the commitment of both
parties to see relations strengthen across a number of areas and
took stock of the progress made since the twelfth Cooperation
Council between the EU and Kazakhstan in June 2011.
Moreover Cooperation Council confirmed interest in further
negotiating and concluding a new enhanced Partnership and
Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the European Union as
soon as possible.
The Cooperation Council reiterated the importance of a
comprehensive implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia
both on a regional and national basis and welcomed Kazakhstan's
involvement in the EU regional initiatives for Central Asia.
Developments were discussed as regards concrete flagship
initiatives, such as on the Rule of Law, Education and
Environment.
The Cooperation Council welcomed the positive results of
negotiations on the accession of Kazakhstan to the World Trade
Organization. The EU expressed support for membership of the
Republic of Kazakhstan of the WTO which will help dismantle
remaining trade barriers and further boost bilateral trade.