Kallas: The Middle Corridor is crucial for ensuring regional connectivity

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas discussed the prospects for comprehensive cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union. Kallas noted that Kazakhstan is the first country in the region to sign an enhanced partnership and cooperation agreement with the EU.

According to her, this confirms a high level of development in bilateral relations. Kallas also announced the initiation of procedures for signing an agreement aimed at simplifying visa issuance between the EU and Kazakhstan.

Tokayev remarked that Kazakhstan views this news positively, as this step opens up broad opportunities for strengthening interpersonal and business ties with European countries. Special attention was given to expanding trade and economic partnerships in priority sectors such as energy, industry, digitization, and the implementation of major infrastructure projects aimed at developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Kallas noted that the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), supported by the EU with around €90 million, is significant for ensuring regional connectivity in Central Asia.

She stated that today Central Asia holds great importance not only due to its resources and geographical significance in terms of regional stability but also in terms of its investment potential. Kallas noted that following the onset of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, there is a need to seek alternative, reliable, and efficient trade and transport routes between Europe and Asia that do not pass through Russian territory. To remind, the Middle Corridor connects China, Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and Europe. In October 2023, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan signed an agreement to establish a joint railway company, Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd., to improve the efficiency of transit transportation.