Kazakh President Tokayev says partnership with EU is more important than ever

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that the strategic partnership with the European Union is more important today than ever and needs to be strengthened.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared that the strategic partnership with the European Union (EU) is more important today than ever and must be strengthened. Tokayev shared these views in an article he penned for Euronews.

Three strategic goals

The President said that for the next phase of cooperation, both sides should focus on three fundamental strategic goals. These goals were listed as strengthening resilience, expanding all types of connectivity, and creating new opportunities for citizens.

Tokayev emphasized that old geopolitical assumptions are no longer valid, and geography and power have come back to the forefront. He stated that trade, technology, and investment flows are changing rapidly, global supply chains are becoming fragile again, and economic dependence has become a hostage to national security.

Kazakhstan's bridging role

The President noted that Kazakhstan's bridging role is further supported by economic strength. Tokayev recalled that in 2025, the country's economy grew by 6.5 percent and GDP reached $306 billion. He said that according to International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates, this figure is expected to exceed $360 billion in 2026.

"A larger and more dynamic Kazakhstan means a stronger partner for Europe in the very heart of Eurasia," he said.

Energy and agriculture cooperation

Tokayev said Kazakhstan currently supplies about 13 percent of the EU's oil and petroleum product imports and 16 percent of its natural uranium. Stating that energy security is a shining example of mutual trust, he suggested the same could be done in the agricultural sector.

He expressed that Kazakhstan is one of the world's largest grain producers and exporters and has great potential to diversify European markets. He also added that Europe's know-how, technology, and investments could encourage deeper processing and higher value-added agricultural production in his country.

Middle Corridor and connectivity

The President believes the time has come to move from the traditional "raw materials in exchange for investment" model to a partnership that creates value at every stage through deep processing, technology transfer, research cooperation, and joint ventures.

"Look at connectivity. In Kazakhstan, we understand that secure and efficient transport routes, like the Silk Road, have always been strategic arteries. That is why we are developing the Middle Corridor between Europe and Asia. This is a natural fit with the EU's 'Global Gateway' strategy," he said.

Tokayev added that true connectivity integrates markets, encourages investment, supports entrepreneurship, and brings societies closer together.