Roman Vasilenko, thediplomat.com
Recent years have exposed a number of vulnerabilities in the global economic system, as traditional supply chains and historic trade routes struggle to adapt to a new international system increasingly troubled by geopolitical tensions and instability. Not surprisingly, the world’s leading powers have taken action to secure their position and protect long-term prosperity, adopting an approach to international cooperation and partnerships that now prioritizes resilience and flexibility.
At the heart of this approach is a concerted effort to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with emerging countries, especially those that can provide greater stability and diversity of supply. For many nations, building relationships with diverse global partners now represents the most viable option for reducing dependence on unstable relationships or unreliable supply chains – a situation that often undermines the resilience of economic systems.
Here in Kazakhstan, cooperation with our international partners has always been a guiding principle of our approach to foreign policy. Today, Kazakhstan, which historically served as a bridge between East and West, is the largest economy in Central Asia. The country’s growth has fueled our transformation into an influential and collaborative player on the world stage.
One of the factors behind Kazakhstan’s progress has been the strengthening of our relationship with the European Union. Since the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU in 2016 – which entered into full force in 2020 and remains the first and only of its kind between the EU and a Central Asian country – we have been developing ties across a range of sectors, from innovation and infrastructure development to governance reforms and cultural exchanges.
We were particularly encouraged to see this important cooperation reaffirmed at the highest levels of EU leadership. During her recent visit to Kazakhstan, Kaia Kalas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy – Vice-President of the European Commission, underlined the importance the EU attaches to its partnership with Kazakhstan, expressing a clear interest in expanding cooperation in areas such as energy, trade, environmental sustainability and education. This forward-looking perspective is in line with our own ambitions and demonstrates the depth of potential in our bilateral engagement.
This strategic partnership now offers a valuable opportunity for both countries to ensure the long-term stability of important supply chains and improve their economic resilience. Indeed, during his recent visit to Astana, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Josef Sikkela, confirmed the EU's interest in continuing long-term cooperation with Kazakhstan to promote sustainable development and joint solutions to global challenges.
Climated by the signing of two new agreements, including a €200 million loan from the European Investment Bank to the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, Sikkela's visit reflected the EU's growing commitment to Kazakhstan's long-term development, as well as the importance of our country for Europe's economic future. This was made clear by the particular focus on the Middle Corridor - a fast and secure trade route that runs through Kazakhstan and crosses the Caspian Sea to connect East Asia and China with Europe.
The Middle Corridor is emerging as a promising option for international trade, as it allows faster and more efficient access to economic hubs in China, Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe. Over the past four years, we have witnessed a remarkable eight-fold increase in cargo volumes on this route, reaching 4.5 million tonnes in 2024. Kazakhstan has played a leading role in modernising transport and digital infrastructure to ensure that the Middle Corridor meets the requirements of today’s global economy.
The European Union has recognised the potential of this initiative, as the Middle Corridor represents a significant asset in their quest for diversified supply chains that can withstand changing global dynamics. Through significant investment and technical expertise, the EU is becoming an active partner in the project and will share in the benefits of the stability and reliability it brings to the international system.
But Kazakhstan’s contribution to Europe’s economic resilience can extend far beyond logistics. As the EU seeks to transition to more sustainable energy sources – while reducing its dependence on foreign oil and gas – nuclear power is emerging as a cornerstone of its long-term energy strategy. And here Kazakhstan is strategically positioned to serve as a trusted partner, as we are as the world’s largest uranium producer – responsible for over 40% of global production.
In addition to uranium, Kazakhstan is home to vast reserves of critical raw materials that are essential to the technologies shaping our modern world, including electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and artificial intelligence. Rare earth elements such as lithium and cobalt are the building blocks of progress in the 21st century economy, and as nations around the world race to secure these resources, Kazakhstan can offer stability and reliability of supply.
Kazakhstan and the EU have already taken steps to strengthen ties in this area, signing a memorandum of understanding on sustainable raw materials in 2022. This agreement is not limited to resource extraction, as it focuses on local infrastructure and environmental sustainability, as well as long-term cooperation. By investing in Kazakhstan's mineral potential, Europe is developing a strategic advantage in this competitive race for new and untapped mineral resources, while Kazakhstan, which already produces 21 out of 34 rare earth elements critical to the European economy, is given the support it needs to expand this high-value industry.
The benefits of such fruitful partnerships between the EU and Kazakhstan are clear, and we look forward to continuing to work together to address the key challenges of our time, be it the energy transition, the race for critical minerals or the pursuit of economic stability. Opportunities for further cooperation are all around us, including the upcoming international forum in Astana on 29-30 May. Having hosted leading European politicians and business leaders in the past, the forum is a symbol of our country’s openness to international cooperation and offers a unique platform for the EU and Kazakhstan to find new paths for mutual growth and sustainability.
Given the progress already made, there should be no doubt that together we can build a truly transformative partnership that not only responds to today’s challenges but also lays the foundation for a more prosperous tomorrow. While geopolitical tensions and economic turmoil may have discouraged others from cooperating, Kazakhstan understands that the way forward is the way we must walk together – not as separate nations pursuing individual interests, but as partners united by a shared vision of prosperity and sustainability.