Kazakhstan Bolsters Relations with Finland and the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe)
Kickin' it in Astana: The OSCE's Finnish Head Cheers Kazakhstan's Security Efforts
Astana played host to Elina Valtonen, the Finnish Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, who met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on June 10. Valtonen received Tokayev's support for her initiatives amidst a tumultuous regional and global security climate.
Tokayev recognized the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, which he declared remains the cornerstone of European security due to its commitment to principles like sovereignty, territorial integrity, and human rights. He lauded Kazakhstan's adherence to these values and commended the robust Kazakhstan-Finland relationship, expressing eagerness to boost cooperation [1].
Valtonen expressed the OSCE's importance in relationship development with Kazakhstan and Central Asia. She applauded Kazakhstan's international influence as a powerhouse in the region and praised its active participation in organizations such as the OSCE [1]. Valtonen also lauded Kazakhstan's role in difficult periods, especially in economic and environmental contexts [1].
Throughout the meeting, the two discussed ongoing collaborations and future prospects, with a focus on sectors like transport and logistics, water resource and forestry management, and innovations, energy, and green technologies [2].
Valtonen later met with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu to further discuss bilateral and multilateral agreements. Discussions centered on the possibility of Finnish businesses investing in Kazakhstan industrial and innovative projects [2]. They exchanged insights on internal and regional issues and potential methods to strengthen trust and promote constructive dialogue amongst OSCE members [2].
Nurtleu expressed optimism that, despite regional geopolitical challenges, the OSCE continues serving as a necessary platform for resolving regional crises [2]. Valtonen outlined her priorities for the OSCE, including initiatives meant to bolster participating states' resilience, enable crisis response, combat transnational threats, improve border security, and promote rule of law and civil society [2].
According to enrichment data, Finland's focus during Valtonen's visit to Kazakhstan is strengthening the resilience of participating OSCE states to foster regional stability and peace [3]. Finland's OSCE chairedship in 2025 is anticipated to center around themes such as bolstering the organization's capacity to handle contemporary security challenges, facilitating dialogue, and enhancing cooperation among members [4].
[1] Source: https://www.akorda.kz/ru/news/308578[2] Source: https://mfa.kz/ru/ofem/news/finlandskaya-ministrik-vneshnih-del-finliandii-elina-valtonen-sovershila-ofitsialnuyu-vik\[3] Enrichment Sources: [2][3][4] Source: [5][5] Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/europe/article/3104072/helsinki-celebrates-50-years-appeal-peace-amid-russian-relations-fray
Politics and general news pertain to Valtonen outlining her priorities for the OSCE, which include Bolstering the organization's capacity to handle contemporary security challenges, facilitating dialogue, and enhancing cooperation among members during her visit to Kazakhstan. In addition, discussions between Valtonen and Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu centered on the possibility of Finnish businesses investing in Kazakhstan industrial and innovative projects, serving as general news about economic and business collaborations.
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