Slovakian Prime Minister receives warm welcome at Akorda
Up in Akorda, a Warm Welcome
Stepping into Akorda Residence, the grand stage was set for the arrival of Slovakia's Prime Minister, Robert Fico, during his official tour of Astana.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Fico warmly greeted each other, introducing members of their respective delegations. The commander of the honor guard presented the welcome report, followed by the resounding national anthems of Kazakhstan and Slovakia.
During their private discussion, President Tokayev mentioned that Fico's visit would fortify Kazakh-Slovak camaraderie and pave the way for new possibilities in bilateral relations.
- Our partnership has been thriving. We're active on large-scale projects, and there's more potential to unearth and utilize in the future. Therefore, we consider your visit crucial and believe it'll propel the development of cooperation between our countries. We appreciate our ties with your nation and view Slovakia as one of Kazakhstan's pivotal partners within the European Union. As your President, I'll make every effort to expand and enrich our ties in various spheres, - Tokayev declared.
In response, Fico pledged his readiness to invigorate bilateral relations and bolster trade and economic ties with Kazakhstan.
- Mr. President, thank you for your warmth. Rest assured, there are no political disputes between our nations, so we can fully concentrate on mutually beneficial economic relations and friendship. Today, we'll delve into some significant and interesting projects for both parties. I'm optimistic that the outcome of this visit will be highly successful, - Fico remarked.
- Economic Cooperation
- Trade and Investment: Bridging the gap in trade and investment was a key focus. Kazakhstan eyes exporting oil, gas, uranium, food, and other commodities to Slovakia[3][4].
- Business Forum: To foster trade and investment relations, a joint Kazakhstan-Slovakia business forum was held during the visit[3].
- Energy Collaboration
- Oil and Nuclear Ties: Slovakia exhibited interest in importing Kazakh crude via the Druzhba pipeline, along with potential nuclear sector cooperation[3][4].
- Nuclear Power Plant Development: Slovakia also broached the possibility of collaboration regarding nuclear power plants, including potential plans for a new Slovak reactor and Kazakhstan's nuclear power plant development[4].
- Transportation and Infrastructure
- Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR): Tokayev extended an invitation to Slovakia to join the TITR, a network connecting China and Europe via Kazakhstan, expanding trade opportunities[3][4].
- Intergovernmental Commission
- Elevating Cooperation Levels: Tokayev suggested elevating the level of the intergovernmental commission to intensify bilateral cooperation, proposing the co-chair level to be raised to ministers[3][5].
- Military-Technical Cooperation: Collaboration in military-technical sectors was also under discussion during the talks[4].
In essence, the summit aimed to widen and diversify bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Slovakia across multiple sectors.
- Fico's visit to Akorda is not just about strengthening friendly ties; it's also about exploring new avenues for trade and investment between Kazakhstan and Slovakia.
- With the potential for energy cooperation, development of nuclear power plants, and collaboration in military-technical sectors, war-and-conflicts and politics may not be the only topics discussed during the general news-worthy meeting between the two leaders.
