Kazakhstan and Slovakia Strengthen Partnership in Astana Talks
Slovakia's Prime Minister expresses gratitude for Kazakhstan's role in liberating the nation.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico in Astana, as reported by our site from a statement by Akorda. Slovakia, a key European partner for Kazakhstan, boasts an active and developing role within the EU.
During their conversation at Akorda, Tokayev acknowledged Slovakia's strong leadership and commended its proactive participation in regional and international affairs, signifying a commitment to constructive global cooperation. He expressed his admiration for the growing political dialogue, deepening economic relationships, and expanding humanitarian exchanges, as well as fruitful multilateral cooperation.
Tokayev reminded that ties between Astana and Bratislava have a firm legal foundation covering vital areas of cooperation. He confirmed Kazakhstan's intentions to maintain close cooperation with Slovakia across the entire scope of bilateral and multilateral matters.
Focusing on economic cooperation, Tokayev highlighted the potential for increased partnership. Last year, trade volume between the countries amounted to $140 million. With over 30 Slovak companies and 22 joint ventures conducting operations in various sectors in Kazakhstan, the stage is set for significant growth.
Emphasizing the necessity to diversify their partnership, Tokayev singled out emerging opportunities in energy, industrial production, agriculture, logistics, digitalization, critical raw materials, education, and tourism.
Prime Minister Fico expressed heartfelt gratitude for Tokayev's warm welcome and the hospitality extended to the entire Slovak delegation. He recognized Kazakhstan's crucial role in the liberation of Slovakia during the turbulent events of 1944-1945, during which approximately a million soldiers from Kazakhstan fought under the Soviet Army banner. Approximately 60,000 Soviet soldiers lost their lives for the freedom of Slovakia. The Slovak people cherish these unparalleled acts of valor and selflessness.
Throughout their conversations, mutual interest in further strengthening the partnership and implementing new initiatives to advance Kazakh-Slovak relations was reinforced.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Horizons
Tokayev, expressing his eagerness to forge ahead in collaboration with Slovakia, pledged to do everything in his power to propel their relationship forward. Notably, Slovakia's Prime Minister invited Tokayev to pay an official visit to Slovakia to reinforce the commitment to strengthen relations. Both sides confirmed happy cooperation, leaving the ground clear for expanding their partnership.
Deepening their ties, the two nations explored sectors with significant potential for collaboration, including energy, machine building/engineering, agriculture, digitalization, tourism, and the military-technical sector, to name a few. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route was also proposed to Slovakia as a strategic transport corridor, which could enhance bilateral trade by offering innovative trade routes.
As the talks progressed, a business forum was organized to encourage further Slovak investment in Kazakhstan, promising promising opportunities. The cultural and humanitarian aspects of the relationship were also addressed, with an emphasis on increasing cultural exchange and educational ties between the two countries.
In summary, the meeting in Astana between Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Robert Fico marked a significant step in the strengthening of partnership between Kazakhstan and Slovakia. The discussions paved the way for expanding cooperation in various sectors, including energy, industry, agriculture, and digitalization, among others. The nations further solidified their friendships through cultural exchange, educational ties, and their shared historical roots.
Tokayev expressed his desire to further strengthen Kazakhstan's partnership with Slovakia, emphasizing potential collaboration in various sectors such as energy, machine building/engineering, agriculture, digitalization, tourism, and the military-technical sector. He also proposed the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route as a strategic transport corridor to enhance bilateral trade.
Prime Minister Fico, appreciating the historical significance of Kazakhstan's role in Slovakia's liberation during World War II, extended an invitation to Tokayev for an official visit to Slovakia, reinforcing the commitment to strengthen relations. This invitation, along with the discussions on deepening cultural exchange and educational ties, indicates a focus on expanding the general-news, politics, and war-and-conflicts dimensions of their partnership.
