Tokayev: Kazakhstan Ready for Energy and Food Trade with Slovakia
Tokayev: Kazakhstan Ready for Energy and Food Trade with Slovakia
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced Kazakhstan's readiness to expand trade with Slovakia in energy, gas, uranium, and food products during a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Tokayev emphasized that there are broad opportunities to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
According to a statement from the Kazakh presidency, President Tokayev received Prime Minister Fico at the Akorda Presidential Palace in Astana as part of Fico’s official visit.
Following an official ceremony, Tokayev and Fico held talks and later delivered a joint press statement.
President Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan and Slovakia share close ties and have implemented major projects together. He said that Kazakhstan views Slovakia as one of its principal partners within the European Union and expressed his commitment to strengthening and deepening relations in all fields.
Highlighting the wide scope for cooperation, Tokayev stated, “There are no disputes between our countries. Strengthening multifaceted ties serves the interests of both our peoples.”
He reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s determination to expand bilateral trade with Slovakia and stressed the importance of enhancing mutual investment cooperation. “Kazakhstan is ready to export oil and gas, uranium, food products, and other goods to Slovakia,” he said.
Tokayev pointed to the potential for joint projects in the fields of energy, mechanical engineering, agriculture, digitalization, and tourism. He also emphasized that “there is significant potential for cooperation in the military-technical sphere.”
He added that the two leaders had also exchanged views on regional and international issues. “Our positions are similar on many global trends and challenges. We place great importance on multilateral diplomacy,” Tokayev noted.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed that there were no political disagreements between Kazakhstan and Slovakia, and reiterated his country’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relations.
Fico also expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan for the participation of Kazakh soldiers in the liberation of Slovakia during World War II, noting that around 60,000 Soviet troops lost their lives in the effort.
He concluded by saying that Slovakia closely follows Kazakhstan’s development and encourages his EU counterparts to adopt a broader global perspective, rather than focusing solely on intra-European issues.