Kazakhstan and Italy Sign Joint Statement to Enhance Cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, met with Antonio Tajani, Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic, during Tajani’s official visit to Astana on September 5.

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Kazakh-Italian strategic partnership, rooted in a 2009 agreement. They signed a Joint Statement that focuses on collaboration in priority sectors of the economy such as manufacturing, digitalization, and water management, as well as in the cultural and humanitarian spheres, including interpersonal exchanges and academic connections.

In the Joint Statement, the ministers expressed mutual interest in establishing efficient, effective, and timely cooperation, exploring collaboration opportunities in the sectors covered by the Joint Statement through the exchange of research, innovation, including in manufacturing and water management, and skill training.

They also shared a goal to promote economic and industrial initiatives within the framework of the EU-Kazakhstan partnership. This aims to facilitate direct investments and joint ventures between companies from both countries, as well as joint research projects and technological exchanges. Collaboration will be facilitated through annual business forums, events, seminars, and workshops involving governmental agencies, and supported by associations and entrepreneurial bodies.

Furthermore, they expressed an intent to implement industrial pilot projects in the aforementioned sectors, utilizing existing platforms like the Green Hydrogen Alliance. Established in 2022 by the Kazakh government and involving Italian companies, this alliance aims to support and facilitate the exchange of technological expertise crucial for ecological transitions.

The ministers also aim to enhance business, cultural, and human ties, including efforts to simplify the visa regime within the Schengen Zone for citizens of Kazakhstan. In addition, they shared an interest in fostering consultation and cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and science, leveraging each other’s areas of expertise.

Lastly, the ministers took into account the Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Union on a strategic partnership in sustainable raw materials, batteries, and renewable hydrogen value chains. Signed in Sharm El-Sheikh on November 7, 2022, this memorandum seeks to integrate strategic value chains in these sectors while aligning environmental, social, and governance standards, thereby attracting private capital and new investments.