Brussels: The European Union and Kazakhstan have officially initiated their first round of negotiations aimed at establishing Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements. This strategic move was announced during the 22nd meeting of the EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Council, which took place in Brussels on December 1. The meeting was chaired by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, alongside Kazakhstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yermek Kosherbayev.
According to European Union, the negotiation launch was co-chaired by Johannes Luchner, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, and Alibek Bakayev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The timing of the negotiations is significant, as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the two parties.
The European Union and Kazakhstan have also agreed to reconvene
for the next round of negotiations in Astana, scheduled for early 2026. This development marks a pivotal step in strengthening cooperation and partnership between the EU and Kazakhstan.