Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Kazakhstan and Italy Broadening Strategic Alliance
** updated article **
Hey there! Let's dive into the exciting happenings from Astana! 🌄
Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, paid a visit to Kazakhstan, marking a significant boost in the Kazakh-Italian relationship. During a candid chat with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on May 30, as reported by Akorda, Meloni expressed her confidence in the partnership.
Tokayev, appreciating the robust relationship, shared that Italy ranks third among Kazakhstan's global trading partners and is the foremost partner in Europe. He expressed his belief in maintaining the partnership's momentum, stretching across diverse sectors, ranging from energy to culture, university exchanges, and people-to-people connections.
Meloni echoed Tokayev's sentiments, viewing Kazakhstan as a strategic Italian partner and an essential crossroads in the region. She underscored the importance of open dialogue to foster continued success.
The meeting centered around the prospects of enhancing trade, economic, and investment cooperation, underlining the 24% increase in bilateral trade turnover in 2024, which reached a whopping $20 billion. Over the past two decades, Italy has invested a significant $7.6 billion in Kazakhstan's economy.
Tokayev highlighted the success of nearly 270 Italian companies operating in Kazakhstan, including big names like ENI, SDF Group, PetroValves, Maire Tecnimont, and Ballestra.
Meloni praised Tokayev as one of the most pragmatic leaders she's ever met, acknowledging the importance of communicating effectively with someone who truly understands today's complex challenges. She added happily, "It's refreshing to find good news amidst these challenging times, like our exceptional relationship with Kazakhstan."
Post the talks, the parties agreed on a Joint Statement to further strengthen the strategic partnership. Several key agreements were signed, such as:
- Readmission Agreement: A pact between governments to ease the process of returning illegal immigrants.
- Cooperation in the field of critical minerals and raw materials.
- A memorandum of cooperation between Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund and Maire Tecnimont.
- A cooperation agreement between Samruk Kazyna and Ansaldo.
- A memorandum on a cooperation program to address water challenges.
- A joint declaration between the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.p.A. and SACE SpA.
- A memorandum of understanding between Samruk Energo and SACE SpA.
- A memorandum of cooperation between Kazakh Invest national company and Italian Trade Agency.
In summary, Giorgia Meloni's visit to Astana signified a firm commitment from both countries to expand and diversify their strategic partnership across various industries, while also bolstering cooperation in multilateral and regional frameworks, such as the EU and new dialogue formats between Italy and Central Asian states. 🌍🚀
- The meeting between Giorgia Meloni and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana also touched on the potential for heightened cooperation in the realm of finance and investing, with a mutual interest in bolstering the overall business relationship.
- Amidst the ongoing general-news headlines, the agreements signed during Meloni's visit, including those regarding critical minerals, the Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund, and water challenges, underscore the critical role politics plays in shaping foreign investment and trading partnerships.
