“Today’s working visit of the foreign minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Warsaw confirms the very good Polish-Kazakh relations,” observed Minister Jacek Czaputowicz. The ministers expressed their satisfaction with the recently intensifying bilateral contacts at the highest level, which has measurably translated into increased trade. In the economic sphere, in particular in the mining and transport sectors, Poland and Kazakhstan see a strong potential that they intend to make the best use of. “We are happy with the good reputation of the Polish company Polpharma in Kazakhstan and we would like other companies to succeed in this country,” said Minister Czaputowicz. The ministers mentioned agriculture and the agricultural industry and logistics as promising directions of economic cooperation. In this context, they stressed the importance of the port in Gdansk and the launch in 2017 of a direct air link between the two countries’ capitals. “Both Poland and Kazakhstan are on the route between China and Europe and want to reap the economic benefits from this location,” said the chief of Polish diplomacy.

In addition to bilateral issues, the ministers also raised international policy, including enhancing cooperation in Central Asia. “Kazakhstan is the EU’s most important partner among Central Asian countries. It was the region’s first country to conclude an enhanced partnership and cooperation agreement with the EU,” recalled the head of the Polish MFA. He added that Poland and Latvia were the coordinating states of the European Initiative for Central Asia pursued in the framework of the existing EU strategy for the region. He also noted that Poland is now actively contributing to the work on the new EU Strategy for Central Asia and will be involved in its implementation.  Poland is one of the countries which actively support the EU’s opening to the East, including Central Asia. “Kazakhstan can certainly treat Poland as an advocate of a stronger cooperation between the European Union and Central Asia,” said the minister.

International security was also on the meeting’s agenda. “Poland and Kazakhstan, as active members of the international community, play an important role in their respective regions. Last year, both countries were non-permanent members of the UN Security Council at the same time,” said Minister Czaputowicz. He also stressed Kazakhstan’s commitment to non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. “We note Kazakh security initiatives in the region, including Kazakhstan’s long-standing commitment to increasing the stability of the Caspian Sea region,” said the minister.

The two foreign ministers also discussed the situation of the Polish community of over 30,000, living in Kazakhstan. Many people of Polish descent hold senior public posts in Kazakhstan, helping to consolidate mutual relations. “It is the basis for building strong emotional and cultural ties between our countries,” said the head of the Polish MFA.

 

MFA Press Office

 

Photo: Tymon Markowski / MFA