EU praises Kazakhstan’s stand on Russia sanctions, warns of potential loopholes

The European Union has reaffirmed its respect for Kazakhstan’s decision not to join sanctions against Russia, despite concerns over potential sanctions evasion.

"I say on every visit to Kazakhstan that the EU fully respects Kazakhstan’s position not to join sanctions," EU Special Envoy for Sanctions, David O'Sullivan said, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"We are not insisting and will not insist that Kazakhstan adopts sanctions. We have no intention of interfering or in any way disrupting the legitimate trade relations between Russia and Kazakhstan, which have been longstanding," he remarked during his visit to Kazakhstan

However, O'Sullivan raised concerns about the possibility of some unscrupulous business figures using Kazakhstan as a platform to bypass sanctions.

"There is a concern that some may take advantage of this situation to resell products made in the EU, including high-tech items that are used in Russia’s military applications. In this regard, we are pleased with our cooperation with Kazakhstan in preventing sanctions evasion," he added.

The European Commission established the position of EU Special Envoy for Sanctions to maintain high-level dialogue with third countries, aiming to prevent circumvention of the restrictive measures imposed on Russia since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine.

By Aghakazim Guliyev