Kazakhstan, EU reaffirm security, regional cooperation at Brussels dialogue PHOTO

Kazakhstan and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional security cooperation and expanding their strategic partnership following high-level talks in Brussels, Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry said on July 17.

The discussions took place during the 13th High-Level Dialogue on Policy and Security between Central Asia and the European Union, bringing together senior officials to review progress on agreements reached at the Central Asia–EU Summit in Samarkand and outline joint priorities for the coming years.

Kazakhstan's Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Issetov met with Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service, to discuss the implementation of summit commitments, cooperation on security issues, and a programme of joint activities for 2026–2027.

According to the ministry, both sides reiterated their shared interest in enhancing cooperation on border management, counter-terrorism, combating extremism and tackling illicit drug trafficking. They also pledged to strengthen collaboration between law enforcement agencies.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Issetov and Skoog reviewed prospects for deepening the enhanced partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union, including the implementation of agreements reached during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's visit to Brussels in June 2026.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union on the basis of mutual trust and equal partnership.

By Aghakazim Guliyev