EU shows interest in mining rare metals in Kazakhstan

The European Union has expressed interest in cooperation with Kazakhstan in the area of rare metals and green hydrogen, according to Kazakhstan’s MFO.

The EU and Kazakhstan held their 19th meeting of the Cooperation Committee. The EU’s delegation was headed by Catherine Colonna, minister of Europe and foreign affairs in France. In turn, the Republic of Kazakhstan was represented by Mukhtar Tleuberdi, the foreign minister.

«In the course of negotiations, both sides have shown their interest in intensifying cooperation in the area of renewable energy. It includes mutual activity aimed at extraction and processing of rare metals and producing green hydrogen,» Kazakhstan’s foreign ministry reported.

Also, the EU delegation and Kazakhstani officials believe that the development of new logistical routes is crucial for both sides, especially now when global supply chains have been disrupted.

«The negotiations were focused on a wide range of issues. One of them is Kazakhstan’s capacity in cargo transportation and logistics. The two sides are going to connect the EU’s Global Gateway program and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route,» the ministry said.

With a goods turnover of $29 billion, the EU is the biggest trading partner for Kazakhstan. Over the first four months, this rate reached $12.6 billion which is a 28% increase over the same period last year.

In 2021, the EU invested $10.1 billion in Kazakhstan’s economy, or 24.3% more than in 2020. Among the most active investors in the country are companies from the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Cyprus, Luxemburg and Germany.

Moreover, the EU noticed that Kazakhstan has changed the Constitution and considers the move an important part of the country’s efforts to improve democracy.