President Tokayev: 'Kazakhstan can support the French nuclear industry'

Kazakhstan’s president has arrived in France for talks with President Macron / Photo: Akorda.kz

Following a referendum in Kazakhstan where people supported the idea of constructing a nuclear power plant, the Central Asian country may support the French nuclear industry, as reported by Le Figaro, citing President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The leader of Kazakhstan, who has come to France on a state visit, recently wrote an article titled “Kazakhstan Is a Strategic and Reliable Partner for France” where he highlighted Kazakhstan’s intention to continue collaborating with the European country.

At the forefront of the article, the French outlet added a comment:

«Deciding on the construction of its first nuclear power plant, Kazakhstan can support the French nuclear industry,” says President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who has arrived in Paris on a state visit on Nov. 5.

According to the president, Kazakhstan’s plans to build a nuclear power plant will open new opportunities for cooperation with France.

“As the world’s leader in uranium production, Kazakhstan intends to retain its status as a reliable partner of the French nuclear industry.

During President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Astana in November 2023, our countries confirmed their interest in further cooperation in rare earth metals, renewable energy and civil nuclear energy, which opens new perspectives for expanding our strategic partnership. The positive outcome of the nationwide referendum on the construction of the first nuclear power plant in independent Kazakhstan establishes a solid ground for mutually beneficial cooperation in the future. Of course, it will also enhance global energy security,» the president wrote.

There are four potential contractors for the first NPP in Kazakhstan: CNNC (China), Rosatom (Russia), KHNP (South Korea) and EDF (France). While commenting on who is going to build the plant, Tokayev said that it must be an international consortium.

Last month, some media outlets reported that the head of Rosatom requested a meeting with Kazakhstan’s president and prime minister. However, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to confirm this information, stating that it is not responsible for the president’s schedule.