At the beginning of his speech, the President of Kazakhstan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Robert Fico and all members of the Slovak delegation for their visit.
– Slovakia is an important and reliable partner for Kazakhstan in the European Union. Our relations, with a rich history, continue to strengthen in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect. A substantive political dialogue has been established between Astana and Bratislava. Contacts in trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres are actively developing. A solid legal framework has been formed. There is steady growth in mutual trade. Over 30 Slovak companies successfully operate in Kazakhstan. I would like to thank Mr. Robert Fico for bringing representatives of major Slovak businesses to our country. I am confident that the business forum planned for today will provide additional impetus to our cooperation, – said the Head of State.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that during substantive talks with Robert Fico, prospects for expanding Kazakh-Slovak cooperation were discussed, and concrete agreements were reached.
– There are no disagreements between our states. Kazakhstan and Slovakia have broad horizons for cooperation. Strengthening multifaceted ties serves the interests of both peoples. Slovakia is a dynamically developing state with steady economic growth. In this regard, Kazakhstan aims to further expand bilateral relations. We discussed increasing mutual trade volumes. We attach great importance to deepening investment cooperation. In this context, the Intergovernmental Commission plays a key role. I proposed elevating the level of its co-chairs to that of ministers. Kazakhstan is ready to export oil, gas, uranium, food products, and other goods to Slovakia. We also see prospects for implementing joint projects in energy, mechanical engineering, agriculture, digitalization, and tourism. There is significant potential for cooperation in the military-technical field. Additionally, during the talks, we discussed the possibility of jointly utilizing the potential of one of the strategically important trade routes – the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor. I invited Slovak partners to participate in this project, which could open new horizons for bilateral trade, – the President added.
President Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan is interested in studying Slovakia’s advanced experience in water resource management and is ready for joint efforts.
– We emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties. Special attention was paid to ensuring the rights and social protection of Kazakh citizens working in Slovakia. Prospects for deepening contacts in education were also considered. The youth of our countries are already studying at universities in Kazakhstan and Slovakia. I am confident that the younger generation can bring our peoples even closer. Our relations have deep historical roots: during World War II, Kazakh soldiers participated in the liberation of Slovakia. In this regard, Mr. Robert Fico laid flowers at the Monument to Homeland Defenders, honoring the memory of fallen heroes. Thus, the Kazakh-Slovak friendship, which traces its origins to challenging times for all of humanity, continues to strengthen and develop, – Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized.
According to the President, the talks also covered issues on the international and regional agenda.
– We expressed shared concern regarding geopolitical instability, global contradictions, and trade wars. Both sides believe that all disputes should be resolved exclusively through peaceful means. Our countries’ ties within international organizations are strengthening. In particular, we coordinate efforts within structures such as the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Our positions on many global trends and challenges are aligned. We attach great importance to multilateral diplomacy. Today’s talks reaffirmed the mutually beneficial nature of our relations. I am convinced that through joint efforts, Kazakh-Slovak cooperation will reach a new level, – the Head of our State concluded.
In turn, Robert Fico highly praised the outcomes of today’s negotiations with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during which a wide range of issues was discussed.
– I believe we have taken a significant step forward. All agreements reached today will be reflected in the relevant signed contracts and mutually beneficial cooperation, – said the Prime Minister of Slovakia.
