Images | gov.kz
A roundtable discussion on political reforms in Kazakhstan and the prospects for cooperation with the European Union was held at the European Parliament. Around 70 lawmakers, diplomats, experts and media representatives took part in the event.
Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the European Union, Roman Vassilenko, outlined the reforms initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. According to him, the reforms are aimed at strengthening state institutions, expanding citizens’ participation in political processes and increasing the transparency of public administration.
Particular attention was paid to the results of the referendum on the new Constitution, which was held on March 15. The new Basic Law will enter into force on July 1 and provides for the further democratization of the political system, stronger checks and balances, an expanded role for representative institutions and the strengthening of the rule of law.
French Member of the European Parliament Thierry Mariani noted that Kazakhstan has achieved significant progress in political and economic modernization and remains a key partner of the European Union in Central Asia.
MEPs Virginie Joron and Tomasz Froelich also expressed support for the reforms, highlighting Kazakhstan’s important role for the EU in the areas of energy security, transport and logistics.
Participants discussed cooperation in transport, energy, science and innovation, as well as progress in negotiations on visa facilitation between Kazakhstan and the European Union.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants noted that Kazakhstan’s political modernization is creating new opportunities to strengthen the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the EU across the political, economic and humanitarian spheres.
