That “different level” may well define the next stage of cooperation between Astana and Brussels - a partnership that is open, pragmatic, and unmistakably human.
EU Ambassador Aleska Simkic and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Roman Vassilenko discuss the next phase of Kazakhstan-EU relations - from visa liberalization and trade to green energy and trust-based diplomacy.
Kazakhstan and the European Union are entering a new phase of cooperation - one that is closer, more pragmatic, and more human-centered. In the exclusive podcast From Astana to Brussels - Two Ambassadors, One Conversation, EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan Aleska Simkic and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Belgium and the EU Roman Vassilenko spoke candidly about visas, geopolitics, and what it will take to bring Europe and Central Asia even closer together.
“This is a particularly important time for our relations”
Roman Vassilenko, who recently began his mission in Brussels, noted that Kazakhstan and the EU have reached a qualitatively new level of cooperation:
“Over the past thirty-three years, we have built a solid foundation, but in the past few years, our relationship has strengthened significantly. We now have a unique window of opportunity - and it’s important not to miss it.”
According to him, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s balanced and pragmatic foreign policy, combined with the direction of the new European Commission, creates ideal conditions for expanding cooperation in trade, transport, energy, and people-to-people ties.
Aleska Simkic: “Kazakhstan is an extraordinarily hospitable country”
EU Ambassador Aleska Simkic shared that during her first year in Kazakhstan she visited ten regions and three major cities.
“Kazakhstan is an incredibly hospitable country. Everyone who comes here feels it immediately. The people are open, friendly, and genuinely interested in Europe. In the past twenty months alone, we’ve had more mutual visits than in the previous twenty years - that speaks volumes.”
She added that it’s time not only to maintain the positive momentum but to take cooperation to a new level - with a focus on green energy, transport, digitalization, and cultural exchange.
People, visas, and an open Europe
One of the central topics of the discussion was simplifying the visa regime between Kazakhstan and the European Union.
“One of my top priorities is to launch negotiations on visa liberalization and a readmission agreement. Kazakh citizens want to travel, study, receive medical treatment, work, and do business. Europe remains a powerful magnet for them,” said Roman Vassilenko.
Aleska Simkic agreed:
“When I took office, I set myself a clear goal - to ensure that during my mandate, we sign an agreement to simplify the visa process. I still have two years left, and I believe we can make it happen.”
Both diplomats emphasized that easing visa requirements would be more than a bureaucratic measure - it would symbolize mutual trust and genuine openness between Kazakhstan and the EU.
New routes and a green economy
Kazakhstan and the European Union are now focusing on several strategic areas:
- Developing the Middle Corridor that connects Europe and Asia through Kazakhstan.
- Joint projects in critical raw materials, hydrogen, and renewable energy.
- Investment and technology - over half of all foreign investment in Kazakhstan comes from the EU, totaling more than 200 billion dollars.
- Education and cultural exchange, including academic programs and shared initiatives.
“Our goal is to make Europe and Central Asia closer not only geographically, but in people’s minds,” Vassilenko noted.
Geopolitics and diplomatic balance
The conversation also touched upon global uncertainty. Aleska Simkic stressed that the EU and Kazakhstan share fundamental principles - respect for the UN Charter, a commitment to peace, and dialogue.
“Our countries share common values. This allows us to work constructively even when the world around us is changing. Kazakhstan plays a key role in regional integration across Central Asia, and the European Union supports this process.”
From Astana to Brussels - the human side of diplomacy
The meeting ended on a light, friendly note. With a smile, Aleska Simkic gave her colleague some practical advice about Belgian weather:
“In Brussels, always carry both an umbrella and sunglasses - you can experience all four seasons in a single day.”
Roman Vassilenko responded that he intends to work closely with European institutions and think tanks to ensure Kazakhstan’s voice is heard more clearly in Europe.
The dialogue between the two ambassadors showed that relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union are moving beyond formal diplomacy. They are becoming a genuine partnership based on trust, shared interests, and a common vision of the future.
“We don’t want to just do more of the same. We want to do the same things - but at a different level,” said Roman Vassilenko.
