Paris and Astana are deepening cooperation. Kazakhstan and France intend to expand joint projects in energy, industry, transport, aviation, water management and other sectors where French businesses are already working with Kazakh partners, DKNews.kz reports.
These issues were discussed by Gulsara Arystankulova, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to France, and Martin Briens, Secretary General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Economy Became One of the Main Topics
The talks covered several areas of the enhanced strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and France.
Particular attention was given to trade, investment and energy — sectors that form a major part of economic cooperation between the two countries.
French companies are already involved in projects in Kazakhstan in energy, industry, transport and aviation.
Tourism, water management and sustainable development were also identified as promising areas for further cooperation.
Kazakhstan’s interest is clear: French companies can bring not only capital, but also technology, engineering expertise and experience in implementing large-scale infrastructure projects.
For France, Kazakhstan offers opportunities to strengthen its presence in Central Asia and build long-term industrial ties.
Energy Remains a Key Area
Energy cooperation was discussed separately during the meeting.
This is one of the sectors where the interests of the two countries intersect most clearly: Kazakhstan has a substantial resource base and is seeking to modernize its energy infrastructure, while French companies possess relevant technologies and international expertise.
At the same time, the economic agenda is no longer limited to a single sector.
Cooperation is gradually expanding from traditional energy to transport, water management and sustainable development projects.
Kazakhstan and France Seek to Improve the Legal Framework
The two sides also discussed further development of the bilateral legal and regulatory framework.
Behind this diplomatic wording lies a practical issue: as business ties and cooperation between government agencies expand, there is a growing need for modern agreements governing the work of companies and public institutions.
Further development of direct contacts between the relevant agencies of the two countries was also discussed.
Such work may attract less public attention than high-level visits, but many agreements are turned into concrete projects precisely through this level of cooperation.
Kazakhstan to Present Its Culture in Paris This Autumn
Another major topic was the Days of Kazakhstan Culture in France, scheduled to take place in Paris this autumn.
This is more than a ceremonial element of bilateral relations.
Culture can build connections where economic agreements alone are not enough, introducing French audiences to Kazakhstan through art, history and contemporary national identity.
The cultural program is expected to create new opportunities for humanitarian cooperation and direct interaction between the peoples of the two countries.
Paris and Astana Continue Dialogue on Global Issues
Kazakhstan and France also reaffirmed their interest in cooperation within the United Nations and other international organizations.
The agenda included the promotion of international humanitarian law and the strengthening of effective multilateral diplomacy.
For Kazakhstan, cooperation with France on these platforms provides an opportunity to deepen political dialogue with one of Europe’s leading countries.
For Paris, engagement with Astana forms part of its broader interaction with Central Asian states on international and regional issues.
From Political Dialogue to Concrete Projects
The real measure of a strategic partnership is not the number of diplomatic statements, but how many of them turn into tangible projects.
Kazakhstan and France already have such a foundation in energy, industry, aviation, transport, water management and investment.
The next step is to broaden and diversify this cooperation.
That is why the meeting between Gulsara Arystankulova and Martin Briens went beyond protocol. The two sides reviewed their positions on economic cooperation, international affairs and humanitarian ties, and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular political dialogue.
