EU Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan praised Kazakhstan for its cooperation in preventing sanctions evasion related to Russia. He emphasized EU respect for Kazakhstan’s trade decisions while expressing concern for potential misuse of trade channels. O’Sullivan outlined the substantial economic ties and anticipated a busy year for EU-Kazakhstan relations with important meetings ahead.
European Union (EU) Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan recently praised Kazakhstan for its cooperation in curtailing attempts to evade Western sanctions against Russia. During a press briefing in Astana on January 30, he expressed optimism regarding the EU’s relationship with Kazakhstan, emphasizing that this visit was part of ongoing discussions with Kazakh authorities about sanction enforcement. O’sullivan noted it was his fourth visit to the country, during which he held meetings with key government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin and Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko.
O’Sullivan highlighted that the EU respects Kazakhstan’s decision to not align fully with sanctions imposed on Russia, stating, “And we are not asking Kazakhstan to adopt our sanctions.” The sanctions envoy reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to enabling legitimate trade between Kazakhstan and Russia, which has been longstanding. However, he expressed concern that certain individuals or groups might exploit Kazakhstan to bypass sanctions or resell EU-sanctioned goods, particularly advanced technologies linked to Russian weaponry.
He referenced the list of Common High Priority items, which includes 50 categories of dual-use goods often involved in military applications. O’Sullivan conveyed satisfaction with the progress made, noting a significant reduction in the circumvention of these products through Kazakhstan. He remained confident about ongoing cooperation to further mitigate any issues regarding sanctioned goods.
Looking ahead, O’Sullivan anticipates a full agenda in 2025 for EU-Kazakhstan relations, with a focus on enhancing bilateral ties. He indicated that trade between the two entities is substantial, accounting for around 40 billion euros annually, positioning the EU as Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner and foreign direct investment source. He remarked on the active implementation of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which encompasses various sectors of collaboration.
Significant high-level meetings are planned for the year, including a ministerial meeting in Ashgabat and a summit in Samarkand, signaling a robust year for EU-Central Asia relations. O’Sullivan concluded by emphasizing the importance of Kazakhstan to the European Union and vice versa.
The European Union has actively imposed sanctions on Russia aiming to weaken its economic capabilities, particularly following Russia’s actions in Ukraine. These sanctions have raised challenges for neighboring countries like Kazakhstan, which have longstanding trade relationships with Russia. The EU’s approach involves engaging with Kazakh authorities to ensure compliance against evasion strategies, while simultaneously respecting Kazakhstan’s autonomy in its international relations.
In summary, EU Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan affirmed the strengthening of cooperation between the EU and Kazakhstan to combat sanctions evasion linked to Russia. By fostering open dialogue and respecting Kazakhstan’s trade autonomy, the EU seeks to maintain legitimate commerce while addressing concerns over potential misuse of Kazakh territory for sanction circumvention. The upcoming year is poised to be significant for bilateral relations, with multiple high-level meetings scheduled.
Original Source: astanatimes.com
