On November 5, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited France, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. Hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, Tokayev’s visit centered on enhancing economic, cultural, and educational collaboration, with both leaders emphasizing their commitment to shared goals.
During the joint media briefing, Presidents Tokayev and Macron adopted a declaration aimed at bolstering the strategic partnership, reflecting their aligned perspectives on key international issues and commitment to joint efforts in areas like climate change and counter-terrorism. Macron highlighted the importance of mutual respect for territorial integrity, human rights, and compliance with the UN Charter, which both leaders consider fundamental to addressing global challenges.
In 2024 alone, bilateral trade reached an impressive $4.2 billion within the first nine months, underscoring the momentum between the two nations. France ranks as the sixth largest investor in Kazakhstan, with a total investment of $19.5 billion across vital sectors, including energy, mining, construction, and healthcare. Major French companies such as Alstom, Total Energies, Air Liquide, Orano, Vicat, Danone, and Lactalis have expanded their presence in Kazakhstan, reinforcing economic ties.
Green energy, rare earth materials, and water management emerged as focal points for collaboration, with Tokayev referencing the recent establishment of the French Development Agency office in Astana. The leaders discussed the importance of innovation and artificial intelligence in supporting sustainable development goals, setting the stage for future partnerships in these domains.
Education and cultural exchange featured prominently during the visit. Tokayev announced the upcoming opening of a branch of the University of Lorraine at the Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University and the establishment of the Lumiere Kazakh-French University Center. The expansion of French schools in Astana and Almaty further underscores the commitment to deepening educational ties.
The cultural bond between the nations was also celebrated with the launch of the “Kazakhstan: Treasures of the Great Steppe” exhibition at the Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts in Paris. This exhibit, which will run until March 2025, showcases 35 rare artifacts and multimedia content, immersing visitors in the rich history of Kazakhstan’s nomadic culture. Museum President Yannick Linz praised these artifacts, calling them the “Giocondas” of Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage.
In healthcare, a roundtable brought together Kazakh and French stakeholders to discuss innovations in preventive care and joint health projects. Tokayev also emphasized new projects in logistics, agriculture, finance, and tourism, indicating a commitment to comprehensive cooperation in infrastructure and industry.
The state visit culminated in the signing of key agreements, including a roadmap for collaboration on critical resources, a strategic cooperation agreement with Société Generale S.A., and a protocol on archaeological collaboration. These agreements are complemented by 12 interdepartmental accords and 12 commercial contracts worth $2.2 billion signed at the Kazakh-French Business Council, supporting future investments across sectors such as mechanical engineering, petrochemicals, and agriculture.
The leaders concluded with a pledge to uphold diplomatic solutions to global issues, notably through the upcoming One Water Summit, where they will jointly address climate challenges. Tokayev’s appreciation for Macron’s leadership and France’s role in hosting significant international events, including the recent Olympic Games and the upcoming 2030 Winter Olympics, further highlighted the goodwill shared between Kazakhstan and France.
In a ceremony steeped in diplomatic warmth and mutual respect, Presidents Tokayev and Macron reaffirmed their commitment to a partnership poised for growth and innovation, setting a robust foundation for a future of shared goals and mutual achievements.
