NUR-SULTAN, November 14, 2019 – Kazakhstan and Italy are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the bilateral Agreement on Strategic Partnership signed on November 5, 2009 in Rome. The successful implementation of this important document for Kazakh-Italian relations document was discussed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Manlio Di Stefano, who is currently on a working visit to Nur-Sultan. 

Delegations examined the conditions and prospects of enhancing political cooperation, as well as reaffirming their common positions of interaction in the international arena.

Cooperation in trade, economic activity and investment were particularly emphasized. Moreover, they separately highlighted the transport and logistics potential of Kazakhstan, as well as the importance of cooperation between Kazakhstan, Italy and China within the context of the implementation of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative.

The ratification by the Senate of Italy of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Kazakhstan was noted in a particularly positive light. 

During the course of his visit, the Italian diplomat also met with Governor of the Astana International Financial Center Kairat Kelimbetov, and the leadership of the Ministries of Finance, Agriculture and Ecology.

In addition, Mr Di Stefano spoke at the Kazakh-Italian business forum, organized in cooperation with the Sovereign Wealth Fund Samruk-Kazyna JSC.

For reference: Italy takes the second place among the trading partners of Kazakhstan and the first place among partners from the EU countries. Between January and September of 2019, mutual trade amounted to $6.9 billion ($5.9 billion in exports and $1 billion in imports). At the same time, the volume of direct Italian investments to Kazakhstan’s economy has reached $5.8 billion since 2005. There are 164 enterprises with Italian participation registered.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35687?lang=kk