Kazakhstan, EU Complete Expert-Level Talks on Visa Facilitation Agreement

Kazakhstan and the European Union have successfully completed expert-level negotiations on draft Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yerlan Zhetybayev. The announcement follows President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's recent visit to Brussels, where he held discussions with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Both sides acknowledged the conclusion of these expert talks as a significant milestone in their ongoing cooperation. Zhetybayev indicated that both Kazakhstan and the EU are now proceeding with their respective domestic procedures before the agreements can be formally signed. Once implemented, these agreements are expected to streamline visa processes for Kazakh citizens by reducing processing times, expanding access to multiple-entry visas, and easing the documentary requirements.

The agreements are anticipated to foster stronger business, educational, scientific, cultural, and humanitarian connections, thereby promoting increased people-to-people interactions. In a related matter, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry firmly reiterated its earlier denial of media claims suggesting discussions with the EU regarding the relocation of third-country migrants to Kazakhstan. Zhetybayev emphasized that Kazakhstan has not engaged in negotiations with the EU or its member states concerning the establishment of centers for receiving, accommodating, transiting, or placing individuals who are not citizens of Kazakhstan and are subject to return or deportation from European countries.

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The Kazakh side has not held negotiations with the EU or its member states on establishing centers in Kazakhstan for the reception, accommodation, transit or placement of individuals who are not citizens of Kazakhstan and are subject to return or deportation from European countries.