ALMATY, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan and the European Union (EU) signed key agreements aimed at supporting sustainable economic growth and regional connectivity on Thursday, according to the press service of the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan.
According to the press service, Jozef Sikela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, attended the signing ceremony of a three million euros (approximately 3.2 million U.S. dollars) contract aimed at developing cooperation between the EU and Central Asia in the field of critical raw materials.
"The EU and Kazakhstan are natural partners. This partnership will support all Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan's economic growth, strengthen its industrial capacity, create new opportunities for Kazakh businesses, drive innovation, and generate high-quality jobs," the European Commissioner stated during his visit.
Additionally, during the ceremony, a framework loan agreement was signed between the Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) for 200 million euros (approximately 217.6 million U.S. dollars).
This loan will be supported by an EU guarantee of 18 million euros (approximately 19.5 million U.S. dollars). The funding will be instrumental in supporting investments in sustainable transport and renewable energy. ■