Kazakhstan greets France's Macron amid Moscow's disapproving gaze

Kazakhstan greets France’s Macron amid Moscow’s disapproving gaze.
French President Emmanuel Macron embarked on a visit to Kazakhstan.

Macron stressed the importance of valuing independent countries as friends.

French President Emmanuel Macron embarked on a visit to Kazakhstan, marking the first leg of his Central Asia trip.

Central Asia, traditionally within Russia’s sphere of influence, has attracted increased Western attention amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Kazakhstan, a significant oil producer, has become a key alternative supplier of crude for European countries seeking to reduce their reliance on Russian oil.

Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in the new China-Europe trade route that bypasses Russia. In addition to oil, Kazakhstan is a major uranium exporter, with France’s Orano already operating a joint venture with the Kazakh state nuclear company, Kazatomprom.

Macron commended Kazakhstan for its neutral stance regarding the Ukraine conflict and announced the signing of business agreements during his meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Among these agreements was a declaration of intent to cooperate in the highly sought-after field of rare earths and rare metals.

Macron expressed his appreciation for Kazakhstan’s pursuit of balanced relations with various countries while refusing to be subjugated by any single power.

He acknowledged the geopolitical pressures and challenges faced by Kazakhstan but praised the country for its commitment to independence and fostering relationships with different nations.

Russia has voiced concerns about increasing Western diplomatic engagement in Central Asian nations that were formerly part of the Soviet Union.

The Kremlin has expressed apprehensions that the West is attempting to distance Russia from its neighbors and allies while emphasizing that Kazakhstan is a sovereign state with the freedom to develop relations with any country.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the next stop on Macron’s trip, have both declined to recognize Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories and have pledged to adhere to Western sanctions against Moscow.

They consider both Russia and Western nations like France as their strategic partners.

Macron stressed the importance of valuing independent countries as friends and supporting their independence in a world where major powers seek hegemony, and regional powers can be unpredictable.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia holds its relationship with Kazakhstan in high regard in response to Macron’s visit.

He noted their historical ties and strategic partnership, emphasizing the alignment of interests in various international forums.

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Kazakhstan greets France’s Macron amid Moscow’s disapproving gaze

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