Joint Declaration from the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan

Joint Declaration from the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan

Today, the 19^th of August 2022, marks the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Portuguese Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan. Throughout these three decades, our countries have developed and deepened our relations, based on the friendship that unites our societies. It is with great pleasure that we signal the successful integration of the Kazakh community in Portugal, which continues to grow and whose contribution to both countries has a very significant impact.

Portugal and Kazakhstan view 2022 as a year of recovery from COVID-19 pandemic, when political, diplomatic and economic contacts return to normal. It is the first year that the Embassies in Lisbon and Nur-Sultan are both led by Ambassadors, and when the trade volume nears pre-pandemic levels.

Both parties continue working closely together to elevate bilateral cooperation in political sphere, including by organising high level visits and political consultations.

Cooperation and friendship between Portugal and Kazakhstan are not limited to the bilateral level. Our two countries garner a vast history of mutual support in international organisations, with the United Nations at its core, including in the Security Council. Also noteworthy is the work carried out under the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Kazakhstan, and as participant States at the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Two of the key OSCE positions are held by our nationals: the Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro and the High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov.

The occasion that we commemorate today represents not only a reason to celebrate, but a valuable moment to show our mutual commitment in broadening and deepening our bilateral and multilateral agenda, in the political, economic, and cultural domains, for the benefit of our peoples and the prosperity of our countries.