BRUSSELS

The European Union and Kazakhstan announced the start of negotiations on a visa facilitation agreement and a readmission agreement.

The decision was revealed following the 22nd meeting of the EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Council, held in Brussels on Monday, according to a statement by the EU Council.

The talks come as the EU and Kazakhstan mark the 10th anniversary of their Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

During the meeting, the parties reviewed progress under the partnership agreement and discussed priority areas, including transport connectivity, trade and economic ties, and cooperation on critical raw materials.

They also exchanged views on Kazakhstan's ongoing internal and constitutional reforms and touched on issues related to justice and home affairs, human rights, gender equality, and the rule of law.

Regional and international developments, including matters linked to sanctions, were also on the agenda.

The EU and Kazakhstan reiterated their intention to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation across strategic sectors as negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission move forward.