Kazakhstan, EU Launch Historic Talks on Visa Facilitation

Kazakhstan and the EU have taken a historic step toward closer people-to-people ties, as Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakayev met with EU Ambassador Aleška Simkič following the official launch of negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission agreements.

The talks officially began on December 2 in Brussels and signal a new level of cooperation between the two sides, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Officials noted that the process reflects growing mutual trust and a shared commitment to boosting mobility, expanding opportunities for citizens, and strengthening humanitarian links.

The negotiations are seen as particularly significant, as this is the first time the EU has opened visa facilitation and readmission talks with a Central Asian country. Both sides expressed confidence that the dialogue will pave the way for deeper engagement and closer connections between Kazakhstan and the EU.

The next round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in February 2026 in Astana, where discussions are expected to further advance this landmark initiative.