Relationship with the EU:

The EU is Kazakhstan's most important trading partner and accounts for about 45% of Kazakhstan's total trade. As Central Asia is an important link between Europe and Asia in terms of energy, trade and infrastructure, the EU is also very interested in deepening cooperation with Kazakhstan and has formulated this in its Central Asia Strategy.[1] As a major oil producer, Kazakhstan is of current relevance, particularly in energy matters. Kazakhstan and the EU signed the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement [2] in 2015, which entered into force in 2022. This aims to deepen and strengthen political, trade, and economic relations between the EU and Kazakhstan. However, the EU is in competition with other regional and international players, especially China and Russia, which have advantageous starting points in terms of historical ties, language and geopolitical influence in the region. China views Central Asia as a critical component of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and seeks to advance its economic and geopolitical ambitions in the region.

Relationship with Russia:

Kazakhstan was once a vital partner for Russia within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), benefiting from a shared border and valuable resources. However, this alliance has faltered due to the Ukraine conflict. Historically linked by geography and minerals, the relationship has frayed as Kazakhstan distances itself from Russia's actions, reinforcing this stance through accepting Russian defectors and providing aid to Ukraine. This shift was palpable during a public event in St. Petersburg, where the Kazakh president declined recognition of Russian-backed breakaway territories. Kazakhstan's antiwar stance, prompted by domestic concerns, further strains the relationship. Despite this, the countries still share economic, political, and cultural collaboration. Their strategic partnership spans energy, transportation, and defense, though Kazakhstan's ties with the EU also hold significance. Geographical and political differences, alongside Russia's influence, may limit achieving neighborly closeness.

Relationship with Armenia:

Armenia and Kazakhstan maintain diplomatic relations, and their interactions have generally been friendly and cooperative. They have close ties also through their engagement within various international structures, including the EAEU, CSTO and CIS. However, there have been tensions between Armenia and Kazakhstan due to differences over Nagorno-Karabakh's accession to the EAEU, because Kazakhstan resisted. This led to initial tensions and mistrust. Recent conflicts and fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh have increased tensions as Armenia fears Kazakhstan's support of Azerbaijan.

Relationship with Belarus:

Belarus and Kazakhstan have good diplomatic relations and cooperation between Belarus and Kazakhstan is developing steadily. The two countries have a long and successful history of cooperation in mechanical engineering. For example, Belarusian products such as tractors, combine harvesters, trucks and agricultural machinery are assembled in Kazakhstan. During a meeting with Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu in June 2023, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized his good relations with former ruler Nazarbayev and conveyed greetings and best wishes to his Kazakh counterpart and good friend Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Relationship with Kyrgyzstan:

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan maintain close bilateral ties that include both economic and political cooperation. As members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), they emphasize economic and integration cooperation. Their similar cultural ties strengthen their relationship. However, there have been frequent frictions and minor conflicts between the countries over the last years. For instance, in a diplomatic dispute in 2017, Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev accused Kazakhstan of profiting from Kyrgyzstan's wealth, resulting in Kazakhstan stationing troops and checkpoints near the border, which increased the tensions.