Meeting with Mr Massimov, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan
Speaking to the press after the working meeting, President José Manuel Barroso stressed the importance of the bilateral ties between the European Union and Kazakhstan, the only country in Central Asia with which the EU is currently negotiating a new enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
Trade relations were also discussed, including the EU's support for Kazakhstan's accession to the World Trade Organization, as well as the importance of Kazakhstan as an energy partner of the European Union.
While referring to the impressive progress Kazakhstan has made since its independence, the President underlined the need for further political and economic reforms in the country.