Bilateral ties between Kazakhstan and Spain are growing as they crossed a 30-year milestone last year. The ambition that Kazakhstan and Spain demonstrate, the dynamism of Spanish companies, and the reforms undertaken by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev give high hopes the next 30 years are going to be just as fruitful as the previous ones, said Spanish Ambassador to Kazakhstan Jorge Urbiola in an exclusive interview for this story.
“If we look back and observe the path traveled during 30 years of bilateral relations, it would be difficult to say that the best is yet to come. (…) Focusing on 2023, our short-term goals are the entry into force of the Air Transport Agreement, the arrival of more Spanish companies and a successful Joint Committee and Business Council,” said Urbiola.
The bilateral air transport agreement, pending the final internal procedures on the Kazakh side, will speed up the launch of direct flights between Kazakhstan and Spain.
“I am also confident that airlines will soon open direct flights between Kazakh and Spanish cities, given that Kazakhstan has recently confirmed the open sky policy and there is a growing demand by Kazakh tourists to visit Spain,” said Urbiola.
The ambassador praised how the bilateral ties are developing.
Kazakhstan-Spain partnership in the context of the European Union
In the second half of 2023, Spain is expected to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for what will be the country’s fifth time in that position. Urbiola said Spain’s presidency would “certainly fit as a glove into a broader Kazakhstan-EU cooperation.”