Aleksander Stubb and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Photo: akorda.kz
Kazakhstan could become an alternative to Russia for European countries in the field of energy cooperation, Finnish President Aleksander Stubb said in an interview with the state agency Kazinform.
“As Europe gradually moves away from Russian energy supplies — both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil — the more than 80 percent reduction creates a need for alternative energy sources. In this context, Kazakhstan plays a key role,” Stubb stated, recalling that the European Union is the republic’s largest trading partner.
Stubb also noted that for Helsinki, “it is very valuable to receive analysis and assessments of the situation” from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev regarding Russia and China, with which Kazakhstan shares long borders.
“Medium-sized and smaller powers such as Finland and Kazakhstan have both values and interests, but their capacities in terms of power are limited. Generally, that is the prerogative of major players, so we can play a secondary role.
We can act as intermediaries, discuss, and relay messages. For example, President Tokayev will visit the White House next week and then the Kremlin shortly after. This is an excellent opportunity to receive up-to-date information from both President Trump and President Putin and convey it to other parties. I truly believe that both Finland and Kazakhstan have an important role to play,” Stubb concluded.
The Finnish president is visiting Astana on October 28–29 at the invitation of Tokayev. During their talks, the two leaders signed 15 cooperation agreements between their countries, including in the field of the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
