Kazakhstan's Rare Earth Metals and the Middle Corridor
Vice Minister of the Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan Calls on the West to Deepen Cooperation with Central Asia
Kazinform News Agency - Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Roman Vasylenko published an opinion article in the British online magazine "Encompass" titled "The West and Central Asia Should Deepen Cooperation," emphasizing that, against the backdrop of global geopolitical and economic realignment, the West should strengthen strategic partnerships with Central Asia, especially Kazakhstan, to address key mineral supply chains, green energy transition, and global security challenges.
Vasylenko pointed out that Kazakhstan is transforming from a "distant frontier" into a strategic hub in a multipolar world, playing a key role in the flow of global goods, energy, and innovation. The restructuring of global supply chains and competition for critical raw materials have prompted the West to re-examine its cooperation with Central Asia.
Key Minerals and Green Transition
The article emphasized that Kazakhstan's potential in the field of key minerals makes it an important partner for the global energy transition. As a leading producer of uranium, supplying 43% of the global supply, Kazakhstan also has rich reserves of rare earth elements, copper, and lithium. The recently discovered 20 million tons of rare earth metals (which have not been widely recognized - editor's note) may make it the third largest country in terms of rare earth reserves globally. Kazakhstan has established strategic partnerships with the EU and the UK, signed a 3 million euro agreement to promote responsible procurement, and attracted over 1 billion US dollars in private investment for mineral development.
Kazakhstan is not only a major oil exporter (70% of exports go to the EU), but also committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, with plans to increase the share of renewable energy to 15% by 2030. The green hydrogen project with the German-Swedish company Svevind and hosting the United Nations regional climate conference next year highlight its green ambitions.
The Middle Corridor and Supply Chain Resilience
Vasylenko specifically mentioned the strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), or the "Middle Corridor." This route connects China, Central Asia, and Europe. Freight volume increased by 63% in 2024, reaching 4.5 million tons, with plans to increase it to 15 million tons by 2030.
The EU's 12 billion euro "Global Gateway" investment plan will further strengthen this route, promoting supply chain diversification.
Balance of Diplomacy and Global Security
Kazakhstan maintains good relations with the EU, the United States, China, and Russia through balanced diplomacy, serving as a platform for dialogue and mediation, such as hosting Armenian-Azerbaijani talks. In the Afghanistan issue, Kazakhstan supports regional stability through trade, education, and humanitarian support, demonstrating the role of a middle power in global security.
Vasylenko called on the West to establish deeper partnerships with Central Asia, emphasizing that Kazakhstan is willing to build practical alliances for regional and global interests through cooperation in key minerals, green energy, and the Middle Corridor. This initiative provides new opportunities for both sides to jointly address challenges in a multipolar world.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837052907024579/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.