President Tokayev Participates in High-level Eurasian Economic Conference in Minsk
The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and its external partners gathered in Minsk on June 27, 2025, with a shared focus on **enhancing trade and economic cooperation** within the EAEU and with external partners. The meeting, attended by leaders such as President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Cuban President Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and First Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia Uchral Nyam-Osor, emphasised key areas including industry, transportation, logistics, agriculture, digitization, and artificial intelligence (AI)[1].
Tokayev, who participated in the meeting, called for **deeper, forward-looking integration** of the EAEU, emphasizing equality, mutual benefit, and results-oriented action[2]. He also proposed organizing a special session on digital cooperation in AI in 2026.
In a bid to lead in AI, Kazakhstan has launched several national initiatives. These include the creation of a National AI Development Council, the deployment of a high-powered supercomputer for R&D, the launch of AlemAI Center in Astana in 2025, and CryptoCity[3]. Kazakhstan is ready to share its expertise with EAEU partners in the field of AI and digital infrastructure, positioning itself as a regional innovation leader in these areas[3].
The session concluded with the signing of a trade agreement with Mongolia and an economic partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates, signalling expanded external cooperation[1]. In a narrow-format session, the EAEU heads of state discussed advancing economic integration within the union[1].
Notably, Kazakhstan will assume the presidency of the council in 2025[1]. In 2024, mutual trade within the EAEU reached a record $98 billion, and the total economic potential of the EAEU now exceeds $2.6 trillion[4]. The combined GDP growth of the EAEU outpaced global rates[4].
The meeting in Minsk underscores the EAEU's commitment to fostering economic growth and partnerships through practical cooperation in strategic sectors and new technologies.
In the context of the Minsk gathering, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed a special session on digital cooperation in AI, highlighting Kazakhstan's readiness to share expertise and lead in AI innovation within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)[1][2]. Furthermore, discussions at the meeting reinforced the importance of policy-and-legislation, technology, and artificial-intelligence in driving economic growth and enhancing partnerships among EAEU members and external partners[1].
