Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev engaged in discussions with senior Italian executives in Rome, highlighting crucial sectors such as air travel, oil and gas, petrochemicals, and agriculture.

The meetings, reported by the Akorda press service, shed light on the collaborative efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations.

In a conversation with Neos President Lupo Rattazzi, President Tokayev emphasized the pivotal role of direct air travel in fostering trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian, and tourism connections between the two countries. Notably, Neos, an Italian company established in 2001 as a joint venture between Alpitour and the German TUI Group, initiated direct flights between Almaty and Milan in May 2023.

President Tokayev lauded the positive impact of these flights, identifying Kazakhstan as one of the 70 destinations served by Neos. Since its launch, approximately 70,000 passengers have been transported, underscoring the high demand for direct air connectivity.

During the discussions, Lupo Rattazzi revealed Neos’ plans to broaden its flight geography in the region, signaling an intention to increase the frequency of flights between Almaty and Milan.

Furthermore, the prospect of launching flights connecting the Kazakh capital, Astana, to Rome and Milan featured prominently on the agenda, reflecting the commitment to further enhance air travel links between Kazakhstan and Italy.

President Tokayev discussed the oil and gas sector with Eni’s chief operating officer, covering the cooperation’s outcomes and plans in Kazakhstan’s Karachaganak and Kashagan fields.

Eni, holding stakes in both projects, contributed to total oil production of 30.8 million tons in 2023. The company is also involved in renewable energy and plans for a gas processing plant and a hybrid power station.

Another meeting with Maire Tecnimont focused on energy transition, decarbonization projects, and cooperation under the Paris Agreement. A memorandum of understanding with Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund was signed to assess investment prospects.

Additionally, talks with Bonifiche Ferraresi explored investment projects in Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector, emphasizing wheat production and processing. The President’s visit to Rome included meetings with Italian officials and a Kazakh-Italian roundtable resulting in signed agreements worth $1.5 billion.