France and Kazakhstan: Allies Through Centuries of Exploration and Collaboration, and my meeting with Consul General Fabrice Neveu.

France and Kazakhstan have been close friends for many, many years. But beyond that, the peoples of France and Kazakhstan are also allies, partners, co-creators, and collaborators and have forged imperishable ties through time and adversity.

Our common ties are perceptible in the streets of Almaty and Paris - Kazakhstan's Embassy in France, in the Place de l'Etoile, opposite the Arc de Triomphe, is the most beautiful building that symbolizes our relationship well - but also in the words and books of ancient explorers and authors.

Since the 17th Century, French travelers and explorers have visited this part of the world. And, in the 19th Century, none other than Jules Verne popularized Central Asia in Europe with his novel Michael Strogoff.

Since 1992, diplomatic relations between France and Kazakhstan have prospered and strengthened.

Today, precisely, I had the immense privilege of meeting Dr Fabrice NEVEU, PhD, Consul General of the French Republic in Almaty and our friend, to discuss opportunities for collaboration between our two countries in cultural, sporting, institutional, and, of course, economic fields. And to wish France the best of luck in this EURO 2024, of course.

By now, you all know of my interest in the green energy economy and my investments in fields such as nickel and cobalt. France, in terms of renewable energies, is a world leader in mining, and companies like Eramet, since 1880, have proven to be at the forefront in the natural resources and nickel spaces. Paris is also a primary provider of foreign direct investment in Kazakhstan, and our Strategic Partnership Agreement dates back to 2010.

Throughout my career, I have worked with many French companies, which are examples of professionalism, internationalization, and resilience.

Many French entrepreneurs and companies have demonstrated an unparalleled capacity to do business with us and to establish increasingly solid ties with our nation.

Fabrice, our meeting has been a real pleasure, and I hope it will be the first of many encounters! Et que dire de plus, à bientôt!