The President of France, Emmanuel Macron has embarked on a regional tour aimed at strengthening relations in Central Asia, where Russia and China have a strong influence. On November1, 2023, Emmanuel Macron held talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in order to accelerate cooperation in key sectors. Macro’s next stop was Uzbekistan.[1]
During the meeting the Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a number of agreements were signed covering the economic sectors, including critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and aviation, which are vital for biletarel clean energy technologies. Emmanuel Macron said at a press conference in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan ‘’The strength of our cooperation points in a good and strategic direction. It is necessary to complete and accelerate this cooperation.’’.[2]
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described France as a ‘’key and reliable partner’’ in the Europe and Union (EU) and said that aimed to give ‘’extra momentum’’ to this partnership.France is the fifth largest foreign investment in Kazakhtan. The long-standing relationships also include a large Kashagan coast oilfield Project jointly run with the French energy giant TotalEnergies and uranium mine operated by the French company Orano. One of the people present in the French delegation is the president of Orano.[3]
The French energy giant EDF is building the first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan has recently distanced itself from the Kremlin. Astana doesn’t recognize the legitimacy of the states that have declared independence in Ukraine and implements Western sanctions against Moscow. Kazakhstan has taken steps to establish strong strategic partnerships with Western countries, and Astana has started supplying crude oil to European countries that refused to buy Russia’s oil. While the war in Ukraine preoccupies Russia, other Powers are stepping up efforts to build strategic partnerships in the resource-rich Central Asian region. Russia, on the other hand, is concerned about the West’s moves in Kazakhstan, which is called its ‘’backyard’’. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that the West is trying to alienate Moscow’s “neighbors, friends and allies” from it.[4]
Kazakhstan’s estrangement from the Kremlin reflects an attempt to establish closer relations with the West. The decision not to support Russia in the Ukraine Crisis and the policy of complying with Western sanctions show Kazakhstan’s willingness to pursue an independent foreign policy. Furthermore, Kazakhstan’s energy exports and directing resources to the West are a reflection of the competition between the powers in the region.
Alexander Shevtsov, a member of the Russian Security Council, used the following expressions in a statement made in June 2023:[5]
“The United States and its allies are trying to promote nationalist sentiments, spread lies, manipulate and spread public opinion by endangering Russia’s security, albeit through the Internet and social networks.”
China has established strong ties with Kazakhstan in recent years and has made major investments in infrastructure, especially energy projects. Kazakhstan is an important link of the China-European trade route bypassing Russia.
During the aforementioned visit, Emmanuel Macron praised Astana’s refusal to side with Moscow on Ukraine and used the following statements:[6]
“I do not underestimate in any way the possibility that some actors may put pressure on you, we will be able to make progress on important international issues, highlight principles such as the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and territorial integrity together. I know that your country is close to the strategy that refuses to be the lackey of any power and envisages maintaining balanced relations with different countries in the interests of your people.”
China, on the other hand, is particularly active in Central Asia with the “New Silk Road” project and the plan to assume a leadership role in the region. Chinese President Xi Jinping announced an ambitious plan for the development of Central Asia at the G7 Summit in May this year. Beijing plans to update bilateral investment agreements and increase the volume of cross-border cargo transportation with the region. This will allow Chinese-financed enterprises to create more jobs in Central Asia, encourage them to launch a special train service aimed at promoting warehouse construction and tourism[7]
Emmanuel Macron’s tour of Central Asia is an important step towards strengthening France’s strategic interests in the region. The region attracts attention as an area where Russia and China have influence. The French President is making visits to Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries in order to increase cooperation and is signing cooperation agreements in economic sectors. Cooperation in sectors such as critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and aviation, which are especially necessary for clean energy technologies, highlights France’s interest and economic contribution to the region. This reflects France’s intention to show more presence and compete in the region.
Central Asia is of strategic importance for both Russia and China. Russia historically considers this region as its sphere of influence and wants to limit the influence of the West here. Emmanuel Macron’s visit reflects France’s role in this competition and its attempts to build stronger ties with Central Asian countries. In addition, China’s investments in the region and the “New Silk Road” project highlight China’s growing influence in Central Asia. This reflects both an economic and geopolitical competition.
China’s investments and influence in Central Asia affect the geopolitical dynamics of the region. Macron emphasizes French interests in the region, taking into account China’s influence in Central Asia. China’s “New Silk Road” project and economic activities aimed at the region are shaping the economic future of Central Asia.
Macron’s tour of Central Asia can be considered as a step towards strengthening French interests in the region. This is a reflection of the competition with Russia and China and highlights the geopolitical importance of Central Asia. It also shows Kazakhstan’s efforts to establish closer relations with the West and China’s rising image in the region. Such visits can influence the future geopolitical dynamics of Central Asia and play an important role in the formation of strategic partnerships in the region.
[1] “Macron Visits Kazakhstan on Strategic Tour of Central Asia”, Reuters, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/1/macron-in-kazakhstan, (Date of Accession: 02.11.2023).
[2] “Macron Visits Kazakhstan on Strategic Tour of Central Asia”, Oda Loop, https://www.oodaloop.com/briefs/2023/11/01/macron-visits-kazakhstan-on-strategic-tour-of-central-asia/, (Date of Accession: 02.11.2023).
[3] “Macron Visits Kazakhstan on Strategic Tour of Central Asia”, Reuters, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/1/macron-in-kazakhstan, (Date of Accession: 02.11.2023).
[4] Ibıd.
[5] Ibıd.
[6] Ibıd.
[7] Ibıd.
