Kazakhstan and the European Union are marking 25 years of successful diplomatic relations. A strong legal framework of relations has been created between the European Union and Kazakhstan over quarter of a century. The first partnership agreement was signed in 1995, and in 10 years - a new agreement on enhanced partnership and cooperation, that brought relations to a better level. The document was ratified in Kazakhstan and in 19 EU countries. In December, it was approved by the European Parliament. The European Union accounts for more than a third of foreign trade and over half of direct investment in Kazakhstan.

IVETA GRIGULE, MEMBER OF EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT:
- Kazakhstan is the only country in Central Asia that now has such a Treaty with the European Union. The European Union very much appreciates Kazakhstan as a constructive, reliable, loyal and very wise partner, not only in the Central Asian region, but also in the global sense.

LUKE DEVIN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, EUROPEAN EXTERNAL ACTION SERVICE FOR RUSSIA AND CENTRAL ASIA:
- First of all I am that we celebrate this quarter century anniversary, Kazakhstan has made tremendous progress in terms of development these years. We have changed as well. This is a very good anniversary in the sense that our relations have never been as strong as today. We very much appreciate the role of Kazakhstan the regional role, the global role.

Kazakhstan is creating favorable conditions for doing business, developing the economy and attracting foreign investment. Multi-vector policy and reforms are giving their positive results. The EU highly appreciates the active mediation efforts of Astana in the settlement of the Syrian crisis.

MICHAEL HARMS, MANAGING DIRECTOR, GERMAN COMMITTEE ON EASTERN EUROPEAN ECONOMIC RELATIONS:
- All parties to this very difficult conflict are confident in neutrality and the ability of honest mediation of Kazakhstan. Therefore, this is a very important process. If this leads to success and to the settlement of the Syrian conflict, it will be a huge contribution to the preservation of peace in this very complex region.

According to European experts, the significant results of Kazakhstan's presidency in the UN Security Council, Astana's participation in peacekeeping activities and in large transnational projects, as well as the prospects for implementing the expanded Partnership Agreement with the EU will further strengthen bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation.