Babiš and Tokayev hold talks in Astana: energy security, uranium, and new partnerships at the forefront

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in the Kazakh capital on Wednesday as part of a wider Central Asian tour. The high-level discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across trade, energy, defence, and investment, with both sides highlighting Kazakhstan’s strategic importance for Czech energy security.

The meeting capped Babiš’s visit to Kazakhstan, which included talks with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and a joint business forum attended by around 200 entrepreneurs from both countries. It follows Babiš’s stop in Azerbaijan and precedes his arrival in Uzbekistan.

Strong emphasis on energy cooperation

Energy dominated the agenda. Babiš explicitly stated that the Czech Republic is seeking long-term supplies of crude oil from Kazakhstan to bolster its energy security amid ongoing European challenges. He also underscored Kazakhstan’s position as the world’s largest uranium producer, noting that nuclear energy remains “central to the Czech Republic’s long-term energy strategy.” Czech companies, he added, are ready to participate in joint energy projects.

Indeed, in 2025, Kazakhstan produced 25,839 tonnes of uranium – approximately 40% of the world’s total – according to official figures from Kazatomprom and the World Nuclear Association.

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President Tokayev echoed the positive outlook. “Our political and economic cooperation has strong prospects. There is solid groundwork for expanding ties across many sectors,” he said, praising the Czech Republic’s “balanced and pragmatic foreign policy” and its active role in the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

The two leaders agreed to prepare a concrete list of joint projects for practical implementation, covering not only energy but also industry, transport and logistics, digitalisation, agriculture, healthcare, and the defence sector.

Defence offer and business ties

In a notable gesture, Babiš personally presented Tokayev with an offer from Czech manufacturer Aero Vodochody for 12 modern L-39NG trainer aircraft. “Our firms here have an excellent reputation and I think this is the beginning of our cooperation,” Babiš told reporters.

Kazakhstan already hosts more than 190 Czech companies, including major players such as Škoda, Omnipol, Tatra, Excalibur Army, and ZVVZ. Bilateral trade has shown positive dynamics, with the Czech Republic ranking among Kazakhstan’s key EU trading partners. Both sides expressed interest in further investment and industrial cooperation.

Symbolic gestures and mutual invitations

Tokayev awarded Babiš the Order of Friendship, one of Kazakhstan’s highest state honors, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries. Babiš accepted the decoration with gratitude, describing it as a sign of deep respect.

Babiš invited Tokayev to pay an official visit to the Czech Republic; the Kazakh president accepted the invitation.

The leaders also touched on cultural and humanitarian links. Tokayev thanked the Czech side for supporting the reintroduction of Przewalski’s horses to the Kazakh steppe – an important biodiversity project – and both sides noted shared historical memory and growing interparliamentary ties.

Broader context and forward outlook

The Astana meeting reflects a pragmatic push by Prague to diversify energy sources and raw materials away from traditional suppliers. Czech media widely reported Babiš’s focus on oil and uranium as key deliverables of the trip, framing it within the government’s broader strategy for economic resilience.

For Kazakhstan, the talks align with President Tokayev’s policy of proactive investment attraction and diversified international partnerships. No binding agreements were signed during the meeting itself, but the commitment to develop a joint project list suggests concrete follow-up in the coming months.

As Babiš continues his tour in Uzbekistan, the Astana discussions underscore growing Czech interest in Central Asia as a stable partner for strategic commodities and industrial collaboration. With over 190 Czech firms already active in Kazakhstan and clear political goodwill on both sides, the meeting could mark the start of a more ambitious chapter in Prague–Astana relations.

Caption: From L to R: Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Photo credit: Akorda.