Emmanuel Macron vows to boost French cooperation with Kazakhstan

French president compliments leader for refusing to side with Moscow over Ukraine

The French president Emmanuel Macron has vowed to boost cooperation with Kazakhstan at a time of multiple crises in the world" as he began a trip to Central Asia, a region long regarded as Russia's backyard which has drawn fresh western attention since the war in Ukraine began.

At a meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Macron complimented Kazakhstan for refusing to side with Moscow on Ukraine and announced business deals, including a declaration of intent for a partnership in the much-sought area of rare earths and rare metals.