Kazakhstan proposes creation of a rare earth metals research center in Central Asia, as well as cooperation in this area with Italy. This was stated by the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, speaking at the first summit in the Central Asia + Italy format in Astana.
„Kazakhstan has significant reserves of rare earth metals and is ready to work together with Italy in this direction. Kazakhstan has put forward an initiative to create a regional research center that will accumulate all the necessary information about rare earth metal deposits in Central Asia. We are ready to offer Italian companies favorable conditions for joint geological exploration and extraction of rare earth elements and minerals, guided by the formula - investments and technologies in exchange for strategic raw materials,“ he said.
Tokayev noted that the localization of Italian production on the territory of the Central Asian countries is also of great interest.
The summit of the Central Asian countries and Italy is being held for the first time. Italy is represented by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is on an official visit to Kazakhstan. The meeting is also attended by the presidents of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.