French President Emmanuel Macron is currently on a tour of Central Asia, where he aims to strengthen ties with countries in the region that are heavily influenced by Russia and China. On Wednesday, Macron met with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana, where they signed agreements covering various economic sectors, including critical minerals for clean energy technologies, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace.

Kazakhstan, which has distanced itself from Russia in recent years, considers France a key and reliable partner in the European Union. France is the fifth-largest foreign investor in Kazakhstan and has significant projects in the country, such as the Kashagan offshore oilfield and a uranium mine. Macron also lauded Kazakhstan's refusal to side with Moscow on Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balanced relations with different countries. Macron's visit to Uzbekistan is also significant, as it is the first by a French leader since 1994.

China has also established strong links with Kazakhstan, making investments in infrastructure and using it as a crucial part of its China-Europe trade route. The trip comes as global powers vie for strategic partnerships in resource-rich Central Asia, with Russia expressing concerns about Western involvement in the region. Macron's visit aims to support the sovereignty and diversification of partnerships expressed by both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, strengthen economic ties, address climate issues, and enhance France's influence in the region.