French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Kazakhstan has been commented on by several experts.
Renowned political analyst Daniyar Ashimbayev noted how skillfully French diplomats are mending relations:
«President of France arrived in Astana primarily for uranium-related matters. The French were the first to establish a joint venture with Kazakhstan for uranium extraction. The experience has been good, but considering the situation in Africa, Paris needs much more uranium for its nuclear power network. Perhaps Macron will lobby the interests of French companies in the construction of nuclear power plants in Kazakhstan. In any case, he brought a large delegation of industrialists with him. I recall that at one time, the level of cooperation was such that negotiations with Elf Aquitaine were led by a specially appointed deputy head of the presidential administration. They didn’t find oil then, but our relations with Paris have always been good in all directions. I can’t help but mention, taking advantage of this opportunity, the excellent professional and cultural level of French diplomats working in Kazakhstan.»
Economist Eldar Shamsutdinov pointed out that «Electricity prices in France in November rose after two unplanned shutdowns at nuclear power stations: Blayais 4 and Dampierre 4. In the coming months, France is likely to import electricity from countries including the United Kingdom, where electricity prices are cheaper. After losing influence in Niger, the French are forced to seek new uranium suppliers to reduce the cost of electricity.»
