PARIS. MDDIAI RK. PRESS CENTER -Kazakhstan is strengthening partnership with France in the field of digitalization, space and aerospace technologies.

Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan Bagdat Mussin has completed a visit to France. The purpose of this trip is to deepen cooperation and develop innovations in strategically important areas for Kazakhstan: within the framework of the meetings, issues of cooperation in the field of digitalization, the aerospace industry, as well as the development of inclusiveness in the provision of Internet services for hard–to-reach locations were discussed. Thus, the visit organized with the assistance of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the French Republic was an important step in strengthening cooperation and exchange of experience between Kazakhstan and France.

During the visit, Bagdat Mussin held a meeting with the Co-Chairman of the Kazakh-French Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Development (IPC), Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad Olivier Becht, as well as with the heads of leading enterprises in the field of digitalization, aerospace industry and experts in the field of aerospace technologies.

«Kazakhstan is an important strategic partner for France, ensuring the country's energy security. At the same time, it is important to develop ties in high-tech industries, such as the space industry and digitalization», - Olivier Becht noted during the meeting.

Thus, during the meetings with Thales Alenia Space, the prospects of joint projects in the field of creating communication satellites to replace the KazSat satellites and remote sensing satellites, that are completing their service life, were discussed, and with Airbus Defense and Space – issues of the development of the assembly and test complex and satellite production. As a result, Kazakhstan plans to produce communication satellites together with French specialists, the first Kazakh-built device is planned to be launched in 2026.

In addition, Bagdat Mussin discussed with his French colleagues plans and programs aimed at promoting digitalization in both countries, in particular, the minister stressed the importance of digital infrastructures, the development of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital platforms.

The delegation from Kazakhstan also held a meeting with French partners – Eutelsat-One Web, ReOrbit and SES companies, discussing various strategies and technological solutions to ensure equal access to digital opportunities to provide communication to remote settlements and provide Internet access to hard-to-reach locations using low-orbit satellite groupings represented by these companies.

Bagdat Mussin expressed confidence that these meetings and negotiations will serve as an impetus for strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and France in the field of digitalization, space, aerospace technologies, as well as in creating a more accessible and inclusive digital environment for all citizens.

Olivier Becht thanked the Kazakh side for its assistance in the implementation of the system for collecting data on air passengers. It should be noted, that Idemia is implementing a project in Kazakhstan to introduce an information system for collecting data on air passengers (APCAS) through a joint venture Qazaqstan Identity & Security (QIS). The system is currently in trial operation.

«The Ministry will actively continue to work on the implementation of agreed ideas and plans, ensuring sustainable growth and development in the digital age. Strengthening the partnership between Kazakhstan and France in the field of digitalization, space, aerospace technologies and providing communications to remote settlements is an important step towards achieving digital transformation and sustainable development for our country», - Bagdat Mussin conclude