New Europe, February 05, 2012 Pierre Morel, EU Special Representative for Central Asia was recently welcomed by Kazakh Minister of Foreign Affairs Yerzhan Kazykhanov in Astana, Gazeta.kz reported. The sides discussed the current state and prospects of the relations in the format of Kazakhstan-Central Asia-the European Union. Other issues discussed at the talks includes issues related to combating terrorism and drug trafficking, border management, regional and transboundary cooperation, consequences of the developments in Zhanaozen. Kazykhanov said that seeking a new expanded partnership agreement with the European Union is a priority for Kazakhstan. Such a new agreement will replace the 1999 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the EU, Kazykhanov said during talks with the EU envoy. "The drafting and conclusion of a new expanded agreement of partnership and cooperation is a priority issue," Kazykhanov added. According to the Foreign Ministry, trade volume between Kazakhstan and the EU surged 36% in January to November in 2011 compared with previous year. "The EU is a leading trade and investment partner of Kazakhstan. Today the EU accounts for 50% of Kazakhstan's foreign trade and one third of investments," the ministry said.